Standard Energy Drinks are Non-Alcoholic
For the vast majority of products marketed as energy drinks, the key stimulating ingredients are caffeine, taurine, and B vitamins—not alcohol. Brands such as Red Bull, Monster Energy (standard line), and Rockstar Energy are functional, non-alcoholic beverages. Any alcoholic properties are introduced only when consumers choose to mix them with liquor, a practice that has its own set of significant health risks. It is critical for consumers to understand the distinction between standard, non-alcoholic energy drinks and the specific products designed and sold as caffeinated alcoholic beverages or flavored malt beverages.
The Rise and Fall of Caffeinated Alcoholic Beverages
A decade ago, the market saw an increase in the sale of premixed caffeinated alcoholic beverages, often referred to as 'alcoholic energy drinks'. These products combined the stimulant effects of caffeine with the depressant effects of alcohol, a combination that proved particularly dangerous. The stimulant effect of the caffeine could mask the signs of intoxication, leading people to drink more alcohol than they normally would.
One of the most notable examples was the original Four Loko, which earned the nickname 'blackout in a can' due to its potent mix of alcohol and caffeine. Following a surge in college student incidents involving these drinks, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning in 2010 stating that caffeine is an unsafe food additive to alcoholic beverages. This led to a mandatory reformulation of many products to remove the caffeine, effectively ending the original era of widespread caffeinated alcoholic energy drinks in the United States.
Formulated Alcoholic Beverages Today
While the original caffeinated alcoholic energy drinks have been largely phased out in the US, some brands have continued to produce new forms of alcoholic beverages that are inspired by energy drinks but are often caffeine-free. Others still produce versions with a mix of stimulants and alcohol outside the US. The key for consumers is to always read the label carefully.
- Monster's The Beast Unleashed: In 2023, Monster Beverage Corporation launched its first line of alcoholic beverages under the name 'The Beast Unleashed'. These drinks are described as hard seltzers, contain 6% ABV, and are explicitly reformulated without any energy blend or caffeine. The branding and flavors, however, directly reference the company's popular energy drink line.
- Sparks: Originally one of the first popular caffeinated alcohol beverages, the current version of Sparks (now owned by Molson Coors) has been discontinued as of 2021. Earlier versions contained alcohol, caffeine, taurine, and ginseng, but the caffeine was later removed.
- Four Loko (Current): Following the FDA-mandated reformulation in 2010, the popular Four Loko brand transitioned to a flavored malt beverage without caffeine, taurine, or guarana in its US products. The brand remains popular due to its high alcohol content, which can range significantly by state and version.
A Comparison of Alcoholic vs. Standard Energy Drinks
| Feature | Standard Energy Drink | Alcoholic Beverage (e.g., The Beast Unleashed) |
|---|---|---|
| Caffeine | Present | Absent (in many modern versions) |
| Alcohol | Absent | Present, typically 6% ABV or higher |
| Legal Status | Regulated as a soft drink | Regulated as an alcoholic beverage, with age restrictions |
| Core Function | Provides a stimulating effect | Provides an intoxicating effect |
| Risk Factor | Can have health impacts from high caffeine or sugar intake | Involves the full risks associated with alcohol consumption; dangerous to mix with other substances |
| Typical Brands | Red Bull, Monster Energy, Rockstar | The Beast Unleashed, Four Loko (current) |
The Health Dangers of Mixing Stimulants and Depressants
The primary reason for the original backlash against caffeinated alcoholic beverages was the masking effect of caffeine on alcohol's depressant properties. The National Institutes of Health has extensively documented the risks associated with this practice.
- Overconsumption: Since the stimulant effect of caffeine can make a person feel more alert, it can mask the feelings of intoxication that would normally signal them to stop drinking. This can lead to excessive alcohol consumption, increasing the risk of alcohol poisoning.
- Impaired Judgment: Studies have found that students who mix alcohol with energy drinks are twice as likely to get injured or require medical attention. The combination of lowered inhibitions from alcohol and the stimulating effect of energy drinks can impair judgment and lead to more accidents.
- Cardiovascular Strain: Both caffeine and alcohol can put a strain on the cardiovascular system. Their combination can lead to heart palpitations and other cardiac problems.
How to Check if a Drink is Alcoholic
Consumers should always read product labels carefully. In the US, any product containing alcohol must be clearly labeled with its alcohol by volume (ABV). If a can does not list an ABV, it is a non-alcoholic beverage. Be mindful of marketing that uses similar branding to popular energy drinks but features an 'alc.' or 'hard' label, which clearly denotes its alcoholic nature.
Conclusion
To determine which energy drinks are alcoholic, the crucial step is to read the label. Standard energy drinks like Red Bull and Monster do not contain alcohol, although mixing them with liquor is a common and risky practice. Specific brands like Four Loko and The Beast Unleashed are now sold as flavored malt beverages with explicit alcohol content, but their US versions are caffeine-free after regulatory changes. The past and current market for these products highlights the importance of understanding product labeling and the dangers of combining stimulants with alcohol. Consumers must remain vigilant to protect their health and make informed choices.
For more information on the dangers of mixing alcohol and caffeine, you can visit the Drinkaware website.
