The Giant Drink Trend On Instagram Is Actually Really Dangerous

Super-sized alcoholic drinks have been ~everywhere~ on social media lately. You’ve probably seen one of the following: Bloody Marys served in mammoth margarita glasses, Moscow Mules in copper tubs, and Fish Bowl punches that contain an entire bottle of vodka. Yeesh. Of course, these drinks are meant to be shared with friends over appetizers. But according to health professionals, oversized beverages can be breeding grounds for germs.

If you’re not careful, the “bigger is better” mentality could get you into some serious trouble.

Delish spoke to a New York City-based immunologist who said that sharing drinks can cause a host of health problems, such as “viral illnesses such as common colds and upper respiratory viral infections and Epstein-Barr Virus [Mono].” Gross.

“We are learning more and more about the oral microbiome and commensal bacteria [aka harmless mouth bacteria] present in the mouth of every person,” the doctor said. They added that there is usually some exchange of this bacteria from person to person when drinks are shared, some of which could cause “dental caries,” or tooth decay, if transferred to someone else’s mouth. However, “There is not enough evidence to yet support this,” the immunologist shared.

Still… we don’t like that bacteria-caused tooth decay is even a theory that’s on the table.

Then again, this spit-swapping happens when we kiss someone, too. And after kissing a few people in our day, our teeth are still doing okay.

If you’re fine with throwing caution to the wind and want to share one of these booze bowls, the doc recommends keeping your straw to yourself to minimize the swapping of spit. Fair enough.

Similar to sharing lip products, sharing straws could transmit cold sores. Mayo Clinic dermatologist Dr. Dawn Davis says that even if a person doesn’t have actual sores, they can still carry and pass on the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1).

When mega-drinks look this good, we’re willing to take a risk. Bring on the bacteria.

Who wouldn’t want to sip alcohol out of a rain boot? That is fun!

And this St. Patty’s Day drink is served in a literal pot of gold. We’re in awe.

The fact that there is only one straw in this pitcher-sized margarita is making us nervous. Sip it slow, people.

This drink is called “Trashcan.” We’ve never connected to something so strongly.

Look at it. Just look at it.

Somebody save that lizard! It’s drowning in “Swamp Water!”

Is this… Is this even edible?

Howl at the Moon knows what’s up. The handles are very handy.

This color is not natural. But we don’t care.

This is truly just dessert. Or maybe an appetizer…?

Now this is how you share a cocktail without swapping spit. Genius. Pure genius.

When you’re out to have a good time, chances are you’re not thinking about exchanging mouth bacteria with your BFFs. But perhaps just poll the group to see if anyone has the sniffles before ordering a shared drink for the table.