Researchers Linked Homemade Borg Cocktails to Binge Drinking
A study found that college students consuming borgs often drink more alcohol and experience more negative health effects.
Updated on Oct. 4, 2026 in Cocktails
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Researchers have linked the consumption of homemade cocktails known as borgs to high-intensity drinking patterns among U.S. college students. The study reveals that these students consume significantly more alcohol compared to those who do not use the mixture.
Why it matters
While some students once perceived borgs as a harm-reduction tool to control intake, findings show these containers often facilitate excessive alcohol consumption. The trend remains popular, with a majority of participants indicating they plan to use them again.
Borg-drinkers consumed an average of 9.4 alcoholic beverages, significantly higher than the 6.3 drinks reported by non-borg binge drinkers. Furthermore, 29% of participants reported blacking out, 59% admitted to embarrassing behavior, and 17% reported vomiting.
The players
Amelia McCoun
Amelia McCoun is an individual who provided public commentary on the rise of borg usage among students in 2023.
University of Massachusetts Amherst
The University of Massachusetts Amherst is a public research university that experienced a notable incident involving student alcohol intoxication in 2023.
The details
Students prepare these cocktails by mixing liquor, water, supplements, and flavorings in repurposed milk jugs for consumption throughout the day. Participants frequently share their containers or taste the concoctions of other partygoers, which contributes to the social nature of the trend.
Timeline
In 2023, dozens of students at the University of Massachusetts Amherst required treatment for alcohol intoxication.
In 2023, Amelia McCoun provided commentary regarding the use of borgs.
Sixty-eight percent of study subjects expressed an intention to use a borg again within the next year.
Culture Shift
This trend highlights a transition toward communal, high-intensity drinking containers that prioritize social visibility over personal intake control. The behavior mirrors broader shifts in campus social culture, where DIY cocktail trends are fueled by social media and group socialization.
Students and parents should be aware that the communal nature of borg usage often leads to unintended high-volume alcohol consumption. Users should note that sharing jugs significantly alters the ability to track the total amount of liquor ingested throughout the day.
The takeaway
While borgs are often viewed as fun social tools, the associated high-intensity drinking behaviors present clear risks for blackouts and intoxication. Establishing personal boundaries for alcohol consumption remains the safest strategy when participating in social gatherings.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest trends in Cocktails and how they are impacting social behavior.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WGN-TV.
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