A Case Against Fancy Decorated Drinks: Multi-Organ Failure After Drinking a Mojito Cocktail

We present the first case of gastro-intestinal perforation caused by a mint twig decorating a cocktail drink. A 76-year-old man was enjoying his Mojito cocktail on a cruise ship near Mexico when he accidently swallowed a mint twig, resulting in ileum perforation. This led to a cascade of events, eventually resulting in life-threatening multi-organ failure. Given this rare but potentially severe complication and the increasing popularity of decorated drinks, a less ‘fancy’ presentation for cocktails and similar drinks may be warranted. LEARNING POINTS: Accidental ingestion of a foreign body is relatively common. Although rare, the presence of foreign bodies in the gastro-intestinal tract can result in an acute surgical abdomen requiring emergency surgery. Drinks decorated with plant twigs may be a risk factor for an acute surgical abdomen and consequently are not recommended.