Unbottling the Truth: Drink Myths, Debunked

Some drink myths are so widely believed, they’ve reached legendary status. You’ve probably repeated a few yourself — like thinking red wine should always be served at room temp or that tequila comes with a worm (spoiler: it doesn’t).

But the truth? A lot of these “rules” are outdated, misquoted, or just plain wrong. And once you know better, you drink better — whether you’re ordering at a restaurant, making cocktails at home, or just trying to stay hydrated without turning into a human water bottle.

Let’s clear the air on some of the most iconic drink myths still floating around.

Myth #1: Raw Milk Is Healthier Than Pasteurized Milk

Plot twist: Pasteurization wasn’t invented to ruin your gut flora — it was literally designed to keep you alive.

Despite what your friend who just got into “ancestral wellness” says, raw milk isn’t some ancient super elixir. The process of pasteurization dates back to the French wine industry (shoutout to Louis Pasteur), and it’s one of the biggest reasons milk isn’t a bacterial minefield anymore.

Raw milk advocates claim it’s easier to digest, more nutritious, and a gut-health miracle, but science isn’t buying it. Not only does pasteurization preserve nutrients, it makes milk safe by eliminating the bacteria that sneak in post-udder.

One study found that 96% of dairy-related illnesses came from unpasteurized products. In some countries, raw milk is illegal. It’s not a rustic health hack — it’s a health risk.

Myth #2: Red Wine Should Be Served at Room Temperature

Unless your room is a chilly wine cave in the French countryside, “room temp” is doing your cab sauv dirty.

This one’s a relic from the days when homes were a solid 20 degrees cooler — and so was their wine. Today’s average room temp (around 72°F) is too warm for most reds, making them taste flabby, overly alcoholic, and just... meh.

The sweet spot? Somewhere between 55–68°F, depending on the varietal. Cooler temps bring out those gorgeous berry, spice, and earthy notes — not just “hot grape juice with a kick.” So yes, it’s totally fine to toss that bottle of pinot noir in the fridge for a bit. Tell the wine snob in your life we said so.

Myth #3: Tequila Has Worms in the Bottle

This one has been living rent-free in our heads for decades — but it’s completely wrong.

First off, real tequila never comes with a worm. What you’re thinking of is mezcal, and even then, it’s not a worm — it’s a moth larva called gusano de maguey. Which, fun fact, has been a protein source in Mexico since Aztec times and is still eaten today. Tacos, anyone?

The “worm in the bottle” was a marketing stunt meant to set mezcal apart, not send you on some dare-based drinking bender. So if you see that squiggly little guy floating around, congrats — you’re not drinking tequila, and you're also not hallucinating. (More on that next...)

Myth #4: Absinthe Will Make You Hallucinate

Absinthe’s got more drama than a reality show reunion. Green, mysterious, and allegedly brain-melting? It’s no wonder Van Gogh and Oscar Wilde were fans (allegedly).

But let’s set the record straight: absinthe is not hallucinogenic. The bad rap comes from early 1900s hysteria, when a man committed a horrific crime after drinking... absinthe and a whole lot of other alcohol. Doctors blamed wormwood, a key absinthe ingredient, and its compound thujone.

Yes, thujone can mess with your brain — in huge doses. But modern absinthe? It contains so little thujone that it’s legally considered thujone-free. You’re more likely to hallucinate from lack of sleep binge-watching “The Bear” than from sipping a perfectly legal absinthe cocktail.

Myth #5: You Have to Drink 8 Glasses of Water a Day

Raise your reusable bottle if you’ve ever panic-chugged water at 10 p.m. because you only hit six glasses.

We’ve all heard it: “Drink eight glasses of water a day or you’ll dry up like a raisin.” But that rule? It’s from 1945. The original recommendation said adults need about 2.5 liters of water daily including food and other drinks — not just plain water. Cue mass misinterpretation.

Hydration needs vary wildly based on age, activity, weather, diet, and whether or not you had soup for lunch. Your coffee, smoothie, and even watermelon count toward your fluid intake. Trust your body, not the memes.