Coffee and cola is a budget-friendly and effective option for an energy drink. This “combustible” mixture gives a charge of vivacity and energy. The feeling of excitement will last long enough. This combination is often preferred by people who have to stay up at night due to work or school, as well as partygoers who want to dance all night without feeling tired.
Caffeine in coffee and energy drinks
Rarely does anyone make this mix simply because they suddenly want to try two of their favorite flavors at the same time. Usually the reason is precisely the desire for vigor, when one thing (usually coffee) does not seem very reliable in terms of providing vigor. But you need to understand what kind of mixture you will get.
Caffeine in coffee
One 250 ml cup contains between 80 and 200 mg of caffeine. It depends on the method of preparation, the degree of grinding and roasting, and, to a lesser extent, on the variety and type of beans. Interestingly, light roasts retain more caffeine, while longer roasts burn them. Here are some average data:
- Brewed coffee, 250 ml – 95 mg;
- Espresso, standard serving – 65 mg;
- Americano diluted with water – the same 65 mg;
- Americano from a coffee machine, water is poured longer – 80 mg;
- Latte and cappuccino - since they are made on the basis of espresso - 65 mg or 130 mg in double;
- Soluble – per 200 ml – 30–90 mg.
Few people drink a latte to perk themselves up, so for comparison, we'll use an average cup of Americano as 85-90 mg of caffeine.
Caffeine in energy drinks
For example, let's take the most popular - Red Bull. It is usually associated with a huge boost of caffeine and energy, greater than that of coffee. But in a regular 250-gram jar there is only 80 mg of caffeine.
However, caffeine is not the only stimulant present in Red Bull - there is another compound called taurine, which enhances the effects of caffeine and has some stimulant effects, but the exact effects have not yet been studied.
One can of Red Bull contains 1 gram of taurine, and the maximum amount of taurine an adult can safely consume in one day without risk of serious long-term effects is 3 grams.
Drink recipes
Recipes for making coffee with cola do not require special ingredients or a long time. The great advantage of this type of drink is that there is no specific dosage of products. Everyone prepares energy drinks according to their own tastes and preferences.
With coffee beans
This recipe has the most maximum effect among other similar ones. The drink is made from whole coffee beans.
To prepare an invigorating and aromatic drink for one serving you will need:
- 8 coffee beans (preferably 100% Arabica);
- 100 milliliters of hot boiling water;
- 70 milliliters of carbonated cola;
- 2 medium ice cubes;
- sugar and cream to taste.
Step-by-step preparation procedure:
- Grind coffee beans in a coffee grinder and pour boiling water over them. Let it brew, and then filter the resulting drink. If you have a special coffee machine at home, you can make coffee in it, this will reduce the preparation time by almost half.
- If desired, you can add granulated sugar to hot coffee.
- Hot coffee must be cooled by adding ice cubes.
- Pour in the cream.
- The cola must be poured into the center of the cup.
With instant coffee
The drink prepared according to this recipe is called “Alarm Clock” and it is recommended to “snack” it with a small slice of lemon. Compared to the previous recipe, preparing this drink will take much less time. You can use either granulated instant coffee or a regular powder product.
To prepare one serving of cola with instant coffee you need to take:
- 2 teaspoons (can be reduced to one spoon if desired) instant coffee;
- 120 milliliters of hot boiling water;
- 50 milliliters of cola;
- 2 ice cubes;
- cream as desired and to taste.
The energy drink is prepared according to many recipes
According to this recipe, this drink is prepared in two different ways.
1 way:
- Pour hot boiling water over instant coffee and stir well.
- Cool the prepared coffee and pour the carbonated drink into it in a thin stream.
- Add cream and ice if necessary.
Method 2:
- Do not pour coffee powder into water, but pour it into a saucepan or deep container.
- Pour cola into it carefully, as if poured quickly, it may spill over the edge of the dish due to strong foaming.
- Stir the resulting mixture thoroughly and pour it into a glass.
