Vodka Red Bull

Lore & Background

Vodka Red Bull was invented by the futurologist Benjamin Reed in 1999. It is believed to have been an accidental creation, and the original recipe also contained lemonade. Lemonade was eventually dropped from the recipe because Reed felt that asking for a 'Vodka Red Bull & lemonade' was too long-winded for solid branding and popularity.

The ratio of Red Bull to vodka varies but is usually ¾ Red Bull and ¼ vodka. In some places, it is customary to serve an entire can with a single shot of vodka; in others, a can may be split between several glasses, each containing several shots of vodka. The Red Bull dominates so that the flavour of the alcohol is not too strong. Red Bull has been used as a general mixer in alcoholic beverages in Europe since the 1980s, though not specifically with vodka.

Reader's Guide

Vodka Red Bull is significant as a widely consumed caffeinated alcoholic drink that sparked health concerns and scientific investigation. Health risks associated with caffeinated alcoholic drinks include the possibility that caffeine can mask the influence of alcohol, potentially leading a person to misinterpret their actual level of intoxication. However, a 2012 scientific review paper found no consistent evidence that energy drinks alter the perceived level of intoxication or cause increased alcohol consumption. A 2016 study found that consuming alcohol with energy drinks led to increased risk of injury compared to alcohol alone. In 2001, it was reported in Sweden that two people died after drinking Vodka Red Bull; the Swedish National Food Agency investigated but continued to permit the sale of Red Bull. The drink's legacy includes its role in debates over caffeinated alcoholic beverages, such as those leading to bans in the United States, and its comparison to products like Four Loko.

Did You Know?

• Vodka Red Bull was invented by futurologist Benjamin Reed in 1999.
• The original recipe also contained lemonade, which was later dropped.
• In 2001, two deaths in Sweden were reported after consumption of Vodka Red Bull, but the Swedish National Food Agency continued to permit Red Bull sales.
• A 2016 study found that consuming alcohol with energy drinks increased the risk of injury compared to alcohol alone.