People have been mixing alcohol and caffeine for a long time whether it’s a rum and coke or vodka and Red Bull. So it was only natural that liquor and beer companies would come up with their own caffeinated concoctions, such as JETT Vodka, Liquid Charge and Joose.

Now some regulators and advocacy groups are claiming that the practice needs to be regulated more, stating that caffeine and alcohol are a dangerous combination.

Some scientific research indicates that people who consume caffeine and alcohol may increase their risk of alcohol-related injuries or other problems. A Wake Forest University study published last year found that 24% of college students who drink reported mixing caffeinated beverages and alcohol-such as Red Bull with vodka-in the previous month. The study found that those who did were more likely than someone who drank noncaffeinated alcoholic beverages to experience negative consequences such as an alcohol-related injury, getting into a car with a drunken driver or being taken advantage of sexually.

Some critics are calling for a ban, while others simply want labeling laws. A ban seems extreme, especially considering that there are rules about how high the caffeine content can be on these drinks. But accurate labeling doesn’t sound too onerous. Check out the article on the topic at the Wall Street Journal and let us know what you think.

Buzz Kill? Critics Target Alcohol-Caffeine Drinks (@ Wall Street Journal)

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