diff --git a/src/potion.c b/src/potion.c
index 82b834df4..1aa56fd20 100644
--- a/src/potion.c
+++ b/src/potion.c
@@ -720,8 +720,10 @@ peffect_booze(struct obj *otmp)
     pline("Ooph!  This tastes like %s%s!",
           otmp->odiluted ? "watered down " : "",
           Hallucination ? "dandelion wine" : "liquid fire");
-    if (!otmp->blessed)
-        make_confused(itimeout_incr(HConfusion, d(3, 8)), FALSE);
+    if (!otmp->blessed) {
+        /* booze hits harder if drinking on an empty stomach */
+        make_confused(itimeout_incr(HConfusion, d(2 + u.uhs, 8)), FALSE);
+    }
     /* the whiskey makes us feel better */
     if (!otmp->odiluted)
         healup(1, 0, FALSE, FALSE);