Most times I am under in the drinking department during the rides, but certainly make up for it afterwards
Your "soreness" might not be related to cycling. You may be genetically disposed to inflammation and are aggravating your condition through your diet. (drinking)
If you really want to test whether you can alter this situation get a bottle of vitamin D and bottle of fish oil and try mega supplementation for a few days while avoiding red meats and alcohol.
If there is any chance for you at all, this would be one way to "test." Unfortunately, in reality, you would have to try this for ate least 30 days to give the diet change a full test.