Energy drinks combined with alcohol increase the desire of young adults to crave more alcohol compared with other mixed alcoholic drinks.
Seventy-five people aged between 18 and 30 were assigned to one of two groups: to drink vodka with Red Bull Silver Edition energy drink, or vodka mixed with soda water. Participants were later asked to fill out various questionnaires and take a breath alcohol concentration (BAC) test.
Those who consumed the energy drink showed significantly higher rates of liking the cocktail and wanting to drink more than those who had alcohol and soda.
More research is needed to understand what precise factors mediate this effect and whether the heightened urge to drink more in turn increases subsequent alcohol consumption.
Read more at Australian National University