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Caffeinated Alcoholic Beverages

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Caffeinated Alcoholic Beverages (CABs) are premixed beverages that combine alcohol, caffeine, and other stimulants. They may be malt- or distilled-spirits-based and usually have higher alcohol content than beer (i.e., 5%-12% on average for CABs and 4%-5% for beer). The caffeine content in these beverages is usually not reported.9

• CABs have experienced rapid growth in popularity since being introduced into the marketplace. For example, two leading brands of CABs together experienced a 67-fold increase in sales, from 337,500 gallons in 2002 (the first year of significant CAB production) to 22,905,000 gallons in 2008.10

• Currently, more than 25 brands of CABs are sold in a variety of U.S. retail alcohol outlets, including many convenience stores.9

• CABs are heavily marketed in youth-friendly media (e.g., on web sites with downloadable images) and with youth-oriented graphics and messaging (e.g., connected with extreme sports or other risk-taking behaviors).11