Mixing vodka and Red Bull is a popular concoction for those trying to stay alert while drinking.
However, a new study published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research suggests this potent mix compounds the effects of heavy drinking, and increases the “risk of fighting, violence, and participation in risky behaviors.”’.
In other words, Red Bull vodkas turn people into belligerent bros.
Working with researchers from the Federal University of Santa Maria in Brazil, Parker tested how alcohol and taurine —the key energy-giving ingredient in drinks like Red Bull— altered the behavior of 192 zebrafish.
The fish were divided into different shoals, and exposed to either just water, taurine and alcohol separately, or taurine and alcohol together.
The behavior of each group was analyzed at different time intervals for a period of one hour.
“However, in higher doses, this low inhibition can cause problems with fighting or risky behavior.”. »