Borg drinks have become a staple of the Gen Z party scene. The gallon-sized mugs filled with the owner’s choice of mixed drink were initially lauded as responsible drinking. Some Gen Z drinkers claim that Borg drinks minimize the chance of drugs being mixed into drinks and avoid sharing.
But drinking trends are a bit more complicated than meets the eye.
What does borg stand for?
Borg drinkers spell out BORG by drinking “Blackout Rage Gallons,” and many Borg drinkers like to know what their gallon is and decorate it to show off their Borg personality.
What does the Borg have?
Produced in a gallon-sized jug, the drink typically consists of liqueur, mixers, water, and electrolyte boosters. A traditional Borg starts with a dedicated jug of water, with the mixologist leaving a quarter to half of the water in the gallon-sized jug, from which the other ingredients are added.
Fans of Borg believe it helps prevent dehydration and hangovers, and with countless “recipes” available on social media, many have adapted it to their own tastes.
@drinkowithrico How to make BORG!🍹🔥 #borg #drink #borgrecipe #college #party #springbreak #mio #drinks #lifehack #stpatricksday #borgrecipes #fyp ♬ Ships to Boston – Raglan Road
How are Borg drinks different from other bulk drinks?
The idea of making large quantities of drinks to enjoy during a party isn’t new, but old-fashioned punch bowls require sharing drinks and come with risks, especially since the way older generations made punch bowls—in large plastic containers, bathtubs, or sinks—could be unsanitary.
@kaicameronn I can confirm that I’m going there #borg #borgs #college #darty #fyp ♬ original sound – prettygirlkc.
Although drinking borg has a personal element and is considered more hygienic as it is not shared with others, concerns remain over the amount consumed.
Is drinking Borg dangerous?
Drinking borg may have some hygiene benefits, but it’s not great for your body: Many people don’t measure their borg, so the drink can still contain dangerous amounts of alcohol.
Some recipes suggest adding as much as 1/5 of a bottle of your chosen liquor, which equates to more than 15 shots. Many young people don’t drink that much on a night out (and shouldn’t!) For these reasons alone, borg drinks can quickly become dangerous.
@tiktok.collegedoc What I love and hate about BORG! #collegedoc #doctorsoftiktok #BORG #blackoutdrinking #alcoholrisks #blackoutragegallon #fyp #doctorthoughts #collegelife #collegedrinking ♬ Original Sound – Jill Grimes, MD
There’s also the peer pressure factor pointed out by those who don’t approve of drinking on borgs. How much you drink throughout the night is visible to others you’re with. You might drink faster to avoid carrying around a heavy 1-gallon bottle for a long day or night of partying. Some borgs contain caffeine, which increases the risk and renders most efforts at staying hydrated futile.
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*First published: May 27, 2024, 5:50 PM CST
Angela Andaloro
Angela Andaloro is a proud chronicler of all things online shenanigans. Her work has appeared in Entertainment Weekly, PEOPLE, BuzzFeed, and more.