Is your go–to drink at the pub a glass of wine or a whisky on the rocks?
According to a new study, your answer says a lot about you.
Researchers from the University of Evansville asked people to think about wine, whisky or tequila, before responding to a series of mindset questions.
The results revealed ‘clear patterns’, according to the study’s lead author, Dr Logan Pant.
If your favourite drink is wine, you’re probably seen as elegant, classy and sophisticated.
But if you prefer whisky, you’re likely perecived as strong, confident, and masculine.
Meanwhile, if you like tequila, people see you as fun, wild and always down for a party.
‘Learned associations for different alcoholic drinks can influence how people feel, which in turn might shape their intentions, choices and social expectations,’ Dr Pant explained in an article for The Conversation.
If your favourite drink is wine, you’re probably seen as elegant, classy and sophisticated. But if you prefer whisky, you’re likely perecived as strong, confident, and masculine. Meanwhile, if you like tequila, people see you as fun, wild and always down for a party
Most pubs and bars are packed with hundreds of drinks, ranging from low–alcohol beers to punchy spirits.
However, until now, the cultural themes and moods people associate with different types of alcohol has remained unclear.
To get to the bottom of it, the researchers carried out four studies with a total of 429 participants.
In the first two studies, the researchers asked participants open–ended questions about the words they associate with different types of alcohol.
‘These studies helped us identify common cultural associations, which we call “learned associations,” or ideas people develop through experience and cultural exposure,’ Dr Pant explained.
Then, in the next two studies, the researchers randomly assigned participants to think about wine, whisky or tequila, and asked them which qualities they associated with the drink.
Dr Pant highlighted: ‘Importantly, participants did not consume alcohol, allowing us to isolate the learned associations these drinks evoke, separate from alcohol’s physiological effects.’
The results revealed ‘clear patterns’.
Wine was associated with elegance, class, refinement and sophistication (stock image)
Tequila was associated with words like fun, wild, celebration and party.
Whisky elicited words including strong, rugged, confident and masculine.
And wine was associated with elegance, class, refinement and sophistication.
According to the researchers, the findings suggest that learned associations for different alcoholic drinks can influence how people feel.
In turn, this might shape their intentions, choices and social expectations.
For example, thinking about tequila prompts a ‘party’ mindset.
As a result it could influence how a person plans their evening – and what choices they make.
The team hopes the findings will spark further research on the subject.
‘Future research could examine how these associations form in different social contexts, how they vary across age groups or cultures, and how interventions might shift them to further reduce risky behaviors and encourage safer, more responsible alcohol consumption,’ Dr Pant said.
In addition, they say there could be real–life implications.
The expert added: ‘A better understanding of these associations could help public health campaigns promote moderation and responsible drinking, such as pacing drinks, staying hydrated and avoiding overconsumption.’
