People may want to hide the smell of alcohol after an evening with friends, during a toast or celebration, or even if they just had a drink at a party. We always encourage responsible drinking and communication. However, we understand that there may be times when people want to mask the smell of alcohol.
The following guide offers simple, effective, and discrete food choices to cover the alcohol smell. This guide will explain why alcohol has a smell, what foods neutralize the smell, and how to keep it fresh.
What does alcohol smell like?
It’s important to understand why alcohol has that distinct aroma before you jump into solutions. Alcohol is metabolized in your liver, but you exhale small amounts through your mouth and pores. The smell is more pronounced the stronger the alcohol.
The smell can also be intensified by factors such as dehydration or mixing alcohol and sugary drinks.
Certain foods will help to mitigate the effect of this, providing instant freshness while also reducing the smell.
What Foods Can Neutralize Alcohol Smell?
Citrus Fruits
Oranges, limes, or lemons are all citrus-packed foods that neutralize odors. The natural acidity of citrus fruits counteracts the smell left behind by alcohol while also increasing salivation to remove odors from your mouth.
- After drinking, eat a few orange slices.
- Add fresh lemon juice or a wedge of lemon to your water bottle for a quick boost in hydration.
- Bring sugar-free gum in citrus flavors with you for convenience.
Fresh Herbs
You can use herbs like mint and basil to combat bad breath caused by alcohol. These herbs mask bad breath almost immediately with their natural, strong aroma.
- Please take a couple of fresh mint or parsley leaves and chew them for around a minute.
- Make snacks with herbs, such as dips and sandwiches.
- Mint tea will hydrate you and give your breath a fresher taste.
Crunchy vegetables
- Raw vegetables that are crunchy, like carrots or celery, can be a great option. As you chew these vegetables, they help to scrub your teeth and remove bacteria that contribute to bad breath.
- Use crunchy vegetables in
- After drinking, snack on raw vegetables.
- Add them to hummus or any light dip you like for a boost in flavor.
- Green Tea
- The polyphenols in green tea help to combat bad breath caused by sulfur compounds. It is a great drink after alcohol. This is especially true for spirits such as whiskey and rum.
- Use green tea with
- After drinking, prepare a cup of hot, unsweetened tea.
- Do you prefer iced tea green? Double the effect by adding fresh mint.
Spicy Foods
Some spices, like cinnamon or cloves, have powerful aromas that can mask unpleasant smells. They are also antibacterial, which means they attack bacteria that cause bad breath.
- Take a clove whole or a pod of cardamom.
- Honey can be flavored with cinnamon and then licked slowly.
- Include these spices as much as possible in your desserts and drinks, such as chai.
Fiber-Rich Snacks
Eat foods high in fiber, such as whole grains, nuts, or fruits rich in fiber (apples and pears), to help eliminate toxins. They may not mask the alcohol smell on your breath, but they will help to cleanse your digestive tract, which in turn reduces the overall odor.
- Grab an apple or even a handful of almonds.
- Combine cheese and fiber-rich crackers to make a quick meal after consuming alcohol.
Yogurt and Dairy
Natural fats found in dairy products such as yogurt, milk, and cheese can be used to protect against alcohol smells. Yogurt also contains probiotics that can reduce bacteria and maintain good oral hygiene.
- After drinking, eat a cup or two of plain yogurt.
- Combine a fruit and cheese platter for an energizing snack after a drink.
Pickles
Pickles and other pickled veggies are highly acidic, with a strong flavor that can effectively mask the odor of alcohol. Pickles’ vinegar can help neutralize the smell by balancing your pH.
- Pickles such as gherkins and pickled carrots are easy to eat.
- After drinking, enjoy a small side dish of pickled vegetables with your light meal.
Chocolate
The flavor of dark chocolate is particularly strong and can mask strong smells. The rich, bittersweet flavor of dark chocolate neutralizes the alcohol smell while providing a pleasing, indulgent scent.
- Take a tiny piece of chocolate and chew it slowly.
- Dark chocolate can be used as part of desserts or snacks.
Hydrating foods
After alcohol consumption, it is important to concentrate on water intake. Foods rich in water, such as grapes, watermelon, and cucumber, can help flush out toxins while also keeping you hydrated. This helps to minimize the alcohol smell.
- After drinking, snack on grapes or watermelon.
- Freshen up your diet by combining cucumbers and citrus fruits.
Keep Your Skin Fresh with These Additional Tips
Take Plenty of Water
- Drinking alcohol can cause dehydration, leading to a dry mouth and bacteria growth. Drink plenty of water along with your meals to minimize the alcohol smells and stay hydrated.
Use Oral Hygiene
- Mouthwashing, brushing, and flossing are all ways to combat alcohol breath. Brush your tongue where bacteria that cause bad breath can collect.
Avoid Strong-Smelling Foods
- Avoid foods that have strong, lingering scents, such as onions, garlic, or food with a lot of spices. They can intensify the alcohol smells.
Mental Precaution
- To minimize the smell of alcohol, drink moderately and responsibly. Mixing alcohol with sweet drinks will intensify the smell. Always consume food along with your beverage to absorb alcohol.
- It’s important to stay hydrated and aware of your limitations.
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