Borg-anized chaos: Staying safe at Bacchanal

With Columbia’s exciting tradition of Bacchanal approaching, here’s what you need to know about “blackout rage gallons” and how to drink safely.

Photo by Abedha Syeema/The Barnard Bulletin

By Katie Denissen

April 4, 2025

Bacchanal is one of Columbia’s most anticipated events. Originally named “Spring Weekend,” this iconic concert dates back to 1964 and over the years has featured performances from popular artists such as Snoop Dogg, Doechii, Vampire Weekend, and Ty Dolla $ign. With this event comes the rising trend of blackout rage gallons, commonly referred to as BORGs. Seen all over TikTok and college campuses, these oversized mixed drinks are popular for their customizable flavors and clever names (e.g. “Soulja Borg,” “Anthony Borgdain,” and “Wouldn’t you like to know, weatherborg”). But, despite their name, can BORGs be used responsibly?

A BORG is made by mixing alcohol — often up to a fifth (750 ml) of vodka or another spirit — with water, flavoring, and sometimes electrolytes such as MiO or Liquid I.V. in a gallon jug. While a common assumption is that adding water and electrolytes makes BORGs safer by increasing hydration by helping the body retain water, BORGs can still lead to dangerous alcohol consumption. A full fifth of liquor equals roughly 16 shots, which can quickly raise blood alcohol concentration to risky or even deadly levels. The masked taste provided by the added flavoring can also lead to faster consumption without realizing how much alcohol one has had.

Many people have recently started to opt for BORGs over more frequent smaller drinks for events like festivals or darties for a plethora of reasons, from having an avenue to get creative with names and flavors to having a self-contained, self-carried, and self-capped drink. However, BORGs can come with many risks. They can also create a false sense of security — while the cap may help prevent drink tampering, it doesn’t necessarily prevent overconsumption. 

If you do choose to make a BORG this Bacchanal, here are some harm reduction tips:

1. Limit alcohol content: You don’t need a full fifth — use less alcohol or skip it entirely. No one will know if your BORG is mostly or all water!

2. Use a smaller container: Opting for a half-gallon or liter-sized bottle over a full gallon can reduce alcohol intake while keeping hydration benefits.

3. Pace yourself: This drink may have been initially inspired by a need to blackout while drinking, but you don’t have to! Following the traditional one-drink-an-hour rule gets a bit tricky when it comes to BORGs, but listen to your body and take it slow.

4. Hydrate: Drinking water before, during, and after drinking alcohol helps prevent dehydration and hangovers.

5. Know the signs of overdose: Be there for your friends and your peers. If someone is vomiting while unconscious, has slowed breathing, or is unresponsive, call 911 immediately — Columbia’s and Barnard’s medical amnesty policies ensure students won’t face disciplinary action for seeking help for emergencies related to drugs or alcohol.

   
   

BORGs may seem like a fun Bacchanal staple, but knowing the risks and setting limits can make sure the only thing you’re blacking out is your calendar for an unforgettable (and safe) festival experience.