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Home » Acid Reflux

20+ Alcohols Ranked by Acidity

shirinMedically Reviewed by Shirin Buta · Written by Rizza Joyce Mira, MD · Updated on April 12, 2023

Everybody enjoys socializing with friends and family, and for many, that means having a drink or two. Whether it's a nice glass of wine over a meal or a cold beer watching a game, an alcoholic drink can make a good day better.

friends celebrating and drinking wine

However, most alcoholic drinks are acidic and may trigger heartburn in those with acid reflux or GERD. Heartburn is always unpleasant, and a severe attack could easily ruin any social occasion.

If you suffer from acid reflux or GERD and enjoy the occasional drink, this article is for you.

I’ve examined 23 drinks in this article, and gin (pH 7), IPA beers (pH 5.3), and rum (pH 4.8) are the least acidic.

At the other end of the pH scale, limoncello (pH 2 to 3), kombucha tea (pH 2.4 to 4.5), and champagne (pH 2.9) are the most acidic.

Below, I've listed these drinks from most to least acidic.

Table of Contents
  • 1. Limoncello
  • 2. Kombucha Tea
  • 3. Champagne
  • 4. Cider
  • 5. Port
  • 6. Hard Seltzers
  • 7. White Wine
  • 8. Tequila
  • 9. Sour Beer
  • 10. Vermouth
  • 11. Red Wine
  • 12. Whiskey
  • 13. Cognac
  • 14. Stout Beers
  • 15. Vodka
  • 16. Moonshine
  • 17. Scotch
  • 18. Brandy
  • 19. Lager Beers
  • 20. Pilsner Beers
  • 21. Rum
  • 22. IPA Beers
  • 23. Gin
  • Infographic

1. Limoncello

limoncello or lemon liquor sold in Italy
Small bottles of limoncello or lemon liquor sold in souvenir shops in Italy.

Limoncello is rarely seen in the United States, but it's popular in many places, especially in Europe. It's made from lemons and, unsurprisingly, very acidic, with a pH of 2 to 3.

2. Kombucha Tea

healthy kombucha with lemons

Although kombucha tea contains a small amount of alcohol, it's not considered an alcoholic drink. It is, however, nutritious and very popular.

It contains probiotics, which are excellent for gut health, but its acidity means it's likely to trigger acid reflux symptoms.

Most kombucha teas have a pH of around 2.4, although some can be as high as 4.5.

  • Common Causes of Acid Reflux

3. Champagne

bartender pouring champagne into glass

With a pH of around 2.9, champagne is among the most acidic alcoholic drinks.

  • Pros and Cons of Alkaline Water

4. Cider

Hot,Apple,Cider,With,Cinnamon,Bark,,Anise,Stars,And,Fresh

Many prefer cider to beer, and although it can be made with any fruit, it's most often made with apples.

Cider is acidic, with a pH from 2.9 to 3.3, so it's likely to trigger your symptoms.

5. Port

fortified red wine or port wine
Port is a sweet, red, fortified wine from Portugal.

Port is a dessert wine from Portugal with the dubious distinction of being the most acidic wine, with a pH of 2.9.

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6. Hard Seltzers

hard seltzer cocktails with lemon and lime slices

Hard seltzers are popular with young people and are low in carbs, sugar, and calories.

However,  they're also acidic, with a pH of 3.1.

7. White Wine

white wine made from white grapes

Many love a chilled glass of white wine on a hot day, but unfortunately, if you suffer from acid reflux, it could give you heartburn.

It's more acidic than red wine, with a pH of 3.1 to 3.4.

  • Is Carbonated (Sparkling) Water Acidic?

8. Tequila

serving tequila with citrus in salt rimmed glasses
Tequila in salt-rimmed shot glasses and fresh lime slices

Tequila is one of the healthier liquors, but both gold and silver tequilas are acidic, with a pH of 3.2.

READ MORE: 20+ Most & Least Acidic Juices

9. Sour Beer

refreshing sour beer
cold, refreshing sour beer of different flavors

Sour craft beers taste acidic and, unsurprisingly, are. Depending on the brand, sour beers have a pH of 3.2 to 3.5.

10. Vermouth

Spanish aperitif vermouth with olives

Vermouth is an acidic fortified wine with a pH of about 3.5.

11. Red Wine

pairing red wine with cheese and bread

Red wine is less acidic than white but has a pH of 3.5 to 3.8, depending on the type.

  • 11 Conversation Starting Wine Decanters

12. Whiskey

whiskey on the rocks

Although whiskey is acidic, it's less likely to trigger acid reflux symptoms than some other alcoholic drinks.

Depending on the whiskey, it can have a pH of between 3.6 and 4.7.

13. Cognac

handheld glass of cognac

This French liquor is mostly drunk straight and has a pH of 3.7 to 4.9.

  • Top 15 Alkaline Foods You Should Include in Your Diet

14. Stout Beers

pouring stout beer from tap

All beers are acidic, but some more than others. For those who love stouts, their pH is generally around 3.8.

READ MORE: Is Beer Acidic?

15. Vodka

pouring vodka into shot glasses with ice

Vodka is of the most popular alcohols, especially as a mixed drink.

Most vodka has a pH between 4 and 6, but that will be affected by any mixer added.

16. Moonshine

bottle of moonshine on the table

Moonshine has a reputation for being potent, so many people avoid drinking it. It's acidic, with a pH of 4 to 4.5.

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17. Scotch

glasses of scotch in ice

Scotch has an average pH of 4.3, so it's less acidic than some drinks.

18. Brandy

man pours brandy into glass

Not many people drink brandy straight, but it's often in sangria.

Brandy has a pH of approximately 4.4, but sangria is more acidic due to the other ingredients, such as red wine.

  • Best Foods for GERD, Heartburn, and Acid Reflux

19. Lager Beers

pouring lager beer from tap

Lagers are among the most popular beers, and they're slightly acidic, with a pH of 4.4 to 4.7.

  • The 5 Best Sparkling Water Machines

20. Pilsner Beers

glass of pilsner at the bar

Pilsners originated in the Czech Republic and are slightly acidic, with a pH of 4.6.

21. Rum

rum and cola cuba libre with ice and lime

Rum is one of the least acidic alcohols, with a pH of around 4.8. This will change if you add a mixer, such as Coke.

READ MORE: Why Does Water Give Me Heartburn?

22. IPA Beers

india pale ale IPA craft beer

India Pale Ales (IPAs) are a popular beer and are one of the least acidic, with a pH of around 5.3.

23. Gin

bartender mixing gin and tonic

Gin is the least acidic alcohol, with a pH of 7, making it neutral.

Infographic

5 most acidic alcoholic drinks infographic

Related posts:

  1. Is Kombucha Halal? (Yes, And Here's Why)
  2. Top 10 Rice Wine Substitutes You Will Love
  3. How Much Does a Case of Beer Weigh?
  4. The Best 7 Limoncello Substitutes
  5. Is Ginger Beer Gluten-Free? Everything Explained
  6. 12 Best Red Wine Substitutes for Cooking

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shirin

Shirin is a registered Medical Laboratory Scientist who teaches Immunology and Serology subjects. In her free time, she writes health-related articles to help advocate the prevention of lifestyle and infectious diseases. When not teaching or writing, she loves to try new food and attempts to recreate them at home.

More about us →

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  • The Best 7 Limoncello SubstitutesThe Best 7 Limoncello Substitutes

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