How to properly chug

[StupidBloodyTuesday]

Hi all! This is my very first post on this forum! What a better way to start than to ask about a problem I have that makes me question my manhood?

I am not very old (in my 30s), but I have been a regular drinker for at least 10 years. I drink usually at least 3-5 beers almost every day, and I usually also drink a hefty glass (or three to five) of whiskey pretty much every night before bed. I'm not saying any of this to assert my manliness, but just to establish the fact that I am no novice.

Regardless, I have always had a problem accomplishing the so-called "chug". Whether it be a glass of beer, or a mixer, I really have trouble taking several consecutive swallows of an alcoholic beverage.

I can definitely drink a large amount of alcohol in a short amount of time, but the way I do it is by taking a large sip, then wait a few seconds, then a large sip, then wait, etc. repeatedly. I can also take shots with no problem. But what I can't do is hold a glass of beer/liquor to my mouth and hold it there while chugging and swallowing repeatedly. It usually ends in me gagging or even puking, when I otherwise would be nowhere near the regurgitation stage in my drinking session.

I know that this question involves the gag reflex (Not That There's Anything Wrong With That™), but I really want to be able to chug with my friends. I don't personally see this as a necessary skill, since I would never "chug" by myself if I was drinking alone. However, during occasional moments of uproarious camaraderie, it seems beneficial to be able to do. If it involves taming my gag reflex, I'm totally in.

I will conclude my first post with a disclaimer that I am currently drunk. I await your responses with baited breath.

[JimLahey]

I'm in the same boat, I am not a good chugger. But a common mistake that a lot of people do when they chug is they hold their breath, breathe through your nose in between each swallow and you'll improve substantially.

[Aloysius82]

I've always hated chugging my drink because then I can't enjoy the taste of my drink.
But when I want to throw something down the hatch post-haste, I take a deep & mighty breath, pour the booze down my gullet, and swallow the whole thing while exhaling through my nose.
A tried and true approach.

[ThirstyDrunk]

I would never "chug" by myself if I was drinking alone.

Right here is your problem.

[Mr. Viking]

I've always been terrible at chugging, but I put in a year of practice because my university hockey team do a lot of it, and I'm now nearly on the boat race team. Like anything it just takes practice, even though some people are able to chug naturally. Some people are good at it because they have no gag reflex and can essentially just pour the drink down their throat without a problem. Most of us can't, and just need to work on our breathing technique

[ThirstyDrunk]

Breathing technique? We ain't trying to play a didgeridoo, we're drinking!

[kowalski]

It just takes practice. Start with small bottles, then work your way up. There are a bunch of guys on youtube that can provide inspiration. e.g.:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXDZ8DSGj5w&feature=related

and

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBPKOP24qF8&feature=g-u-u&context=G24d8379FUAAAAAAAOAA

[peetie44]

I would never "chug" by myself if I was drinking alone.

Right here is your problem.

Truth

[beerkegbilly]

Just take big drink every time you drink.Then you get the hang of it.

[Tariel]

The technique is to transfer the contents straight to your throat and keep gulping, think of it as pouring liquor from the glass to the bottle, only your throat being the glass instead.

[Mr. Viking]

also, grow a beard. It absorbs a lot so you don't spill so much, you just wring it back out into your next glass

[Miklo]

also, grow a beard. It absorbs a lot so you don't spill so much, you just wring it back out into your next glass

very true, plus you dont look like an amature with the neck of your shirt soaked in booze.

[Jiggers McCoy]

My chug technique is to pour some into my mouth and then swallow a bunch while continuing to pour. I don't have the "pour directly into stomach" thing down, but I do ok in races.

Start with water for the mechanics.Then soda to handle carbonation. Then a light beer, then a heavy beer, etc.

Really though, if you didn't learn in college, not much point to it now. However, self improvement is always an admirable goal, so let us know how it goes.

[Mr. Viking]

real ales, or beers like guinness which aren't so fizzy are always easier to chug

[John Barleycorn]

I can understand not chugging liquor. I don't really think that's what it's for. But for beer and wine, it just seems natural to take massive gulp after gulp. That's the way I've always drunk water, and it works great for beer.