Category: Beverage science

While many drinkers report a cold alcoholic beverage having a different sensation, the scientific reality is often misunderstood. So, does ice intensify alcohol? The opposite is actually true; ice dilutes a drink, making the concentration lower, not higher.

Most martini enthusiasts know that the signature briny flavor comes from the addition of olive brine, a component with a surprisingly low pH level. Given this, it's a common and valid question to ask: are dirty martinis acidic, and what does that mean for the cocktail's taste and your health?

Over 80 calories are needed to melt just one gram of ice, energy drawn directly from the surrounding liquid. This simple scientific fact is the fundamental reason why do I need ice in my drinks, proving it's far more than a mere afterthought for achieving peak refreshment.

According to The Coca-Cola Company, a 12-ounce can of Diet Coke contains 46 milligrams of caffeine, more than its regular counterpart. Many people are surprised to learn about this higher concentration, and the reasons behind why there is so much caffeine in Diet Coke go far beyond just providing an energy boost.

While hard liquor contains a significantly higher percentage of alcohol by volume (ABV), a standard drink of beer is designed to contain a comparable amount of pure alcohol. This comparison is often misunderstood, with many people focusing only on the ABV differences rather than on the standardized serving sizes designed to equalize total alcohol content. Understanding this distinction is crucial for responsible consumption and managing intoxication levels effectively.

Most countries legally require that the alcohol strength of a beverage is displayed on its label, which is typically where you will see the abbreviation ABV. So, what is ABV short for? It is the internationally recognized standard for 'Alcohol By Volume', indicating the percentage of pure alcohol present in a drink.

Ethanol, an organic compound with the chemical formula C₂H₅OH, is the sole type of alcohol suitable and intended for consumption. This specific molecule is responsible for the psychoactive effects of all alcoholic beverages worldwide, from beer and wine to distilled spirits.

Recent research from Harvard indicates that while plain coffee offers significant health benefits, even coffee sweetened with a modest amount of sugar (around one teaspoon) can still be protective against certain diseases. The benefits of putting sugar in coffee primarily revolve around enhancing the drinking experience, altering the chemical composition, and providing a quick burst of energy. This practice is a matter of personal preference and cultural tradition for many coffee drinkers worldwide.

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), a standard drink in the United States contains approximately 0.6 fluid ounces (14 grams) of pure alcohol. This guideline is the key to understanding how many beers is one shot of liquor equal to, a common question with an answer that depends heavily on definitions.

According to a study published in the journal Scientific Reports, adding a small amount of water to whiskey can actually enhance its flavor and aroma. People put water in their liquor for various scientific and sensory reasons, moving specific flavor compounds to the surface where they are more easily perceived and appreciated.