People who drink this ‘cocktail’ swear by it, saying it is definitely the best way to kick-start your night.
The mixture of the high-in-alcohol vodka and the highly caffeinated Red Bull has been proven to have a huge effect on those who consuming it, with the taurine-infused energy drink being compared to using cocaine when mixed with alcohol.
However, according to a new study by the Journal Of Consumer Psychology, a lot of that feeling you might be getting from drinking the mixture comes down to nothing but a good old fashioned placebo.
In the study, 154 men were tested, all given the same drink of vodka, energy drink, and fruit juice. However, different men were given drinks with different labels, some saying Vodka Red Bull, Vodka Cocktail, or Fruit Juice.
Those who believed they were drinking Vodka Red Bull clearly showed the highest levels of inebriation, confidence and risk-tasking.
Speaking to Science Daily, the lead author of the study stated: “Red Bull has long used the slogan ‘Red Bull gives you wings,’ but our study shows that this type of advertising can make people think it has intoxicating qualities when it doesn’t. […] Essentially, when alcohol is mixed with an energy drink and people are aware of it, they feel like they’re more intoxicated simply because the marketing says they should.”
So while you should still definitely not use this as opportunity just to drink more of the mixture than you normally would – Drink Responsibly, everyone! – just be aware that the main reason you feel drunk as you do on Vodka Red Bull is because you believe you should be that drunk.
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