The Most Dangerous Alcoholic Drinks: What You Should Avoid (And Why)

When it comes to alcohol, not all drinks are created equal. Some are far more dangerous than others, whether because of their high alcohol content, the way they’re consumed, or the risky behaviors they encourage. While no amount of alcohol is completely safe, certain drinks pose a greater risk to your health, safety, and well-being.

In this article, we’ll explore the most dangerous alcoholic drinks, explain why they’re so harmful, and provide tips to help you make safer choices. By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of the risks—and why choosing no alcohol at all is always the best option.


What Makes an Alcoholic Drink Dangerous?

Several factors can make a drink more dangerous than others:

  • High Alcohol Content: Drinks with a higher percentage of alcohol by volume (ABV) can lead to intoxication faster, increasing the risk of alcohol poisoning and other health issues.
  • Sugary Mixers: Sweet mixers can mask the taste of alcohol, making it easier to drink too much without realizing it.
  • Carbonation: Carbonated drinks can speed up the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream, leading to quicker intoxication.
  • Cultural or Social Factors: Some drinks are associated with binge drinking or risky behaviors, making them particularly dangerous.

Now, let’s dive into the drinks you should avoid—and why.


1. Everclear (Grain Alcohol)

Grain Alcohol Dangerous

Why It’s Dangerous:
Everclear is a pure grain alcohol with an ABV of 60% to 95%, making it one of the strongest alcoholic beverages available. Just a small amount can lead to rapid intoxication, alcohol poisoning, and even death.

The Risks:

  • Alcohol Poisoning: Its high alcohol content makes it easy to consume a lethal dose accidentally.
  • Organ Damage: Drinking Everclear can cause severe damage to the liver, stomach, and brain.
  • Increased Risk of Accidents: Its potency can impair judgment and coordination almost immediately.

2. Four Loko and Other Alcoholic Energy Drinks

Four Loko High Risk Alcohol

Why It’s Dangerous:
Four Loko and similar drinks combine high levels of alcohol (up to 14% ABV) with caffeine and sugar. This mix creates a dangerous combination of stimulation and sedation, leading to “wide-awake drunkenness.”

The Risks:

  • Masked Intoxication: Caffeine can make you feel less drunk than you actually are, leading to overconsumption.
  • Heart Strain: The combination of alcohol and caffeine can increase heart rate and blood pressure, putting stress on the cardiovascular system.
  • Risky Behaviors: People who drink alcoholic energy drinks are more likely to engage in dangerous activities like drunk driving or unsafe sex.

3. Moonshine (Homemade Spirits)

Moonshine Alcohol Dangers

Why It’s Dangerous:
Moonshine is a high-proof spirit that’s often produced illegally, without regulation or quality control. This makes it extremely risky to consume.

The Risks:

  • Methanol Poisoning: Improper distillation can lead to the presence of methanol, a toxic substance that can cause blindness or death.
  • Unknown Alcohol Content: Moonshine’s ABV can vary widely, making it easy to drink too much without realizing it.
  • Contaminants: Unregulated production can introduce harmful chemicals or impurities into the drink.

4. Long Island Iced Tea

Long Island Iced Tea Alcohol Dangers

Why It’s Dangerous:
This popular cocktail contains vodka, tequila, rum, gin, and triple sec, mixed with cola and sweeteners. It’s a deceptively strong drink that can lead to rapid intoxication.

The Risks:

  • High Alcohol Content: Despite its sweet taste, a single Long Island Iced Tea can contain as much alcohol as three standard drinks.
  • Sugar Overload: The high sugar content can lead to a quicker absorption of alcohol and a worse hangover.
  • Deceptive Strength: Its sweet flavor can make it easy to underestimate how much alcohol you’re consuming.

Long Island Iced Tea has always been one of my favorite drinks and never planning on touching it again. The taste is so sweet that you don’t even notice how much alcohol your body is taking in until it’s too late. There isn’t a night I do not regret after drinking a couple of these, hangovers but also pure shame as this is a dangerous drink that will make you blackout drunk, especially because you feel fine for a while until you do not.


5. Absinthe

Absinthe Alcohol Dangers

Why It’s Dangerous:
Absinthe is a high-proof spirit (45% to 74% ABV) that’s often associated with hallucinations and other psychoactive effects, though these claims are largely exaggerated.

The Risks:

  • High Alcohol Content: Its potency can lead to rapid intoxication and alcohol poisoning.
  • Thujone Content: Absinthe contains thujone, a compound found in wormwood that can be toxic in large amounts.
  • Myths and Misuse: The drink’s reputation can encourage risky consumption practices, such as drinking it straight or in large quantities.

Don’t even TRY is my personal opinion, it won’t just make you feel drunk but drinking Absinthe can lead to a somewhat high feeling putting you in all kinds of danger. It is not just about your body but also about putting yourself in risky positions where you are no longer aware of your surroundings.


6. Cheap Fortified Wines (e.g., Night Train, MD 20/20)

Cheap Fortified Wines Alcohol Risk And Danger

Why It’s Dangerous:
These inexpensive, high-alcohol wines are often consumed in large quantities due to their low cost and high ABV (up to 18%).

The Risks:

  • Binge Drinking: Their affordability and high alcohol content make them a popular choice for binge drinking.
  • Health Risks: Regular consumption can lead to liver damage, addiction, and other long-term health problems.
  • Social Stigma: These drinks are often associated with homelessness and poverty, leading to social and emotional consequences.

7. Jungle Juice (Homemade Party Punch)

Jungle Juice Homemade Alcohol Dangers

Why It’s Dangerous:
Jungle juice is a mix of various alcohols, fruit juices, and sodas, often served in large quantities at parties. Its sweet taste and high alcohol content make it easy to overconsume. People also tend to keep mixing purely based on making it taste good without realizing the amount of dangerous alcohol is being mixed.

The Risks:

  • Unknown Alcohol Content: It’s hard to gauge how much alcohol you’re drinking, leading to accidental overconsumption.
  • Rapid Intoxication: The combination of carbonation and sugar can speed up alcohol absorption.
  • Risky Behaviors: Jungle juice is often consumed in social settings where peer pressure and risky behaviors are common.

The Bottom Line: No Alcohol Is Always the Best Choice

While some alcoholic drinks are more dangerous than others, the truth is that no amount of alcohol is completely safe. Even moderate drinking can have negative effects on your health, including an increased risk of cancer, liver disease, and mental health issues.

If you’re looking to protect your health and well-being, the best choice is to avoid alcohol altogether. Not only will you reduce your risk of immediate dangers like alcohol poisoning and accidents, but you’ll also improve your long-term physical and mental health.

If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol, remember that help is available. Reach out to a healthcare professional, join a support group, or explore resources like Stop Drinking for guidance and encouragement.

Your health is worth it—and choosing no alcohol is always the safest, smartest, and most empowering decision you can make.

Category: Articles
Martijn van Eijk
Martijn is a passionate creator and the driving force behind StopDrinking.com. He created this website to assist individuals and their families in conquering alcohol addiction and finding a joyful, fulfilling life after alcohol. With a deep understanding of the challenges they face, he empowers readers with valuable insights and practical guidance on their journey towards recovery. Author of the Stop Shaking Book.