Mary Bowerman

USA TODAY Network

What’s the harm in one more drink if you know you can avoid the hangover?

A British researcher believes hangovers can be avoided by drinking synthetic alcohol, the Independent reports.

David Nutt, a professor at Imperial College London, has made headlines for years with his “alcosynth,” a synthetic alcohol that gives the drinker the euphoric effects of alcohol consumption without the headache and nausea that can often follow a fun night out.

Nutt told the Independent he has 90 patents for different alcosynth compounds and hopes alcosynth will be widely used by 2050.

“It will be there alongside the scotch and the gin, they'll dispense the alcosynth into your cocktail, and then you'll have the pleasure without damaging your liver and your heart,” he told the Independent.

But Nutt’s plans to promote his liquid-elixir may encounter a few roadblocks, according to Sky News.

Sam Bowman, executive director of the Adam Smith Institute, a non-profit think-tank, told Sky News regulations have so far prevented alcohol alternatives like alcosynth from flooding the market.

"Britain can be a world leader in safe alternatives to alcohol and cigarettes, but we need regulation that foster those things instead of stamping them out,” Bowman told Sky News.

Bottoms up!

Follow @MaryBowerman on Twitter.