The Dangerous Concoction: Mixing Stimulants and Depressants
When people ask, "What is the energy drink with alcohol?" they are often referring to cocktails made by mixing a standard energy drink with a spirit, or, historically, pre-mixed canned beverages that contained both ingredients. The latter, including products like Four Loko, were banned in the United States by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2010 due to safety concerns. The primary danger in combining alcohol and energy drinks lies in the conflicting effects of a stimulant (caffeine) and a depressant (alcohol).
The caffeine in energy drinks can mask the feeling of drunkenness, leading to “wide-awake drunkenness”. This does not reduce actual alcohol-related impairment. As a result, a person may feel less intoxicated than they truly are, causing them to drink more and potentially engage in risky behaviors such as driving while impaired.
Popular Cocktails Mixing Energy Drinks and Alcohol
Many people continue to create their own alcoholic energy drinks. Some common examples include:
- Vodka Red Bull: Combines vodka with Red Bull, offering a sweet taste with a stimulating kick.
- Jägerbomb: A shot glass of Jägermeister dropped into a glass of Red Bull, creating a potent mix of herbal liqueur and caffeine.
- Irish Trash Can: An upside-down can of energy drink is placed in a glass with a mix of various spirits.
- Vegas Bomb: Whiskey and peach schnapps topped off with an energy drink.
Why the Pre-Mixed Versions Were Banned
The FDA's ban on pre-mixed alcoholic energy drinks followed growing concerns. Brands like Four Loko, Moonshot, and Sparks were targeted for mixing caffeine with alcohol. The FDA concluded that caffeine is an "unsafe food additive" when combined with alcohol, forcing manufacturers to reformulate their products. The ban was a direct response to the heightened public health risks, particularly among young adults.
Health Risks of Mixing Energy Drinks and Alcohol
The cocktail of stimulants and depressants creates a range of physiological and behavioral dangers. Here are some of the key health risks:
- Masked Intoxication: Caffeine reduces the sedative effect of alcohol, making drinkers feel more alert and less drunk. This leads to consuming more alcohol and increases the risk of alcohol poisoning.
- Increased Risky Behavior: The combination has been linked to a higher incidence of risky behaviors, including drunk driving, unprotected sex, and fighting. This is often a direct result of impaired judgment.
- Cardiovascular Strain: The opposing effects of a stimulant and a depressant can put significant stress on the cardiovascular system. Consequences can include an elevated heart rate, high blood pressure, palpitations, and in severe cases, heart attacks.
- Severe Dehydration: Both alcohol and energy drinks are diuretics, increasing the risk of severe dehydration.
Comparison: Mixed Cocktail vs. Pre-Mixed (Banned)
| Feature | Mixed Alcoholic Energy Drink (e.g., Vodka Red Bull) | Pre-Mixed Caffeinated Alcoholic Beverage (Banned) |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | Can be created anywhere | Banned in many countries, especially the U.S., since 2010. |
| Control | Consumers can control the ratio of alcohol and energy drink | Manufacturer-set, often containing high levels of both alcohol and caffeine, like the original Four Loko with 12% ABV and significant caffeine. |
| Flavor Masking | Energy drink flavor can still mask the taste of alcohol | Formulated to be sweet and palatable, hiding the strong alcohol taste. |
| Perceived Risk | Users may perceive less risk | Publicly recognized as unsafe, leading to federal bans. |
| Regulation | The individual components are regulated separately | The products themselves were explicitly banned by the FDA due to the dangerous combination. |
The Psychology of Combining Alcohol and Energy Drinks
Research suggests a primary motivation for mixing energy drinks with alcohol is to maintain higher energy levels and to mask the sedative effects of alcohol. However, this is a physiological illusion. While the caffeine may combat drowsiness, it does nothing to counteract the impaired judgment, slowed reaction times, and reduced motor coordination caused by alcohol. This can lead to "wide-awake drunk," amplifying the potential for harm. A study of college-aged bar patrons found those who consumed mixed alcoholic energy drinks were four times more likely to intend to drive home.
Furthermore, the combination can lead to increased total alcohol consumption. Drinkers are more likely to miss their body's natural cues to slow down or stop drinking. This elevates the risk of alcohol poisoning.
Conclusion
The term "what is the energy drink with alcohol?" now primarily refers to mixed cocktails made by individuals. The ban on products like Four Loko in 2010 acknowledged the severe health risks posed by combining stimulants and depressants. These risks, including masked intoxication, increased risky behavior, cardiovascular strain, and severe dehydration, remain present when people mix their own drinks. Despite regulatory action and public health warnings, the cultural practice of mixing alcohol with energy drinks persists, fueled by a desire to drink for longer while ignoring the physical and psychological dangers. It is crucial for consumers to understand that the caffeine does not sober them up; it simply hides the warning signs of intoxication, creating a profoundly dangerous situation. For more information on the dangers, consult the resources provided by the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board.
