Eli5 Why does the addition of sugar make alcohol seem much stronger

Question

Just had an old fashioned equaling what I normally drink straight in whiskey over the same time period; why do I feel so much more drunk?

In: 11

Answer 1

Studies suggest that alcohol consumption can improve insulin secretion. Combine this with the acute insulin release from pure sugar in your drink, and you have a recipe for low blood sugar. It’s likely that your “more drunk” feeling is due to low blood sugar.