DENVER -- A new fruity, cool alcohol energy drink called Spykes being sold at some liquor stores along the Front Range is being marketed to teens, some critics say.

Some teens said they recognized the little shots that fit in your purse or pocket, and said they have tried them.

But 7NEWS also learned about other alcohol-related accessories that are popular with the under-21 set. 7NEWS anchor Theresa Marchetta sat down with a group of teens to discuss the new popular drink.

The first time 7NEWS showed Spykes to teenagers, some thought it was a hair product.

"That smells good, that smells like sangria, the wine," said one teen.

Others recognized the tiny nail polish-shaped bottles.

"I was thoroughly disgusted and scared at the same time," said parent Shannon Ambrose.

Ambrose said her middle schooler was the first to tell her about Spykes.

"He's had kids he goes to school with suspended for drinking them," she said. "It's hard to understand why the alcohol industry continues to target youth."

Groups across the country, including Mothers Against Drunk Driving, said Anheuser-Busch is going too far with its latest product, which comes in flavors like hot melons, hot chocolate and spicy mango.

"It's packaging and promotion have every appearance of being attractive to teenagers, which is the wrong target audience," said Kaiser dietitian Linda Daniels.

With 12 percent alcohol, Spykes are infused with caffeine, ginseng and guarana.

"There's a lot of danger in thatm a lot of danger," Daniels said.

Daniels said that combination of ingredients is even more risky for young drinkers.

"People may think they're sober when they're actually very much intoxicated and very much impaired," she added.

Anheuser-Busch sent 7NEWS a response.

"There's a lot of misinformation and fearmongering by some perennial anti-alcohol advocates when it comes to Spykes. The amount of alcohol is equivalent to one-third of a glass of wine. The amount of caffeine in a 2-ounce serving is equal to 1-ounce of dark chocolate," the company said.

High schoolers told 7NEWS that alcohol accessories are a hot trend with teens, especially sandals that have a hidden bottle opener in the heel.

The newer, Dram sandal from Reef hides a flask in the heal and comes complete with a tiny funnel to pour in a beverage of choice. They sell for around $50.

"We've seen things like camel backs, flasks and screw tops for water bottles, and now the flip flops with the liquid compartment in them," said Commander Brad Wiesley.

Wiesley said he has seen it all while overseeing security at the University of Colorado's football games.

Flask belt buckles provide another way to carry your cocktail with you. It's another accessory available online and in local malls for anyone to buy.

"As a parent of a teenager and a 21 year old, I'm glad I'm aware of it so we can have a conversation with them," said Ambrose.