Summary
Holly Bowles, a 19-year-old Australian, has become the sixth foreign tourist to die from suspected methanol poisoning in Laos.
She and her friend Bianca Jones fell ill in Vang Vieng, a popular backpacking town, after reportedly consuming tainted alcohol, which can be lethal even in small amounts.
Other victims include a British lawyer, an American man, and two Danish women. Methanol, often found in bootleg or home-distilled alcohol, is believed to be the cause.
Authorities are investigating, with the manager of the hostel where free shots were served detained for questioning.
Never drink booze that you don’t know the origin of. And never drink homemade liquor unless it’s made by someone who is otherwise a professional using professional grade equipment. It’s just not worth the risk. By the time you feel the effects of the methanol, it’s too late in a majority of cases.
You could technically drink it, but accompanied by other alcohol you know the source of. I have no idea about the proportion needed to make it safe.
I wouldn’t chance it tho.
Methanol? 10ml will blind you and 30ml will kill you.