Final answer:
Carbonation can increase the rate of ethanol absorption in the bloodstream due to enhanced gastric emptying and contact with the stomach lining, potentially leading to faster intoxication when consuming fizzy alcoholic drinks.
Step-by-step explanation:
The effect of carbonation on ethanol absorption can be explained by understanding the principles of gas solubility in liquids. Carbonated beverages have CO2 gas dissolved under high pressure, which can facilitate a quicker absorption of ethanol in the bloodstream when these beverages are consumed. This is due to increased gastric emptying and increased contact of alcohol with the stomach lining, potentially leading to faster intoxication. However, once the carbonated beverage is opened and loses its carbonation, it becomes 'flat' and this enhanced absorption effect diminishes over time. In the case of alcoholic carbonated beverages like beer and sparkling wines, this could mean that the 'fizzier' the drink is upon consumption, the more rapid the absorption of ethanol may be.