THINK twice before ordering that Pornstar Martini.
A Sun investigation found it could contain a lethal mix of SEVEN different types of alcohol.
This week a teenager had to have her stomach removed after downing a cocktail made with liquid nitrogen to celebrate her birthday. Gaby Scanlon, 18, is lucky to be alive after being served the Nitro Jagermeister.
But it’s not just chemicals you have to watch out for in cocktails.
The huge volumes of alcohol many contain could damage your heart, your liver, your stomach and your brain.
Drinking such high quantities have also been linked with cancer and mental health issues.
Professor Paul Wallace, chief medical adviser for Drinkaware, said: “The main problem with mixing drinks is that it makes it more difficult to track what you’re drinking.
“Different drinks contain different congeners — the substances produced during fermentation — and when these are mixed they can easily lead to a hangover.”
Here are some potentially deadly drinks JENNIFER TIPPETT and LYNSEY HAYWOOD found being served at a bar near you.
Zombie
WHAT’S IN IT: 25ml shots of white, light, dark and 63 per cent rum, absinthe and maraschino (a cherry liqueur). Served in a pint glass with pineapple and lime juice and almond and pomegranate sugar syrups.
THE BAR: Papaji’s, Bristol.
CALORIES: 445.
COST: £12. 2-for-1 four hours a day.
UNITS: 4 plus.
BARMAN’S VERDICT: “One time, two girls only had two but they were pretty wasted.”
DRINKAWARE VERDICT: At more than four units, this takes men and women over their daily unit guideline.
HEALTH RISK: Sugary syrups make this drink high in calories. Drinking regularly could lead to obesity, which puts you at risk of diabetes and high blood pressure.
Porn Star Martini
WHAT’S IN IT: Two shots of Cariel vanilla vodka (25ml each), lime, gomme syrup, passion fruit, one shot of Prosecco on the side (25ml).
THE BAR: Mint & Lime Bar, Glasgow.
CALORIES: 225.
COST: £6.90.
UNITS: 2.3.
BARMAN’S VERDICT: “The Porn Star Martini is our most popular cocktail.”
DRINKAWARE VERDICT: This drink can be enjoyed by both men and women but, at 2.3 units per drink, just one puts women in their daily unit consumption guide.
HEALTH RISK: High blood pressure, putting you at risk of stroke, stomach disorders and cancer.
Long Island Iced Tea
WHAT’S IN IT: Eristoff vodka, Cointreau, Bacardi Superior rum, Bombay Sapphire gin, Sauza tequila, lemon puree and Coke.
THE BAR: Revolution Vodka Bar, Birmingham.
CALORIES: 320.
COST: £6.25 or a teapot full of it for £15.
UNITS: 3.
BARMAID’S VERDICT: “It’s definitely the favourite for guys. Because it’s got so many spirits in it, it’s deadly.”
DRINKAWARE VERDICT: Coming in at around three units, this cocktail actually contains fewer units of alcohol than others. But one still takes women into their daily unit guidelines.
HEALTH RISK: Fertility issues for men and women.
Sazerac
WHAT’S IN IT: Two shots of 40 per cent Courvoisier brandy, a dash of 35 per cent Peychaud’s Bitters and the glass is lined with 68 per cent absinthe.
THE BAR: The Twisted Lemon, Brighton.
CALORIES: 200.
COST: £6.95 or £4 in happy hour.
UNITS: 2.5 plus.
BARMAN’S VERDICT: “All our cocktails are two and a half shots.
Some are stronger than others but they are all good quality.”
DRINKAWARE VERDICT: This will contain well over 2.5 units. Two of those come from the brandy shots alone.
HEALTH RISK: High alcohol volumes could lead to cirrhosis of the liver.
Prohibition Punch
WHAT’S IN IT: 50ml vodka, 50ml bacardi and 50ml coconut liqueur.
THE BAR: Revolution Vodka Bar, Cardiff.
CALORIES: 310.
COST: £16.
UNITS: 5.5
BARMAN’S VERDICT: “The drink is so popular. It’s definitely my favourite. It doesn’t really taste like a cocktail.”
DRINKAWARE VERDICT: This drink is well over the daily unit guideline amounts for both men and women.
HEALTH RISK: Regularly drinking this means you’re twice as likely to get cancer of the mouth, neck and throat and women are 1.2 times more likely to get breast cancer.
Jagerbomb
WHAT’S IN IT: One 25ml shot of 35 per cent Jagermeister in a large glass of Monster energy drink.
THE BAR: Inferno, Bournemouth.
CALORIES: 170.
COST: Two for £5.
UNITS: 1
BARMAID’S VERDICT: “It’s a herb liqueur. It’s quite popular.”
DRINKAWARE VERDICT: The shot comes in at just under one unit. But there are concerns about the effects of over-consuming energy drinks.
HEALTH RISK: Caffeine is a stimulant which may increase blood pressure, heart rate and, in some cases, cause heart palpitations. Mixing with alcohol may delay the feeling of drunkenness.
Green Vespa
WHAT’S IN IT: A double shot of 57 per cent Plymouth Navy Strength gin, a shot of 68 per cent Pernod absinthe and two-thirds of a shot of 17 per cent aperitif wine.
THE BAR: Refectory Bar, Plymouth.
CALORIES: 245.
COST: £13.50.
UNITS: 5
BARMAN’S VERDICT: “People come here who really enjoy their absinthe. We know they can handle this. We wouldn’t serve it to people who ask, ‘What’s the strongest thing you do?’”
DRINKAWARE VERDICT: This is a strong cocktail and at five units you are almost into the binge drinking category.
HEALTH RISK: Heart and liver disease. This much could also lead to sexual dysfunction.
Absolut Chambulls
WHAT’S IN IT: The pitcher contains one large measure of Absolut Vodka and one 50ml shot, two-thirds of a bottle of 7% sparkling pear wine and one can of Red Bull. Customers can add an extra vodka shot for £1.50.
THE BAR: Revolution Vodka Bar, Reading.
(PER PITCHER) CALORIES: 900.
COST: £17.
UNITS: 8.3.
BARMAID’S VERDICT: “It’s pretty strong. Lots of people like it because of that reason, it’s a popular drink.”
DRINKAWARE VERDICT: If shared by four, each person will have around two units. But if just two people are sharing, it could be dangerous.
HEALTH RISK: The bubbles move the alcohol into your bloodstream quicker, making you more drunk.
myView
By Dr CAROL COOPER Sun Doctor
FANCY cocktails may seem sophisticated, but it’s not classy to knock back drinks that could do serious harm.
Booze loosens inhibitions so large amounts can lead to accidents, mishaps, lapses in judgment and regrets. But alcohol is also toxic to most body organs.
Most people know something about the long-term hazards — famously liver damage. But there can be effects on blood pressure and even fertility.
There are more immediate dangers too. Quaffing too many can cause vomiting and the risk of inhaling vomit, which can kill.
Heavy boozing can also cause loss of consciousness, coma and may stop you breathing altogether.
Bingeing can bring on acute pancreatitis, a painful and dangerous inflammation of the pancreas which needs hospital treatment.
The bottom line is that cocktails often pack a punch and can hit below the belt. And the customer just doesn’t see it coming.
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