Vanilla extract, a staple in baking, contains a surprisingly high alcohol content—typically around 35% alcohol by volume (ABV), comparable to spirits like vodka or rum. This raises the question: can you get drunk on vanilla extract? While technically possible, consuming vanilla extract to achieve intoxication is neither safe nor advisable.
How Much Alcohol Is In Vanilla Extract?
Vanilla extract is made by macerating vanilla beans in a solution of water and alcohol. The FDA requires at least 35% alcohol by volume for a product to be considered pure vanilla extract. This means a typical bottle of vanilla extract contains the same amount of alcohol as a bottle of rum or vodka.
Dr. Nena Bowman of the Tennessee Poison Center highlights the risks: “Consuming as little as 10 mL of vanilla extract, which contains 35% ethanol, can result in significant blood alcohol levels in children, posing risks for central nervous system depression and respiratory issues.”
Vanilla extract is not meant to be consumed straight
Vanilla extract is intended to be used as a flavoring in foods, not consumed on its own. While the alcohol helps extract flavors from the vanilla beans, it also acts as a natural preservative. The high alcohol content prevents the growth of bacteria, molds, and other microorganisms that could spoil the extract. However, when consumed in excess, the alcohol in vanilla extract can cause intoxication, especially in children or pets.
Can you get drunk on vanilla extract? It’s technically possible, but it’s highly risky and can lead to alcohol poisoning, which can be deadly.
In a recent incident, students from high school in Atlanta, as reported by ABC Chicago, became intoxicated after consuming vanilla extract purchased from a nearby store. They even added it to their coffee, resulting in one student being hospitalized due to alcohol poisoning symptoms.
Alcohol poisoning symptoms include confusion, vomiting, seizures, slow breathing, and unconsciousness.
In another alarming case, a 50-year-old Connecticut woman was charged with driving under the influence when police found her at an intersection, her eyes closed. Officers discovered several bottles of pure vanilla extract in her car and detected the scent of vanilla on her breath, highlighting the severe risks associated with misusing this common baking ingredient.
The National Capital Poison Center warns against the misuse of vanilla extract, emphasizing its alcohol content and the dangers it poses, particularly to children.
How Many Shots of Vanilla Extract to Get Drunk?
If you’re looking to get drunk on vanilla extract, you’re going to need quite a bit of it. Vanilla extract typically contains about 35% alcohol by volume, compared to 40-50% for most distilled spirits.
How Much Vanilla Extract Equals One Shot of Liquor?
To equal a standard 1.5 ounce shot of liquor, you’d need to drink almost 2 ounces or 4 teaspoons of vanilla extract. And considering most recipes only call for 1-2 teaspoons, that’s a lot of vanilla! Drinking 8-10 shots of vanilla extract could lead to alcohol poisoning due to the high amounts of alcohol and sugar.
Effects of Drinking Too Much Vanilla Extract
While vanilla extract contains ethanol alcohol just like liquor and wine, it also has additional ingredients like sugar, vanilla beans, and water that can impact the effects. You may experience the usual signs of intoxication like slurred speech, impaired motor skills, and nausea.
However, the additional sugar in the extract may lead to an upset stomach, diarrhea, and a wicked sugar crash hangover the next day. The vanilla beans also contain compounds called vanillins that can be mildly psychoactive in large amounts, possibly causing sensations of warmth, relaxation, and lightheadedness.
Why You Should Never Drink Vanilla Extract Straight?
Chugging vanilla extract is dangerous because the alcohol content is so high. Just a few ounces can cause intoxication, leading to symptoms like dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. In extreme cases, it may even cause seizures or alcohol poisoning, which can be deadly.
Liver Damage from Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract also contains coumarin, a compound found in the tonka beans used to flavor the extract. While coumarin is safe in small doses used for cooking or baking, consuming a large amount can be toxic to the liver.
Drinking multiple ounces of vanilla extract at once exposes you to dangerously high levels of coumarin, which may cause liver damage over time.
Furthermore, coumarin is often found in Mexican vanilla flavoring. It’s important to note that since 1954, coumarin has been banned from all food products sold in the United States due to these health risks.
Addiction
Some people turn to vanilla extract as a cheap way to get drunk when they can’t afford or access regular alcohol. However, this behavior can easily lead to alcoholism or addiction. The high alcohol content produces an intense intoxicating effect, and people may continue seeking that feeling by drinking more and more vanilla extract.
Can You Get Drunk on Vanilla Extract – FAQs
How much vanilla extract do you need to drink to feel the effects?
Given that most vanilla extracts contain around 35-50% alcohol, it would take a lot to feel intoxicated. We’re talking multiple ounces, which would not taste good and you’d likely get sick from the concentrated flavor before feeling buzzed. So while it’s possible to experience alcohol’s effects from vanilla extract, it’s really not advisable.
Will I fail a breathalyzer test after drinking vanilla extract?
Yes, there is a possibility of failing a breathalyzer test after consuming a large amount of vanilla extract. Since it does contain ethanol, the active ingredient measured in breathalyzers, your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) could register over the legal limit. However, most people would get nauseous from the taste and amount required before reaching an unsafe BAC. But as a precaution, avoid driving if you’ve had more than a teaspoon.
Is vanilla extract regulated like other alcoholic beverages?
No, vanilla extract is not regulated like other alcoholic drinks you’d find at a bar or liquor store. Although it does contain alcohol, it is considered a food product or flavoring agent. Vanilla extract can be purchased by anyone at grocery stores and does not have an age requirement. However, some areas may have additional regulations on the maximum alcohol percentage allowed in extracts and flavorings.
Does the alcohol in vanilla extract evaporate when used in cooking and baking?
Most of the alcohol in vanilla extract evaporates during cooking and baking. At temperatures of 170°F and above, about 85% of the alcohol will burn off. The remaining amount is typically negligible in the final dish. However, there is a chance a small amount of alcohol may remain, especially in recipes with a short cooking time. As with any food, consume in moderation and according to your personal dietary needs.
The bottom line is while vanilla extract contains alcohol, the amount required to intoxicate you would make you sick from its concentrated flavor before feeling drunk. However, as with any product containing alcohol, consume responsibly and according to the law.
Sources:
Liver damage induced by coumarin
Coumarin in vanilla extracts: Its detection and significance
