Straws often get recommended by dentists for certain drinks, like coffee or soda, because they can help limit contact with tooth enamel and reduce the risk of cavities. But when it comes to alcoholic beverages, sipping through a straw may not be the best choice. Beyond looking a little out of place in a wine glass or beer bottle, it can actually affect taste, drinking habits, and even your health.
Bloating and Discomfort
Carbonated drinks such as beer or sparkling cocktails are especially problematic when consumed through a straw. The reason? Each sip tends to pull in extra air along with the liquid. Combined with the bubbles already in the drink, this can lead to more bloating and stomach discomfort than drinking straight from a glass.
Faster Drinking, More Refills
Another issue is pacing. Straws can encourage you to drink more quickly, often without realizing it. While a straw doesn’t alter how alcohol is absorbed in the body, finishing drinks at a faster pace may lead to overconsumption. That can make you feel intoxicated sooner—not because of chemistry, but because you’re ordering and drinking more than you normally would.
A Compromised Taste Experience
Part of enjoying a well-made cocktail, wine, or craft beer lies in the aroma. Our sense of taste is closely tied to smell, and drinking directly from a glass lets you take in both the flavor and the bouquet of the drink. With a straw, that experience is muted. If you’ve spent money on a carefully mixed cocktail or a glass of good wine, using a straw may dull the complexity you were meant to enjoy.
The Aesthetic Factor
There’s also a social aspect to consider. In most settings, people expect wine, beer, and cocktails to be sipped from the glass. Drinking through a straw can look out of place, and in certain situations—like ordering a high-end cocktail—it might even undercut the elegance of the drink.
Cosmetic Concerns
Finally, there’s a lesser-known cosmetic downside. Regularly using straws involves a pursing motion with the lips, which over time can contribute to fine lines around the mouth. For anyone mindful of maintaining a smooth, youthful appearance, avoiding straws altogether may be the simplest preventative step.
Final Thoughts
While straws can be helpful with certain beverages, they’re not the best companion for alcoholic drinks. Between bloating, faster consumption, diminished flavor, and potential cosmetic effects, you may want to think twice before slipping one into your cocktail. For the best balance of taste, experience, and health, stick to the glass the drink was designed for.