Drinkers of caffeinated alcoholic drinks are more likely to binge drink, ride with an intoxicated driver, become injured or be taken advantage of sexually than drinkers of non-caffeinated alcoholic drinks, according to a 2007 study conducted at Wake Forest University.
Sparks contain 6-7% alcohol by volume, as opposed to regular beer, which typically has 4% or 5% alcohol. Also unlike beer, Sparks' appeal to young people is enhanced by its sweet citrusy taste, redolent of SweeTarts candy, and the bright color of orange soda. (Sparks Light also contains the artificial sweetener sucralose). In October, MillerCoors plans to release Sparks Red, which will have 8% alcohol by volume.