The year 2024 has been full of viral trends. While some gave us inspiring tricks, others turned out to be bizarre.
One such viral trend that has been making the rounds is where we see people gathering one by one and mixing different types of alcohol to make one - might we add, deadly - cocktail.
The video starts with a girl pouring tonic water into the tumbler, followed by another girl, who adds vodka and tequila to the mix.
Four people follow, adding more whisky to it and then some rum. Then, to balance it out a little, another guy adds soda to the mixture.
The video ends with all of them tasting the cocktail and saying it was “not bad” and “yummy.”.
Take a look at the video:
Why mixing alcohol is a dangerous idea
While the idea to have one potent cocktail might sound good for an Instagram reel, it can have disastrous consequences.
Mixing alcohol can lead to various serious health implications. It can have both short-term effects, such as lowered inhibitions, and long-term effects, like a weakened immune system.
As per Healthline, alcohol use can begin to take a toll on anyone's physical and mental well-being over time. The effects may vary and can get serious and more noticeable with time.
Now, mixing different types of alcohol is worse. It can affect your body and mind in more serious ways and can leave a long-lasting impact.
NDTV spoke to Dr Dhiraj Bhattad, consultant, Internal Medicine, Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, Mumbai.
Dr Bhattad says, "The new trend of mixing alcohol and sometimes even unknown substances can be dangerous. It can have harmful, toxic effects on the body. Though alcohol temporarily produces euphoria and a relaxing feeling, it leads to impaired judgement, coordination, and slower reaction time."
"More quantity causes slurring of speech, blurry vision, sedation, or even aggressive behaviour. This causes the risk of falling due to imbalance and also increases the risk of accidents. It can increase heart rate and blood pressure and also cause stomach upset and vomiting due to gastritis," says Dr Bhattad.
Mixing alcohol may also lead to more hangover effects, headaches, and affect work and interpersonal relationships.
"Mixing alcohol may increase the concentration and also increase the quantity of alcohol that one consumes, leading to a higher risk of the above issues. Other unknown substances that are added can additionally create new problems. Hence, to avoid all these deleterious effects, it is advisable to avoid mixing different alcohols and also mixing with unknown substances," says Dr Bhattad.
A plethora of problems
NDTV also spoke to Dr Mohammad Mithi, consultant oncologist, Saifee Hospital.
Dr Mithi said, "Long-term risks of excessive alcohol consumption include liver failure, effects on the heart and brain, increasing your risk of several types of cancers, and can cause pancreatitis, among other gut issues."
What else
Mixing types of alcohol might also not be great on the palate.
Harish Chhimwal, lead mixologist, Olive Group of Restaurants, tells NDTV why an alcohol mix, the kind we saw in the viral video, might not be a great drink even taste-wise:
1. Flavour overload
Different spirits have distinct flavour profiles, and when combined without a clear purpose, they can clash. For example, pairing whisky with rum may result in a muddled, unpleasant taste.
2. Increased risk of hangovers
Consuming a variety of alcohols, especially those with differing congeners, can increase the likelihood of a severe hangover.
3. Dehydration
Alcohol, regardless of type, is a diuretic. Mixing different kinds can exacerbate dehydration, making you feel worse and contributing to hangover symptoms.
4. Loss of the cocktail's signature profile
Each type of alcohol has a signature profile that contributes to a cocktail's unique flavor. A classic Old Fashioned is best with bourbon, while a Margarita shines with tequila.
If you start blending these base spirits, you lose the essence of the drink and dilute the flavours that were carefully crafted.
Final sip
While it is okay to experiment with drinks, not everyone is a mixologist. With alcohol, the risk is higher, since not all types of alcohol get along too well. Caution is key.
