Powdered alcohol can now be mixed into drinks.
According to USA Today, the U.S. federal government has approved a new brand of powdered alcohol, "Palcohol." The alcohol comes in a powdered form that can be stirred into beverages or sprinkled over food.
The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) approved seven new versions of Palcohol, including Margarita, Lemon Drop, Mojito, and Cosmopolitan flavors. Palcohol, which already exists in countries like Germany and Japan, will reportedly hit shelves this fall.
According to the company's website, each pouch of powder is equivalent to one shot of alcohol. The powder is mixed in with five ounces of water, or with five ounces of one's favorite mixer, such as cranberry juice or soda. Palcohol was invented by Mark Phillips, who said he wanted to create an easy way to relax and enjoy an adult beverage.
The company's website said the product is a solution to the rising cost of liquid alcohol - "What's worse than going to a concert, sporting event, etc. and having to pay $10, $15, $20 for a mixed drink with tax and tip. Are you kidding me?!" a statement from the company initially read. "Take Palcohol into the venue and enjoy a mixed drink for a fraction of the cost."
Palcohol later changed the wording and information on the site.
"We were caught off guard with the release of some of our labels by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB)," the site said. "As a result, people visited this website that we thought was under the radar because we had not made a formal announcement of Palcohol. ... Clearly, this site isn't finished.... More information will be forthcoming."
Specialist alcohol licensing firm Lehrman Beverage Law, PLLC, is "absolutely astonished" that Palcohol approved the product and stated that it "seems highly likely to raise a large number of legal issues and controversies."
Officials warn consumers about using the product before driving. One consumer reportedly asked the company whether it was okay to snort the powder, leading the company to quickly ask everyone to please not do that.
"We have seen comments about goofballs wanting to snort it. Don't do it! It is not a responsible or smart way to use the product. To take precautions against this action, we've added volume to the powder so it would take more than a half of a cup of powder to get the equivalent of one drink up your nose. You would feel all pain for little gain. Just use it the right way."
