‘Sink Drink’ TikTok Trend—A Recipe for Illness According To Experts

This is a dangerous trend.

Sophia

• Published in Interesting
• July 22, 2024

TikTok is buzzing with yet another viral trend, but this one could lead to serious health issues, according to medical experts. The ‘sink drink’ trend has users mixing large batches of cocktails directly in their kitchen sinks.

While this might seem like a fun and novel way to prepare drinks for a party, it has raised significant health concerns.

The Rise of the ‘Sink Drink’ Trend

From lip-syncing and viral dances to get-ready-with-me (GRWM) videos and unique food hacks, TikTok is a hotbed of viral content. The latest craze involves creating massive cocktail concoctions in the kitchen sink. This trend, tagged with over 145 million posts, has captivated users looking for creative ways to entertain.

One of the most popular videos comes from @thetipsybartender, also known as Skyy John. In his viral clip, which has garnered more than 58 million views, Skyy prepares his famous ‘Jungle Juice’ in his sink.

The video shows him mixing various alcohols and mixers, creating a large, colorful drink that looks perfect for a summer party. However, not everyone is on board with the idea of using the sink as a mixing bowl.

Comments like "I'm sorry, excuse me? In the sink?" and "It looks good but not in the SINK" highlight the skepticism from some viewers.

The Health Risks Involved

Dr. Gareth Nye, a Programme Lead for Medical Science, has sounded the alarm on this trend, warning that it could lead to serious health issues. According to Dr. Nye, the kitchen sink is one of the dirtiest places in the home, often harboring a range of harmful bacteria.

“The kitchen sink is normally considered one of the riskiest places in the kitchen as it’s the place we deposit cooked and uncooked food waste, and wash our hands after touching raw meats and other spillages,” Dr. Nye explains.

He references a study from The National Sanitation Foundation, which found that 45 percent of kitchen sinks tested positive for coliform bacteria such as E. coli, and 27 percent contained molds known to cause allergic reactions and respiratory issues.

Bacterial Breeding Grounds

Dr. Nye further explains that most drains have some form of blockage, usually from grease or fat, creating a breeding ground for bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella. These bacteria can easily make their way up into the sink area, contaminating anything that comes into contact with it.

This means that mixing drinks in the sink can expose them to millions of bacteria, posing a significant health risk.

“Ultimately, you are using your kitchen sink to get rid of things and you are likely facing millions of bacteria in and around the sink and plug hole,” Dr. Nye emphasizes. This makes the sink a highly unsuitable place for preparing anything that will be consumed, especially drinks.

Safer Alternatives for Drink Preparation

If you’re keen on using your sink for entertaining, Dr. Nye suggests a safer alternative: using the sink as an ice bucket. By filling the sink with ice and using it to cool drinks, you can keep your beverages cold without risking contamination.

This method keeps the drinks sealed in their containers, away from the potentially hazardous sink environment.

While the ‘sink drink’ trend may seem like a fun and convenient way to prepare large batches of cocktails, the health risks involved make it a questionable choice. The kitchen sink, with its high levels of bacteria and potential for contamination, is far from an ideal location for drink preparation.

Medical experts like Dr. Gareth Nye recommend finding safer methods to entertain guests and enjoy your summer parties without compromising health.

As TikTok continues to churn out new trends, it’s essential to approach them with caution and consider the potential health implications. The ‘sink drink’ trend serves as a reminder that not all viral content is safe or advisable, and it’s always wise to prioritize hygiene and safety, especially when it comes to food and drink preparation.

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Sophia