I could drink white wine and beer about 4 weeks after radiation, but not red wine or anything that was slightly vinegary. It took about two years before I could handle red wine and then it had to be low in tannins. Eventually I could drink most reds. Hard liquor I rarely drink but do remember having a gin and tonic and a pina colada while on vacation 6 months after rads. Carbonated drinks I let go flat in refrig and then drank them.

As for spicy, I could never eat hot foods, but could handle mild hot pepers or mild chinese. Now even after all these years, a piece of freshly ground black pepper may still send me through the roof. Forget hot peppers. Some people like Brian, however, can eat the Mexican hot stuff. It takes time and everyone is different. Just keep experimenting.

Take care,
Eileen