Drinking alcohol through a straw – does it make you drunk faster?

The theory behind the myth
At first glance, the idea seems plausible: when drinking through a straw, the alcoholic liquid stays in your mouth longer. It spreads more evenly over the tongue and could theoretically enter the bloodstream faster via the oral mucosa. This would mean that the alcohol takes effect sooner and you get drunk faster.

What do experts say?
Nutritionist Dr. Alexandr Parlesak dispels this myth: It makes no difference whether you drink alcohol directly from the glass or use a straw. To date, there are no scientific studies that prove that straws accelerate intoxication.

Anatomy contradicts the myth
The facts are clear: the oral mucosa covers only about 200 square centimeters of surface area. By comparison, the gastric mucosa is ten times larger, covering 2,000 square centimeters. The small intestine tops that with a surface area of around 100 square meters.
Most alcohol is therefore absorbed through the stomach and intestines, not through the mouth. The minimal amount that may be absorbed through the oral mucosa has virtually no effect on the speed at which one becomes intoxicated.

Why do people still believe it?
The explanation for this persistent myth is simple: straws are mainly used for sweet cocktails and sugary mixed drinks. Sugar can actually make people feel drunk more quickly.
So the supposed straw effect is actually a sugar effect. The sweet ingredients in the drink, not the straw itself, can increase the effects of alcohol.

Conclusion: myth debunked
From a scientific point of view, the claim that straws make you drunk faster is clearly false. The way you drink alcohol—with or without a straw—does not affect the speed at which alcohol is absorbed into your body.
If you feel drunk faster when drinking through a straw, it is probably due to the sweet ingredients in your drink or other factors—but definitely not the straw itself.