Being 'Baileys Drunk' Is An Actual Thing, According To Experts

You know those Christmas evenings when you feel inexplicably giddy after an evening in front of the telly watching festive movies?

Well, as jolly as the Yultide vibes might be, the giddiness probably comes from the fact that you've been sipping Baileys hot chocolate all evening.

My friend, it's plain to see that you're 'Baileys drunk'.

The thing about being 'Baileys drunk' is that it isn't the same as being sloshed on the Pinot Grigio, or hammered on vodka.

According to expert Helena Nicklin - an award-winning freelance wine and spirits writer and presenter on Amazon Prime's The Three Drinkers series - there's an actual reason that cream liqueur sneaks up on you and creates its own distinct 'tipsy' feeling.

Unsplash)

"There are tonnes of myths surrounding types of 'drunk' and what type of drink gives the worst hangover, but really, it's all about the per cent ABV and the speed in which the drink is consumed," she tells Tyla.

"Certain mixers and how much we've eaten will affect the speed of alcohol absorption, which is why drinks that combine a heavy calorie load like Baileys will soften the blow of the alcohol so you notice it less and feel soft and fuzzy rather than jittery."

Blaming the tipple's extreme drinkability, Helena adds: "Baileys, like all Irish creams, is a simple mix of cream, sugar and Irish whiskey.

Instagram/ Baileys)

"It's easy to forget that its ABV is 17 per cent; around 3.5 per cent higher than regular still wines, which is why all those glasses can suddenly creep up on you!

"The combination of cream filling the stomach and the alcohol buzz is so comforting, it keeps you reaching for the bottle and you may not bother eating real food.

"A delicious, but dangerous mix."

Helena goes on to explain that "straight whisky and other neat spirits will hit you quicker", which is why some people feel a clear head but wobbly legs when they're guzzling cream liqueur.

Wine isn't too far behind despite the lower per cent ABV, as the sugars push it along your bloodstream and the sheer quantity consumed can make everything slurred," she adds.

"And caffeine mixers? Well, they negate the depressive element of the booze so they'll send you spinning to the dance floor and right back up to the bar."

Of course, it's important to remember that all booze is meant to be drunk in moderation.

"At the end of the day, the common denominator here is alcohol and the way it affects you personally," the expert adds.

"You can manage its effect on you based on the speed you drink it, what you mix it with and whether you've had any dinner. The dance moves are yours entirely."

Topics: Christmas, Tasty Drink, Alcohol, Baileys

Joanna Freedman

Joanna is a journalist at Tyla with a particular interest in highlighting women's issues and telling inspiring first person stories. She's also their resident foodie, and loves covering exciting new beauty launches, too. Contact her at [email protected].

@joannafreedman