Party drink tailor-made for Aussies raises stink

Melbourne, July 13 : A new drink being launched in Australia is sparking fears that it will encourage binge drinking among the young partygoers.

The "p.i.n.k. vodka", which has a combination of vodka with caffeine-packed guarana and has 40 per cent alcohol has been marketed as "the perfect party spirit".

The US-made spirit, available in 750ml bottles and which will sell for about 70 dollars, is likely to be available in Queensland pubs and clubs within weeks.

According to international sales manager for distributor Global Beverage Marketers, Marius Mierzejewski, the drink with its "exciting components", was "tailor-made for the Australian market".

However, the Australian Medical Association has warned that the drink has "a lot of harm potential".

"There is an addiction potential with caffeine," News.com.au quoted AMA spokesman John Gullotta as saying.

"Mixing these things together, there is the potential for more harm and more side-effects in some people," he stated.

Dr Gullotta further revealed his concerns that the spirit would be marketed "as a trendy drink which will appeal to young people".

The drink, with its combination of vodka, guarana and caffeine, has the potential of making people binge drink in the hope of attaining a "magical buzz", Paul Dillon, from Drug and Alcohol Research and Training Australia stated.

"Most probably will get a bit of a kick from it, but when it doesn't do the magical things people think it will, they drink more," Dillon said.

"It promotes dangerous drinking because the reality can never live up to the hype," he added.

ANI