With cognac
The recipe for energy drink coffee with cola and cognac is designed for gourmets. The finished drink has a dense foam. Sometimes cognac is replaced with vodka; this cocktail is called “Black cuttlefish”. To prevent the alcoholic effect from being too strong, it is best to avoid adding diet cola.
To prepare the energy drink you will need the following ingredients:
- 7 coffee beans;
- 100 milliliters of boiling water;
- 100 milliliters of carbonated cola;
- 25 grams of cognac.
Step-by-step preparation of a coffee cocktail with Pepsi and cognac:
- Brew coffee and cool it.
- Add cognac to the cooled coffee and stir.
- Carefully pour a thin stream of Pepsi into the mixture. Mix again.
With chocolate
This cocktail is called “Chocolate-coffee samba”. The drink is served at parties, as it has a pleasant taste and brings a cheerful and cheerful mood after everyday work.
The composition of the energy drink per serving is as follows:
- 100 milliliters of Pepsi;
- 100 milliliters of low-fat milk;
- 200 milliliters of ready-brewed coffee;
- 50 grams of dark bitter chocolate;
- sugar and cream to taste.
Step-by-step recipe for energy drink coffee with cola and chocolate:
- Melt chocolate and granulated sugar in a water bath.
- Pour brewed and still hot coffee into hot chocolate. Mix.
- Pour milk into the resulting mixture, stirring little by little, and leave the mixture in the refrigerator until it cools completely.
- Cola is added to the cocktail immediately before serving the drink to guests. Carefully pour into the cooled mixture and stir.
- Add cream and a couple of ice cubes to each glass.
With ice cream
In addition to ice cream, this cocktail is usually decorated with various toppings: grated chocolate, nuts, cinnamon. To prepare a delicious energy drink you will need the following ingredients:
- 150 millimeters of ready-brewed coffee;
- 100 milliliters of Pepsi-Cola;
- scoop or 50 grams (preferably vanilla) ice cream;
- nuts, cinnamon, berries or grated chocolate to taste for decoration.
This drink can be prepared in two ways.
1 way:
- Brew coffee and cool.
- Slowly pour the cola into the coffee and stir.
- Add a scoop of ice cream to the prepared mixture and decorate the top with various toppings as desired.
Method 2:
- Cool the brewed coffee and mix it with Pepsi.
- Add ice cream to the mixture and beat the ingredients in a blender until a homogeneous fluffy mass is formed.
- Add ice cubes or decorate the resulting cocktail as you wish.
What happens if you mix and drink coffee with an energy drink?
On the one hand, it may seem that nothing bad will happen. The daily safe dose of caffeine for an adult is 400 mg, and in a cup of coffee and a can of energy drink – 90 + 80 = 170 mg. But there are three important points:
- Taurine will enhance the effect of both stimulants at once.
- A safe dose is designed for a relatively long-lasting effect, spread over time. A single dose is rapidly absorbed into the blood and acts more strongly.
- If you are already tired, have not slept or are stressed, 200 mg is considered a safe dose.
If you do not have obvious problems with the cardiovascular system, you feel well, a single dose of stimulants will not harm. But it’s impossible to say for sure what will happen if you mix coffee with an energy drink when you are weakened or have problems with blood pressure or heart.
Big plus: an overdose of caffeine is very unpleasant and scary, but not fatal. In extreme cases, you can call an ambulance and they will save you.
Negative effects of energy drinks with coffee
In case of an overdose, a sharp increase in pressure is felt, the pulse is pounding, tinnitus is often heard, and dizziness may occur. The body is intoxicated, so nausea may occur as it tries to get rid of the poisoning. The feeling of anxiety, fear and even panic increases sharply, up to a panic attack.
- If you feel sick from the energy drink plus coffee shortly after drinking, try drinking water and inducing vomiting. It would be good to lie down and try to breathe more deeply with fresh air. Usually after 20 minutes the attack begins to subside.
- If the condition does not go away for a long time, it is difficult to breathe, and also if the nasolabial triangle turns blue, speech is confused and slurred, there are short-term blackouts - immediately call an ambulance.
