｜Energy Drink Mania

Posted on May 27, 2015 | Last updated February 11, 2025

The Dangers of Energy Drink Cocktails
Energy drink cocktails became popular in the early 2000s in the United States, and in Europe, mixing Red Bull with alcohol became a common trend among young people. However, it has been repeatedly stated that mixing energy drinks with alcohol is dangerous.

In 2010, based on scientific research, the United States issued warnings to manufacturers and halted the sale of energy drink cocktails, citing health concerns from combining caffeine and alcohol. (Wall Street Journal)

Some may think, "This is just an issue in the U.S., and since energy drinks in Japan are weaker, it's fine," but this is a misconception. In fact, the differences in ingredient compositions between Japan and the U.S. aren't that significant. The health risks are associated with the combination of caffeine and alcohol, and the amounts in Japan are not much different from those in the U.S. or other countries. Furthermore, some energy drinks in Japan actually contain higher caffeine concentrations per 100ml than those in the U.S.

So, let’s consider whether energy drink cocktails are truly dangerous, referencing actual reports and information.

Author information Author: Energy Drink-kun

In 2001, while living in the United States, I encountered energy drinks through the dance scene and was deeply impressed. After returning to Japan, I found that energy drinks were considered novelty beverages, so I established a comprehensive website in 2013 to share the true appeal of energy drinks. As an energy drink enthusiast, I began drinking them seriously again, collecting over 7,000 varieties of energy drinks from various countries. I am also active as a critic and expert, receiving media interviews.

1. The Relationship and Impact Between Alcohol and Caffeine

Caffeine's stimulating effect may reduce the sensation of alcohol, leading to excessive drinking
Mixing caffeine and alcohol may result in dangerous behavior, drug use, or violent actions

These are some of the concerns regarding the simultaneous consumption of energy drinks and alcohol. However, since there aren't vast amounts of experimental data available, most articles are merely pointing out possibilities, and it's still unclear how true these concerns are. Interestingly, some data has shown that caffeine does not necessarily reduce the feeling of intoxication.

2. Leads to Excessive Caffeine Consumption

Other news articles have pointed out that "energy drink cocktails, being a mix of alcohol and energy drinks, naturally lead to increased caffeine intake if consumed in multiple rounds." This is certainly plausible and seems to make a lot of sense.

Those who enjoy drinking alcohol might relate to the experience of wondering, "How am I able to drink so much?" As people order more drinks in a bar, they are likely consuming more energy drinks with each round.

In reality, since the drinks may contain ice, it's unlikely that a single glass would contain an excessive amount of energy drink, and the alcohol content probably wouldn't be too high either. However, if drinking for a prolonged period, it's conceivable that people could end up consuming large amounts of caffeine.

Personally, I believe that the most dangerous aspect of drinking energy drink cocktails is the tendency to overconsume.

3. Is it Safe Because Adults Drink It?

Many of the accidents involving energy drinks have been related to children drinking large quantities. For adults who are of legal drinking age, the conditions are different. Additionally, factors such as body size and individual caffeine tolerance vary, making it difficult to speak universally about the dangers of energy drink cocktails.

That said, it's important to consider that the amount of caffeine consumed will increase in proportion to the amount of alcohol consumed.

Sweet alcoholic drinks like energy drink cocktails are easy to drink and may encourage overconsumption. The quantity consumed will vary depending on the size of the glass and the amount in each drink, but in the worst-case scenario, acute caffeine toxicity could pose a risk. Due to individual differences in body type, health condition, and tolerance, it's important to be mindful of not drinking too much.

Energy Drink Cocktails Shouldn't Be Overconsumed

The Dangers of Energy Drink Cocktails
Personally, I do not recommend drinking energy drink cocktails in large quantities, such as continuously ordering them at a bar or consuming multiple drinks at home. People with low caffeine tolerance may experience strong reactions from just one cup of coffee or one can of Red Bull, and similarly, there are people who are more sensitive to alcohol. If you're going to drink energy drink cocktails, it's best to stop after one or two drinks.

In the first place, Energy Drink-kun does not encourage drinking excessive amounts of energy drinks, as it is not suitable for everyone.

If people get carried away with the idea of "let's have fun with energy drinks and alcohol," there's a high possibility that violent or dangerous behavior could occur due to alcohol-induced intoxication. Simultaneously, the risk of acute caffeine toxicity exists.

I don't think energy drink cocktails themselves are inherently dangerous, but because they are so easy to drink, it is important to be cautious of overconsumption and the risk of both acute alcohol and caffeine poisoning.