Are there risks to mixing alcohol with energy drinks?

Dear Reader, 

Alcohol and energy drinks typically don't make a friendly pair. Red Bull contains more caffeine than Coke and Mountain Dew. That said, if you choose to mix alcohol and caffeine, you should take extra care. Alcohol slows the body down, while caffeine gives you energy. This can create a false sense of alertness, and you may not realize your level of intoxication. Additionally, mixing alcohol and caffeine may lead to heart problems, worsen anxiety, and have other serious health effects. Understanding how alcohol and caffeine affect your body can help you make more informed choices about what you drink. 

What happens when you mix alcohol and caffeine?  

Alcohol is a depressant, meaning it slows down your brain activity, coordination, and judgment. Caffeine, on the other hand, is a stimulant, meaning it speeds things up and makes you more alert. When you combine them, caffeine may make you feel more energized and clear-headed. However, the caffeine hasn’t lowered your blood alcohol content or reversed any impairment. It may have changed how drunk you feel, but it hasn't actually sobered you up. 

Also, energy drinks and sodas often contain a lot of sugar. Sugar can create a dopamine rush in your brain which is linked to the feelings of pleasure and reward. This surge can make sweet, caffeinated drinks taste good and make it harder to stop drinking.  

You also mention drinking in moderation. Moderation can look different for everyone. It depends on how often you're drinking, what you're consuming, and how your body responds. That said, a single mixed drink can easily contain more than one standard serving depending on the pour. In the US, a standard drink is defined as 1.5 oz of spirits. If your pour is generous, two to three drinks might actually be four to six standard servings!  

Is Red Bull and vodka better or worse than rum and Coke? 

Since all types of alcohol have a similar effect on the body, the caffeine content of the mixer is worth paying attention to. For reference: 

• A standard cup of coffee contains about 95 milligrams (mg) of caffeine 

• A standard 8.4 ounce (oz) can of Red Bull contains about 80 mg 

• A standard 12 oz can of Mountain Dew contains about 54 mg 

• A standard can of 12 oz Coke contains about 34 mg.  

A vodka Red Bull contains roughly twice the amount of caffeine as a rum and Coke. Some energy drinks can also be even higher in caffeine. For example, Celsius is a popular energy drink in the US, and it contains 200 to 300 mg per 12 oz can.  

More caffeine might mean you don’t realize the effects of alcohol on your body. Some risks include: 

• Drinking more than intended 
• Raised blood pressure 
• Abnormal heartbeat 
• Impaired decision-making  
• Risk of physical injury 
• Impaired driving 

List adapted from Verywell Health and WebMD 

Who might be more negatively affected by this combination? 

For most people, occasional mixing of caffeine and alcohol carries a manageable risk. Adding alcohol increases strain for people with heart conditions or high blood pressure. People with anxiety may find that caffeine amplifies anxiety, especially when combined with the effects alcohol has on the brain. Genetics can also influence how sensitive you are to the effects of caffeine. It's worth keeping these things in mind when figuring out your limits. 

How can you make safer choices while drinking? 

Here are a few things that can help you stay alert if you’re mixing your drinks: 

• Understand your body’s response to caffeine and alcohol. Sensitivity varies from person to person. 
• Try avoiding communal or large batch drinks. It’s difficult to know how much alcohol, sugar, or caffeine you're consuming if it’s in a big, pre-mixed container.  
• Mix your own drink. Use standard measures or choose something from a sealed can or bottle.  
• Keep count of how much you're drinking. Consider setting a limit for yourself or create an agreement within your friend group.  
• Drink water to stay hydrated. Both caffeine and alcohol dehydrate the body. 
• Snack before and while you drink. Food can help slow down the rate at which alcohol enters your bloodstream and reduce the sugar or caffeine rush you might experience later in the night. 

• Check the nutrition label. Look for the amount of caffeine and sugar. Studies show that adults can safely consume up to 400mg of caffeine per day and 25 to 36 grams of added sugar per day before risking adverse health effects. 

Mixing alcohol and caffeine comes with risks. But there are strategies you can take to make informed decisions about your drinking. If you have concerns about how alcohol or caffeine affects you, speaking with a health care provider is a good next step.  

Cheers,