In most cases, if there is no allergy to individual components (they may be in an energy drink that is new to you), everything goes away on its own. Or you will be saved in the hospital by gastric lavage and detoxification.
Why is coffee harmful?
This drink will be the first to be considered, since most people prefer it, believing that it is “not so harmful.” So, how can coffee be harmful?
- Effect on the nervous system . It helps you stay awake. Sleep disruption cannot but affect the nervous system, since the brain will be under stress due to the fact that it should sleep, but is not allowed to. Constant stimulation of this kind depletes nerve tissue, which leads not only to sleep disturbances, but also to unreasonable aggression, paranoia and other disorders. Also, abruptly stopping coffee consumption can lead to insomnia, since the effect of this drink is cumulative.
- Effect on the cardiovascular system . Due to overexcitation of the nervous system, not only the nervous system itself suffers, but also all systems in the body. The heart also bears a heavy load. When the nervous system is excited, the cardiovascular system also becomes excited: pulse and blood pressure increase. When consumed once, it has a short-lived effect, but in people who frequently consume caffeine, it can lead to coronary heart disease.
- Impact on the female body . Caffeine increases the production of adrenaline and cortisol. Their increase leads to hormonal imbalance, which can negatively affect the course of pregnancy. Coffee also negatively affects the development of the fetus: problems with the heart, physical and mental development, and impaired dental growth. There is also a risk of having a child with a caffeine addiction.
- Impact on the male body . With men, everything seems to be simpler: it has an extremely positive effect on potency, but it also has its downsides. Coffee contains many substances that are similar to estrogen, the female hormone. With frequent consumption of the drink, these substances suppress testosterone production. And the harm caused to the cardiovascular system has not been canceled.
- Effect on other systems in the body . It has already been said that coffee negatively affects most systems in the body, but which ones exactly? Firstly, excessive consumption of the drink leaves a very noticeable yellow residue on the teeth. It also causes damage to the skin and hair, which is very important for women. Also, insufficient thyroid hormones reduce immunity. Well, and the most obvious: the liver. It absorbs pesticides and other toxic substances like a sponge.
Is it possible to drink coffee after an energy drink and vice versa?
It’s tempting to drink coffee after a night out and drive or go to school/work. We do not recommend doing this: while the energy drink is affecting your body, you are still not sleeping. Better to wait. Again, the mix may not harm a healthy person, but why take the risk?
Is it possible to drink an energy drink after coffee and what will happen? If you just recently drank your espresso, wait and let it sit. On average, the peak concentration of the substance in the body occurs after about 45–60 minutes, and initial vigor is felt at least after 20 minutes. If you feel so overwhelmed, either give coffee time, or take a nap for 20–30 minutes, there is no need to torment the body. If reserves are depleted, an energy drink will not save you for long.
It is advisable to drink coffee after an energy drink, like an energy drink after coffee, within 4–6 hours, this is the half-life and elimination period.
Is it possible to mix energy drinks with coffee with milk and what will happen?
Dairy products curdle when exposed to acid, which is found in chemical stimulants. You can try it as an experiment by pouring a little energy drink into your cup of latte or cappuccino. Soon a slimy lump, viscous flakes, a thick slippery mass forms in the cup, falling apart. The effect depends on the specific drink, but in general, it is clearly not good not only from the point of view of caffeine, but also for the gastrointestinal tract in general.
Wait at least a couple of hours to eat something to help your stomach digest the latte and food. And only then mix coffee with energy drink.
Myths about coffee
Here are some interesting myths about coffee that you should consider, as many believe them with a sincere heart. But that was not the case; everywhere there are myths.
Coffee sobers you up from alcohol
Unfortunately, coffee has no effect on the amount of alcohol in your blood; you will still be drunk after drinking coffee.
✅Guide to changing yourself .pdf
Espresso contains more caffeine than Americano
Both have the same amount of caffeine, since Americano is just espresso with added water.
Caffeine is only found in coffee
Caffeine is also found in tea and is often used in medicine, for the production of various tablets such as analgesics.
