Feds Nix Approval For Instant Cocktail Palcohol

by The Drink Nation on Apr 23, 2014 in Culture
Feds Nix Approval For Instant Cocktail Palcohol

Don’t hold your breath waiting for Palcohol to show up on the shelves at your favorite booze store anytime soon. Earlier this month, it seemed as if the the powdered, instant cocktail concoction was a sure thing after it got the go-ahead from the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau.

But just as quickly as it received approval, that same federal agency rescinded its decision, stating that it was made in error.

Palcohol’s buzz began building in early April after it was announced that the just-add-water mixed-drink had gained the regulatory agency’s approval, and would soon start shipping. Like Kool-Aid, Palcohol goes from a powdery substance to seemingly palatable beverage when combined with water. The only difference is, mixed in within its granulated flavorings and sweeteners, are tiny hollow orbs filled with firewater, which dissolve in water, giving the mixture an alcohol kick. Proposed flavors include vodka and tonic, Cosmopolitan, Lemon Drop, Kamikaze and Margarita.

At issue is the packaging, according to Palcohol parent Lipsmark LLC. A company spokesperson said there’s a discrepancy with the fill level — or how much powder is actually in the packet. But the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau is reportedly staying mum on the matter.

Meanwhile, there’s been considerable chatter on the web and social media concerning Palcohol and the chances it has to actually come to market. Since most rules concerning liquor, its sale and consumption are prescribed at the state level, Lipsmark LLC would have to clear a tremendous amount of legal hurdles to get its products on store shelves.

Further complicating matters is a page on the Palcohol website that suggested the powdered drink could be easily smuggled into places where alcohol is not permitted, or places where it’s sold with a significantly marked up price, like concerts, sports arenas, cruise ships and hotels. What’s more, the page, which has since been removed, also stated that the product could be snorted, but discouraged that with a statement that Palcohol should only be enjoyed responsibly. According to NBC News, beverage industry attorney and author of the booze law blog BevLaw.com Robert Lehrman argues that this could keep the powdered mixed drink from ever seeing the light of day.

 


Tags: Cocktails, News, Spirits
Recent Articles
spacer

Feedback

How are we doing? Tell us what you like or don't like and how we can improve. We would love to hear your thoughts!

*Name:
*E-mail:
*Suggestions:
 
Behind the Bar: Liana Oster of Dante

Behind the Bar: Liana Oster of Dante

For this exciting installment of Behind the Bar, we had the incredible opportunity to sit down with Liana Oster, the head bartender at Dante in New Yo...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jan 7, 2020
Pabst Blue Ribbon Launches Blue Ribbon Whiskey in Select US Markets

Pabst Blue Ribbon Launches Blue Ribbon Whiskey in Select US Markets

PBR has launched their own whiskey. Let's keep an open mind and see what is inside this bottle....read more ›

by Carrie Dow Sep 24, 2019
The Master Sommelier Scandal is Now the Subject of a New Investigative Series

The Master Sommelier Scandal is Now the Subject of a New Investigative Series

There's a new investigative series about one of the biggest scandals to ever hit the wine world....read more ›

by The Drink Nation Sep 13, 2019
SPONSORED
Drink Nation Store Rectangle
Using Peas to Make Gin Might Lead to More Environmentally Friendly Spirits, Studies Show

Using Peas to Make Gin Might Lead to More Environmentally Friendly Spirits, Studies Show

Scientists may have discovered a more environmentally friendly way to make one of the world's most popular spi...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jul 23, 2019
Drink a Classic Cocktail for a Good Cause During Negroni Week, June 24-30

Drink a Classic Cocktail for a Good Cause During Negroni Week, June 24-30

Negroni Week 2019 is June 24-30, so drink this classic cocktail for a good cause....read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jun 19, 2019
What to Do if Your Uber, Lyft, or Cab Driver Ever Strays From Your Destination or Makes You Feel in Danger

What to Do if Your Uber, Lyft, or Cab Driver Ever Strays From Your Destination or Makes You Feel in Danger

If you're taking an Uber, Lyft, or cab and feel unsafe, there are steps you can take to protect yourself....read more ›

by Nina Starner Jun 19, 2019
Behind the Bar: Kat Corbo of The Study & Winner of Speed Rack 2019

Behind the Bar: Kat Corbo of The Study & Winner of Speed Rack 2019

This time on Behind the Bar, we spoke to Kat Corbo of The Study, who recently won Speed Rack 2019....read more ›

by The Drink Nation May 15, 2019
Boston Beer & Dogfish Head Have Merged in a $300 Million Deal

Boston Beer & Dogfish Head Have Merged in a $300 Million Deal

In a huge move for the American craft beer community, Boston Beer and Dogfish Head have agreed to a merger valued at $300 million dollars. ...read more ›

by The Drink Nation May 10, 2019
A New, High-End Blend of Jack Daniel's Whiskey is Now Available in the United States

A New, High-End Blend of Jack Daniel's Whiskey is Now Available in the United States

A new, high-end blend of Jack Daniel's whiskey, known as Jack Daniel's No. 27 Gold, which was previously only ...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Apr 15, 2019
Coopers' Craft Bourbon Is Now Available in 12 States With a New Barrel Reserve Expression

Coopers' Craft Bourbon Is Now Available in 12 States With a New Barrel Reserve Expression

Coopers' Craft Kentucky Straight Bourbon has debuted an entirely new label design, has expanded to more states...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Apr 3, 2019
SPONSORED
Drink Nation Home Bar Project Bottom Rectangle 2
View all Articles

Sign up to get weekly drinking news, bar reviews, events and more sent directly to your inbox!

Close