Taking a shot of alcohol can be difficult for some people, especially if you have a sensitive gag reflex. Gagging or coughing when taking a shot can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. However, there are some simple techniques you can use to help take a shot smoothly without gagging.
Why Do People Gag When Taking Shots?
There are a few reasons why shots can trigger gagging:
- Alcohol has a strong taste and smell, which can be overpowering.
- The alcohol burns or irritates the throat as it goes down.
- Taking a shot requires swallowing a large amount of liquid quickly.
- Some people have a sensitive gag reflex.
The combination of the taste, smell, feeling, and action of taking a shot can overload the senses and trigger the body’s gag reflex. However, gagging is a reflex that can be controlled with practice.
Tips to Take a Shot Without Gagging
Here are some tips to help take shots smoothly:
1. Use a chaser
Take the shot first, then quickly follow it with a chaser drink like juice, soda, or beer. The chaser drink will help wash the shot down your throat and dilute the taste.
2. Mask the taste
If you don’t want to use a chaser, try masking the taste by sucking on a lime wedge, breathing through your mouth, or numbing your taste buds by eating something spicy right before.
3. Practice with water
Pour water into a shot glass and practice the motion of taking a shot. Getting comfortable with the physical act can help make it feel more natural when using alcohol.
4. Breathe through your mouth
Only breathe through your mouth when tossing the shot back. Breathing through your nose will exacerbate the taste and smell.
5. Coat your throat
Take a sip of olive oil or milk and swish it around your mouth and throat before taking the shot. This will create a coating that protects your throat from irritation.
6. Relax your throat
Consciously relax your throat muscles. Tensing up will only make your gag reflex more sensitive.
7. Toss it back fast
The quicker you can get the shot down your throat, the less time you’ll have to taste or smell it. But don’t inhale the shot into your lungs.
8. Pick easy liquors
Some liquors are easier to take as shots than others. Vodka, rum, and whiskey tend to go down smoother than tequila, gin, or brandy.
9. Dilute the shot
Add a splash of water or soda to the shot to dilute the flavor slightly. This can help take the edge off.
Conclusion
Learning how to take shots without gagging just takes some practice and using a few simple techniques. Start with easier liquors, relax your throat, breathe through your mouth, and follow with a chaser. With time, you’ll be able to toss shots back smoothly. The most important thing is going at your own pace and not feeling pressured.