Coffee causes cellulite
I’ve heard about this misconception for a long time, but, thank God, it’s just a myth, so girls, don’t worry about it, but you still stop drinking coffee.
Read the additional article: How to increase self-esteem
What happens if you mix coffee with an energy drink and brew it?
It's amazing how much people experiment in an attempt to get even more energy. Among other things, they try to brew coffee with an energy drink in a Turk, in a geyser, or even in a coffee machine. Heating energy drink does not lead to anything good; rather, during boiling, a significant part of the components disappears.
There is an option to “drip” it through a filter or infuse it in a French press using a stimulant instead of water, but it’s completely unclear why complicate everything. It’s easier to brew coffee and drink two drinks one after the other. Judging by user reviews, when combined, the result is something very tasteless.
Don't forget about chemistry: energy drinks already contain caffeine, therefore, its extraction from coffee beans will be weak. You won't get a double dose of caffeine.
Contraindications and recommended dosages
There are some contraindications to drinking coffee and cola. Energy drinks should not be consumed:
- pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers;
- children under 14 years of age;
- people with kidney, cardiovascular and nervous system diseases.
If there is at least one contraindication, then with the question of whether it is possible to mix a coffee drink and cola, it is better to contact a specialist.
The recommended dosage is 2 sachets of instant coffee or 2 tablespoons of natural coffee per half liter of cola.
What happens if you mix instant coffee with an energy drink?
The effect, in general, is comparable to the effects of natural coffee and stimulants, but there is a nuance. Do not attempt to pour the contents of the sachet into an open jar. There will be a lot of foam, even if it seems to you that the energy drink is not shaken at all. You should mix it into a cup of sufficiently large volume, and then carefully. First pour in the coffee, and then carefully pour in a little energy drink, stir, and then top up. Do not mix on the go, in moving vehicles, etc. Even if you sprinkle a little at a time, the foam will be sudden and abundant.
Definitely do not try to mix the two ingredients in your mouth! And do not mix with 3-in-1 bags, only pure black!
Chemistry of energy
According to one of the authors of Wiki, energy drinks are non-alcoholic or low-alcohol drinks , advertising of which promotes their ability to stimulate a person’s physical and intellectual abilities (not literally). Be that as it may, an energy drink is, first of all, a mixture of chemical components that affect the functioning of the human body. In principle, substances that tone the body have been known to the population of our planet for quite a long time. In the East they consume coffee, in Asia they drink tea, in South America they drink the unusual drink mate, which I will definitely mention later, in Africa they eat cola nuts. In the North-Eastern part of Asia, people are addicted to various stimulant plants: ginseng, eleutherococcus, Chinese lemongrass and aralia.
The first energy drinks appeared at the end of the 20th century, when the “inspiring” Red Bull hit the market. Of course, the Pepsi and Cola conglomerates immediately sensed the threat and began producing their energy drinks - Burn and Adrenaline Rush. Today, with energy drinks, things are not as smooth as they used to be. A couple of overdoses, a couple of deaths, and the governments of different countries sensed the threat. In some countries, energy drinks can only be bought at a pharmacy; in Russia there is an entire article of the law that specifies restrictions on components and sales rules.
The composition of all energy drinks is approximately similar. The origins lie in sucrose and glucose . Sucrose is regular sugar and is broken down into carbohydrates, the body's main source of energy. Glucose is quickly absorbed into the blood and supplies energy to all vital organs. Glucose is also closely related to adrenaline, which is known to stimulate the cardiovascular system. Tonic substances are caffeine (mateine, theine, etc.) , theobromine (cocoa alkaloid) , taurine, guarana, carnitine and many others. Energy drinks also contain a heavy dose of vitamins.
Caffeine is the most popular component of energy drinks, which is a powerful psychostimulant. It gives a temporary effect (about 1-2 hours) - relieves fatigue, drowsiness, accelerates the pulse, etc.
Studies have shown that among people who regularly drink coffee, the suicide rate is significantly lower than among those who neglect this drink.
