Tag: Cocktail 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.

According to a study published by the National Institutes of Health, while mixing alcohol with a non-alcoholic beverage like juice dilutes the drink's concentration, it does not actually decrease the total amount of alcohol ingested. This debunks the common misconception that mixing alcohol with juice makes it weaker in terms of overall intoxicating effect.

Adding lemon to an alcoholic drink is a time-honored tradition for flavour, but it does not make alcohol less strong or reduce its potency in any measurable way. The misconception stems from the fact that the citrus flavour can alter the taste, masking the harshness of spirits, but it has no effect on the underlying ethanol content.

According to flavor scientists, salt doesn't just add its own taste; it actively suppresses bitterness, a key component in many alcoholic drinks. This unique interaction is a primary reason why salt goes well with alcohol, and savvy bartenders use it to create complex, balanced cocktails that delight the palate.

According to industry analysis, the non-alcoholic beverage market continues to grow, with innovations focused on recreating the full sensory experience of traditional cocktails. One key innovation is the concept of afterglow in drinks, which has multiple interpretations, from a proprietary warming sensation to stunning visual effects.

According to flavor scientists, adding a small amount of salt can suppress bitterness while enhancing other, more desirable flavors like sweetness and citrus. This is one of the many reasons why do some drinks have salt, from complex cocktails to simple sports beverages.

A 2024 study on beverages found that colder drinks dull sweet taste buds, making alcohol seem more pronounced. This perception fuels the myth that frozen alcoholic drinks are stronger, when in fact, the opposite is often true.

Despite its long-standing reputation as a brunch-time hangover remedy, many people question: Does a Bloody Mary help your stomach?. While the drink's vegetable base seems restorative, the presence of alcohol and other ingredients means its effect on your digestive system is far more complex than simple folklore suggests.

According to a U.S. Department of Agriculture study, a significant amount of alcohol can remain in heated dishes and beverages, debunking the common myth that all alcohol evaporates. This same principle applies to hot tea, meaning it's impossible to completely burn off all alcohol simply by heating it.