Are you ready to get your drink on by mixing a packet of powder into plain water? Many people who love spirits are rejoicing as it was announced this week that alcohol is finally available in powdered form. The powder, which will be called Palcohol, can be mixed into six ounces of fluid, such as water or juice, for an instant libation. The flavors which have been approved for sale include plain rum, plain vodka, and sweetened versions such as Powderita and Cosmopolitan. The Powderita is similar to a margarita. A fifth flavor, called lemon drop, has not yet been approved.
As with all things fun and novel, Palcohol has created a moral panic and has already been banned in several states. Naysayers are worried that the powder packets could be abused more easily than liquid alcohol. Concerns have been raised that people could spike someone’s drink, that teens could try to snort the powder, and that people could try to smuggle the packets into concert and sports venues, thus reducing companies’ profits from drink sales. Numerous lawmakers are trying to get the product banned in every state, and at least 12 states are either considering a ban or already have a ban in place.
Authorities involved in the industry explain that one of the reasons to ban the powder is that they have a lack of understanding over the potential “dangers” of the product. They say that they are not experienced with alcohol in powdered form and only understand it when it is in liquid form.
Palcohol company president Mark Phillips says that he got the idea for the powdered alcohol drink mix because he is an outdoorsman who was looking for a convenient way to enjoy a drink after a long hike. The powder packets can be carried much more easily in a backpack than can heavy bottles, he states, which would weigh down a camper or hiker in a prohibitive fashion.
Phillips vehemently denies that his product is any more dangerous than liquid alcohol. He states that the lawmakers who want to ban Palcohol are “completely ignorant” to the truth and that their letters to the FDA about their fears over the product were “riddled with inaccuracies and irresponsible statements.”
Phillips says he did not create Palcohol to make it easier to abuse, but that the bag itself is designed to be a convenient glass, and the drink is supposed to be mixed right in the bag, not used for illegal purposes. He says that the public perception about Palcohol being utilized negatively is “unfounded.” He further states that Palcohol has many positive applications for society. “We need to act now” to stop the product from being banned, he says, “before ignorance determines our future.” Watch Phillips defend his product in the video below, and weigh in to let us know what you think about alcohol finally being available in powdered form.