Theobromine is a cocoa alkaloid that is found in small doses even in chocolate. In principle, the substance is poisonous, but after chemical treatment it is quite tonic.
Taurine is a derivative of cysteine (an amino acid). Stimulates the activity of the nervous system, accelerates metabolism, etc. It is synthesized in the body independently.
Carnitine is something like a B vitamin. It is synthesized in the body independently and affects metabolism.
Ginseng and guarana are natural stimulants found in plants. They contain the same caffeine, so the effect is similar.
Mate – contains matein, which has the same effect as coffee.
In general, the list could go on forever. In one jar of energy, almost the entire periodic table. I don’t think it’s worth telling how all these components work. In a nutshell, caffeine-like substances accelerate the blood, which already contains a shock dose of vitamins and other “energy” substances that accelerate metabolism, the breakdown of carbohydrates, and brain and muscle function. But this is, in essence, the removal of a large amount of energy from the body overnight, after which total fatigue sets in.
Is it possible to mix coffee with a decaffeinated energy drink, what will happen?
This is still rare in stores, but you can already buy energy drinks that do not contain caffeine. In general, they are intended for people with hypersensitivity to this stimulant. In terms of caffeine overdose, such mixes are, of course, safe, but there are other compounds and ingredients that do not always interact predictably with caffeine.
We do not recommend mixing coffee with energy drinks. In any case, carefully monitor your condition, and it is better to generally prefer one type of stimulation rather than mixing everything possible.
For whom are energy drinks contraindicated?
Not everyone can drink energy drinks. For example, they are completely contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as well as for children under 14 years of age. Due to stimulation of metabolic processes and activation of brain activity, energy drinks are prohibited for people with mental and neurological disorders. They are also not recommended for patients with serious heart and gastrointestinal diseases.
If you really need to cheer up, increase concentration and relieve fatigue, it is better to use safer methods. In particular, it is necessary to provide the body with a good night's rest and spend more time in the fresh air. It is better to replace energy drinks with herbal and vitamin teas, fruit juices or clean water. It is also necessary to adhere to the principles of proper nutrition and engage in moderate physical activity.
By following these simple rules, you will be able to completely eliminate the need to use energy drinks without loss of vigor and performance.
Let's sum it up
- From a single dose of coffee and energy drinks, the consequences usually do not appear or are mild if the person is relatively healthy.
- There will be no overdose of caffeine, but individual reactions to combinations of components are possible.
- You can drink an energy drink after coffee 4-6 hours later, it will be safe. This also works in the opposite direction.
- If you add coffee to an energy drink, it will not taste good. Brewing and infusing is the same, but it still doesn’t make sense.
- Is it possible to have coffee with milk after an energy drink? No. The liquid will coagulate in the stomach.
You won't get any super effect from the mix. If you need a powerful dose of a stimulant to perk you up, choose one (hint: coffee is definitely healthier than energy drinks). And once again: even if you feel very bad, you won’t die from this unless you have a serious allergy, so rinse your stomach or call an ambulance if it’s very bad and scary, and they will help you.
Sweet killer
According to the same Consumer Reports, Red Bull and Monster contain about 27 grams of sugar per can. Rockstar brings this figure to 30 grams. One teaspoon contains about 5 grams. That is, imagine that 6 teaspoons of sugar were added to one bottle of energy drink. Why is this being done? And should we be afraid of problems with teeth, which is what mothers so often like to scare with a sweet tooth?
When glucose enters the bloodstream, insulin and sugar levels instantly jump to impossible heights. The person's mood rises. He feels good and has fun. Together with invigorating substances, you want to move mountains. The only problem is that the effect is short-term. And behind him comes fatigue, even greater than before. The nervous system has suffered increased stress, and the body requires rest. But the man drinks another can of energy drink. Because “something is making me sleepy again.” By the way, a similar mechanism of metabolic processes occurs if you drink coffee with Coca-Cola, albeit on a smaller scale.
If blood sugar levels are constantly elevated, hyperglycemia develops. And caries is even the least of the troubles. This condition depresses brain function, leading to dementia, and also provokes diabetes.