Child Accidentally Sent to School With Canned Martini In Lunch Box
Metro Atlanta police issued a warning to parents after someone accidentally packed a Cutwater Lemon Drop Martini in their student's lunch.
"Before you send them babies off to school ... CHECK. THE. LUNCHBOX," the City of South Fulton Police Department wrote in a February 25 Facebook post.
Police shared a photo of the lunch box contents. A bag of Doritos sat below some other food items. Next to it sat a Cutwater Lemon Drop Martini in a can.
Police Had Some Words
"That is NOT a Capri Sun. That is NOT Apple Juice. That is a whole 'Parent had a long night' starter pack," police wrote.
"Now little Johnny done pulled up to 3rd period talking about: 'Who want fruit snacks?' knowing good and well he got a Lemon Drop Martini in the zipper pocket. TIGHTEN UP TWIN!"
The post got attention. Because a parent accidentally packed an alcoholic beverage in their child's school lunch. And police decided to address it with humor while making a serious point.
The Actual Warning
Police acknowledged that "mornings can be hectic." But they asked parents to double-check what their children are bringing to school each morning. From their lunch to their homework. So their child isn't "the only one in the cafeteria with a beverage that requires an ID."
Police didn't disclose which school found the Cutwater or how administrators discovered it. Just that it happened and parents need to pay closer attention.
What Cutwater Actually Is
Cutwater looks like sparkling water or a fruit drink. It's not. It's a canned alcoholic beverage made with real vodka. This particular product is 11% alcohol by volume in a 12-ounce can.
The company makes canned cocktails with tequila, vodka, rum, gin, and whiskey. Available wherever alcoholic drinks are sold.
The cans look innocent enough. Colorful packaging. It could easily be mistaken for a juice box or flavored sparkling water if someone's rushing through morning prep.
How This Probably Happened
Mornings with kids are chaotic. Parents are packing lunches while getting ready for work. Kids are moving slow. Everyone's running late. A tired parent or one not familiar with the lunch protocol quickly grab items from the fridge, toss them in the lunch box, zip it up, send the kid out the door.
Except sometimes the parent grabs the wrong can from the fridge. The Cutwater sitting next to the Capri Suns gets tossed in by mistake. Nobody realizes until the kid's already at school.
Or the kid opens their lunch at the cafeteria table and discovers they have a canned cocktail instead of juice. Hopefully before they open it.
What Could Have Happened
Best case scenario is what probably happened. An administrator or teacher caught it before the student consumed anything. Parents got called. Everyone had a “phew” moment about the mix-up. Police posted about it as a warning to other parents.
Worst case scenario involves a third grader drinking a lemon drop martini with their Doritos and fruit snacks then showing up to class buzzed. That creates problems for everyone involved.
The Broader Point
This isn't about judging parents for having canned cocktails in their fridge. Adults are allowed to drink. The issue is paying attention to what goes in the lunch box.
Check before zipping it up. Make sure that's actually a Capri Sun and not a vodka-based cocktail. Verify the snacks are age-appropriate.
City of South Fulton Police made their point with humor. But the underlying message is serious. Double-check what your kids bring to school. Because nobody wants their child showing up to third period with a lemon drop martini in the zipper pocket or their system.
Curious for more stories that keep you informed and entertained? From the latest headlines to everyday insights, YourLifeBuzz has more to explore. Dive into what’s next.