ServSafe Alcohol Practice Exam

Which of the following can speed up the absorption rate of alcohol into the bloodstream?

1. Carbonated beverages

2. Non-alcoholic drinks

3. Drinking slowly

4. Consuming food simultaneously

The correct answer is: Carbonated beverages

Carbonated beverages can speed up the absorption rate of alcohol into the bloodstream due to several factors. The carbonation in these beverages increases the pressure in the stomach, which can accelerate the release of gases and promote faster passage of the alcohol into the small intestine where absorption primarily occurs. Since the small intestine absorbs alcohol more quickly than the stomach, this results in a higher concentration of alcohol entering the bloodstream in a shorter period. In contrast, consuming non-alcoholic drinks generally has no effect on the absorption rate of alcohol, while drinking slowly and consuming food simultaneously are known to slow down alcohol absorption. When food is present in the stomach, it can reduce the rate at which alcohol passes into the small intestine, thereby slowing absorption and mitigating the effects of alcohol.