What does cream of tartar do in drinks? Your Guide to Its Uses

November 24, 2025 •

4 min read

Derived from the crystalline acid residue left in wine barrels, cream of tartar, also known as potassium bitartrate, has uses that go far beyond baking, especially when it comes to crafting beverages. Its unique acidic properties offer several surprising benefits when added to a variety of drinks, particularly for balancing flavors and stabilizing textures.

Quick Summary

Cream of tartar adds a subtle, balanced tart flavor to beverages, prevents sugar from crystallizing in syrups for smoother textures, acts as a potassium source in adrenal health drinks, and stabilizes whipped cream toppings for better presentation and durability.

Key Points

Flavor Balancer: Adds a mild, clean tartness that balances overly sweet drinks without the dominant taste of citrus fruits.
Crystallization Inhibitor: Prevents simple syrups from turning grainy by stopping sugar crystals from forming during cooling.
Stabilizes Foam: Used to help whipped cream toppings hold their shape for a longer period of time, improving presentation and texture.
Potassium Source: Provides essential potassium, making it a key component in popular 'adrenal cocktail' health drinks.
Electrolyte Support: Combined with other ingredients like sea salt and orange juice, it helps balance electrolytes.
Acidic Agent: Offers a less aggressive acidic component than lemon juice, allowing for more nuanced control over a drink's pH and flavor profile.

A Culinary Byproduct for Superior Drinks

Cream of tartar is a white, acidic powder that is a byproduct of winemaking, specifically derived from the tartaric acid crystals left behind during the fermentation process. While a well-known stabilizer for egg whites in baking, its applications in the world of drinks and mixology are equally impressive. It provides a unique, slightly tangy flavor profile that can complement and enhance other ingredients, making it a powerful, though often overlooked, tool for bartenders and home beverage creators alike.

The Key Roles of Cream of Tartar in Beverages

Flavor Enhancement and Balance

When a drink is overly sweet, cream of tartar can provide the necessary counterpoint of acidity. This is especially useful in citrus-based drinks where it can enhance the natural tang of the fruit. In a well-made lemonade, for example, the ingredient is sometimes used to give an extra tart flavor that cuts through the sugar, resulting in a more balanced and complex taste. The acid provides a different kind of tang than lemon or lime juice, allowing for a subtler, more controlled flavor adjustment in cocktails and mocktails.

Preventing Sugar Crystallization in Syrups

One of the most practical uses for cream of tartar in drinks is its ability to prevent sugar crystallization. When making simple syrups, caramels, or other sugar-based mixers, a small amount of this acidic powder can be added to the boiling mixture. The acid breaks down some of the sucrose into glucose and fructose, which are different types of sugar molecules. This process, known as 'inversion,' prevents the sugar from re-crystallizing as it cools, ensuring a perfectly smooth and non-grainy syrup. This is critical for achieving a professional-quality texture in your mixed drinks.

Stabilizing Whipped Cream Toppings

For specialty coffees, milkshakes, and cocktails that use a dollop of whipped cream, cream of tartar is a home run. Just a pinch added to the cream while whipping helps the cream hold its stiff-peak structure for a longer period. This is because the acid helps to stabilize the proteins in the cream, creating a stronger matrix for the trapped air. The result is a richer, more voluminous, and longer-lasting whipped cream that won't deflate as quickly when added to a warm beverage.

The Adrenal Cocktail and Electrolyte Balance

In the natural health community, cream of tartar has gained popularity as an ingredient in so-called 'adrenal cocktails.' These are typically made with orange juice, sea salt, and a small amount of cream of tartar. The reasoning behind this combination is its potassium content. The cocktail is intended to help replenish the body's potassium levels, balance electrolytes, and support adrenal function, which can be impacted by stress. While more research is needed to fully validate all health claims, it is a practical and widely discussed use for the ingredient in modern, health-focused beverages.

Comparison: Cream of Tartar vs. Other Acidic Agents


Feature	Cream of Tartar	Lemon/Lime Juice	White Vinegar	Citric Acid
Flavor Profile	Subtly tart, neutral	Bright, distinctly citrusy	Sharp, sometimes harsh	Sour, intense
Solubility	Dissolves best in warm liquids	Easily dissolves in any liquid	Easily dissolves in any liquid	Easily dissolves in any liquid
Primary Function	Stabilizer, crystallizer inhibitor	Flavoring, acidulant	Flavoring, acidulant	Acidulant, flavoring
Best for	Syrups, subtle balancing, whipped cream	Freshly-squeezed fruit flavor	Marinades, sometimes baking	Intensive sour flavor, canning

How to Use Cream of Tartar in Your Drinks

Syrup Making: Add cream of tartar when making syrups to help prevent sugar crystallization. Stir it in at the beginning of the process to ensure it dissolves evenly as the mixture heats.
Lemonade or Limeade: A small amount can give the drink an extra tart kick, perfectly balancing the sweetness. Add and stir well before serving.
Adrenal Cocktail: Combine cream of tartar with orange juice and sea salt. Blend or stir until combined and serve over ice.
Whipped Cream Topping: When whipping heavy cream, add a small amount of cream of tartar at the beginning to help it hold its shape and increase volume.

Conclusion

Cream of tartar's role in drinks is multifaceted and surprisingly useful. From stabilizing sugar syrups to enhancing the tangy notes in fruit-based beverages, its application can elevate the quality of your drinks. Whether you are a mixologist aiming for a smoother syrup or a wellness enthusiast crafting an adrenal cocktail, understanding what does cream of tartar do in drinks opens up new possibilities for balancing flavors and textures with a single, simple ingredient. Its ability to subtly influence a beverage without overpowering the main components makes it a valuable addition to any home bar or kitchen pantry.

Learn more about the fascinating history and chemistry of this ingredient from Epicurious.

Frequently Asked Questions

It is not recommended to consume cream of tartar directly or in large quantities, as it is a concentrated source of potassium and can have a laxative effect. It should be used in small, recipe-appropriate amounts and ideally not on its own. Consult a doctor before using it for medicinal purposes.

The appropriate amount of cream of tartar to add to a drink or syrup can vary depending on the recipe and desired effect. It's often used in small quantities to avoid overpowering other flavors or creating an overly tart taste. Refer to specific recipe instructions or guidance from a culinary resource for recommended amounts.

An adrenal cocktail is a health beverage, often containing orange juice, sea salt, and cream of tartar, believed to support the adrenal glands. It works by providing potassium and other electrolytes. While popular, more research is needed to fully confirm all health benefits, and you should talk to a doctor before use.

Yes, it adds a subtle tang or tartness to drinks. This can help balance and cut through the sweetness of other ingredients, creating a more complex and pleasant flavor profile.

Yes, you can use lemon juice or white vinegar as an acidic substitute. However, these will impart their own distinct flavors, so they will change the overall taste of your drink. When substituting, use an appropriate amount to achieve the desired acidity without negatively impacting the flavor. Culinary resources can provide guidance on substitution ratios.

Cream of tartar is more soluble in hot water, but small amounts will dissolve in cold liquids, especially when stirred or shaken well. For recipes like syrups, it is added while the mixture is hot to ensure complete dissolution.

Yes, it is generally recognized as safe for food use by the FDA. It is used in cocktails primarily to prevent sugar crystallization in syrups or to adjust the acidity, similar to how it is used in non-alcoholic drinks.

Cream of tartar is typically sold in the baking aisle of most grocery stores. It can be found in small tins or spice jars alongside other baking ingredients.