If you are one of those unfortunate individuals prone to getting acid reflux, changing your mixer is an excellent way to avoid this condition. Some mixers will help you keep that pain at bay.
These options include simply using water or milk rather than soda. There are several mixers to choose from, so you don’t lose out on taste. They also allow you to switch things up when you feel like it.
Most of these alternatives can be found at almost any bar. You can also pick them up at your local grocery store. Read on for your options.
Best Mixers For Avoiding Acid Reflux
1. Water
Water makes a great mixer, especially if all you want is the taste of alcohol without that too-strong bite. It will also reduce how the alcohol mixes with the acids in your stomach.
Using water as a mixer is a great way to stay hydrated. It promotes digestion and helps your body work the way it is supposed to. Water is one of the best options for a mixer.
2. Cream Or Milk
Cream or milk are great options as a mixer. Dairy will thicken your drink, and it goes exceptionally well with Baileys.
Make sure that you choose low-fat or nonfat milk and creamers. The fat in milk can make acid reflux even worse. But, using nonfat dairy products can help protect the lining of your stomach and reduce the chances of acid reflux. They can also provide relief if you already have it.
3. Carrot Juice
Carrots are a low-acid vegetable that helps reduce acid reflux. This can significantly improve your alcohol experience.
Sadly, carrot juice isn’t available everywhere. But, if it is your mixer of choice, pick it up at your local supermarket, and take it with you when you head out for a drink.
There is even a carrot ginger-flavored juice that would be great for those with really bad acid reflux since ginger is known to relieve this condition.
4. Apple Juice
Apple juice is an excellent alternative to other mixers and can be found just about anywhere. It is sweet and will add a fruity taste to your alcoholic beverage of choice.
Keep in mind, however, that sugar does add to acid reflux. But, this issue can be avoided by diluting apple juice with a little water or using apple juice that is all natural without added sugar.
5. Vegetable Juice
Vegetable juice is a great choice as a mixer to replace tomato juice in drinks like the Bloody Mary. While tomato juice contributes to acid reflux, low-acid vegetables like carrots and celery will make a suitable replacement that will give your drink a similar flavor without causing digestive issues.
Just try to steer clear of any vegetable juices primarily made with high-acid vegetables or switch to one of the other mixers that will be easier on digestion.
6. Seltzer Water
Seltzer water can cause acid reflux, but if you need a substitute for soda and want that bubbly taste, go with this. Seltzer water can help reduce the chances of acid reflux while keeping the flavors you love.
7. Ginger Ale
Ginger is one of those herbs that help with inflammation of the digestive system. Not only is it great for digestion, but the taste is similar to Sprite and other lemon-lime sodas, even though they are quite different products.
But if you want something to replace Sprite in your mixed drinks, try ginger ale. It provides you with some of the health benefits of the herbs and the carbonation of the soda you love.
Final Thoughts
Just keep in mind that even with these mixers, there is a chance of acid reflux, especially when you consume alcohol. Alcohol on its own increases the acidity in your stomach and can lead to the discomfort of acid coming back up. Limit the amount of alcohol added to these mixers for better results.
For more, check out 6 Least Acidic Alcoholic Drinks (And 6 to Avoid).
Anne James has a wealth of experience in a wide array of interests and is an expert in quilting, cooking, gardening, camping, mixing drinks (worked as a professional bartender), and making jelly.
Anne has a professional canning business, has been featured in the local newspaper as well as on the Hershey website, and has been her family canner for decades. Anyone growing up in the South knows that there is always a person in the family who has knowledge of the “old ways,” and this is exactly what Anne is.
With over 55 years of experience in these endeavors, she brings a level of hands-on knowledge that is hard to surpass. Amazingly, she doesn’t need to reference many resources due to her vast wealth of experience. She IS the source.
Anne wants nothing more than to pass on her extensive knowledge to the next generations, whether that be family or anyone visiting her website, her YouTube channel, or preservingsweetness.com.