One of the latest TikTok crazes involves making huge cocktail mixes in kitchen sinks, with the sink drink trend accumulating over 145 million posts on the app. This sink drink meme has taken the platform by storm, with many users showcasing their elaborate drink creations.
In one viral clip with almost 58 million views, content creator thetipsybartender, known for his boozy recipes, demonstrated how he makes his famous ‘Jungle Juice’ recipe right in his kitchen sink. This sink drink TikTok video garnered over 5.1 million likes, with many viewers expressing shock at the unusual location for preparing the drink. “I’m sorry, excuse me? In the sink?” one person questioned. “It looks good but not in the SINK,” another added.
Despite the trend’s popularity, Dr. Gareth Nye, a Programme Lead for Medical Science, spoke to Magnet Kitchens to warn people against participating in it. He highlighted the health risks associated with preparing drinks in kitchen sinks, emphasizing that they are typically riddled with bacteria and other pathogens.
“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,” he said. “A study from The National Sanitation Foundation found that 45% of kitchen sinks tested positive for coliform bacteria such as E. coli, and 27% contained molds which are known to cause allergic reactions and respiratory issues. Also, most drains have some form of blockage, usually from grease or fat.”
Dr. Nye explained that this can foster bacterial growth, including pathogens like E. coli and Salmonella, which may ascend into the sink area. He continued: “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.”
Instead of making drinks in your sink, Magnet Kitchens recommends using it as an ice bucket to store cans and bottles of champagne and beer, keeping them cool. This alternative is both safer and more hygienic.
This is just the latest in a series of TikTok trends right now being warned against by experts. Recently, doctors also spoke out against the ‘anti-sunscreen’ campaign trend, highlighting the potential health risks.
While the sink drink trend may seem fun and easy, it’s important to consider the health risks involved. Ensuring a clean and safe environment for food and drink preparation is crucial to avoid potential bacterial infections and other health issues. Despite its popularity on TikTok trending right now, making drinks in the sink poses significant risks that are better avoided.
