Hiding in Plain Sight: The Danger of Commercial Spiked Beverages

What are “spiked” beverages? 

“Spiked” beverages are drinks that contain alcohol but have names, flavors, and packaging similar to common non-alcoholic drinks. Common examples include seltzers, iced tea, and lemonade that have alcohol mixed in. 

More recently, other spiked beverages have been marketed with names and labeling similar to products that do not typically have alcohol. For example, Hard Mtn Dew has a similar name and packaging to Mountain Dew, a popular soda. Hard Sunny-D is also available, which shares a similar name and packaging to the well-known fruit drink. 

Why are spiked beverages more dangerous than other alcohols?

Most spiked beverages do not contain high concentrations of alcohol – usually 5% or less. One common mixer is vodka, but other alcohols can be used as well. The problem is that because spiked beverages have similar names, flavors, and packaging to non-alcoholic drinks, they can be a source of confusion, leading people to inadvertently consume alcohol. 

This is especially dangerous for children, who get into these drinks and are more sensitive to the effects of alcohol due to their small size. The bright packaging and similarity to other drinks make these products attractive to children. The flavors may also somewhat mask the taste of alcohol, leading kids to drink more than they would of a high-alcohol content beverage. This may also be a source of confusion for adolescents and people who have limited literacy or who are not proficient in English. It is important to know that some spiked beverages may also have caffeine. 

What are some signs that a drink might contain alcohol?

Packaging can be misleading, as it can resemble common non-alcoholic drinks. Clues that a product may contain alcohol are words such as “hard,” “spiked,” “twisted,” or “malt.” Spelling or packaging may also be slightly different, and there may be an alcohol content and warnings on the label. In addition, where the product is stored in the store may be different. Although the flavoring may mask the alcohol, these beverages usually do have a different taste than their non-alcoholic counterparts. 

I accidentally drank alcohol while on medication. What should I do?

It depends on the person, the medication involved, and the amount of alcohol consumed. There are some medications that are dangerous when you combine them with alcohol. These include medications like opioid pain medications and sedatives. You should avoid driving if this is the case. Excessive drowsiness and abnormal breathing can occur in more severe cases. In other situations, interactions are less serious. Check with your health care provider or poison control if you have questions about combining a particular medication and alcohol. 

My child accidentally drank a spiked beverage. What should I do?

It depends upon the age and size of the child and the amount of alcohol consumed. A small taste is usually not enough to cause a problem, but drinking an entire can could be serious. Children who drink alcohol can develop confusion, drowsiness, and difficulty walking. Low blood sugar, seizures, and coma have been reported in severe cases. Do not try to make the child vomit. 

Expert help is available through the webPOISONCONTROL online tool and by phone at 1-800-222-1222. Poison Control’s expert guidance is always free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day. 

Maryann Amirshahi, PharmD, MD, MPH, PhD
Medical Toxicologist 

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