‘Blackout in a can’ drink sparks debate in China

Four Loko a fruit-flavoured alcoholic beverage has been met with criticism with netizens dubbing it the “lose virginity” drink due to its high alcohol content.

A Four Loko advertised by an online retailer – though presumably the retailer has other brands © Taobao

As reported by the BBC, the American brand, Four Loko has quickly become infamous on Chinese social media after three women allegedly smuggled the drink into a karaoke bar, passed out after drinking it and had their belongings stolen.

Known as “blackout in a can” in the US because of its relatively high alcohol content (12%) in a 695ml serving, Four Loko has inspired several bloggers posting videos of themselves drinking it with those appearing the most drunk garnering tens of thousands of views.

Four Loko contains carbonated water, sugar, natural and artificial flavouring and used to contain caffeine, guarana and taurine until the company, Drink Four Brewing removed them after the Food and Drug Administration raised concerns.

However, it hasn’t stopped the Chinese from drinking it – and discussing their experiences online. Some claim it’s so potent that people pass out after just one can.

One user, Zhou Zeyu reported: “Four Loko you’re really powerful – I got drunk on just two glasses.”

However, another user, Cheng Xiaotian posted on microblog Sina Weibo, wrote (sounding rather disappointed): “Four Loko? A ‘lose virginity’ drink? Haha, I drank a whole can and several cans of beer – yet my face isn’t flushed and my heart isn’t pounding.”

State news agency, Xinhua wrote that one can is the equivalent to 4.7 cups of vodka, 4.7 bottles of beer or 4.7 glasses of red wine and advised: “Whether you’re male or female, if someone at a party tries to force you to drink Four Loko, you should be alert and stay away from them.”

One moderating article apparently circulated online, encouraging people to avoid the pressures of drinking by pretending to be on medication or toasting people with tea instead.

However, in a country where drinking is seen as essential in brokering business deals, entertaining clients and all celebrations, this prudent guidance might be quite hard to follow.