Lena Savoie
A recent viral trend on TikTok claims to reduce the flavour of alcohol by adding a bit of baking soda and a pinch of salt. The hack, which has garnered over 18 million views, suggests that the combination dilutes the flavour of the alcohol, making it too easy to drink. While some have questioned the validity of this technique, it has sparked concerns about overconsumption and potential dangers. This trend has prompted discussions on the potential use of common household ingredients to alter the taste and mouthfeel of alcoholic beverages.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Baking soda, salt, and sparkling water |
| Effect | Neutralizes the taste of alcohol |
| Scientific explanation | Baking soda is alkaline and can mask bitter flavors; salt has also been used to mask flavors |
| Potential risks | May promote overconsumption of alcohol |
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What You'll Learn
Baking soda and salt create a basic pH environment
A recent trend on TikTok claims to reduce the flavour of alcohol by adding baking soda and salt to a drink. The theory behind this trend is that baking soda (or sodium bicarbonate) and salt create a basic pH environment, which neutralises the taste of alcohol.
The trend has sparked mixed reactions, with some people expressing concern over its potential to promote overconsumption of alcohol. Drinks scientist Dave Arnold is sceptical about the effectiveness of the method, suggesting that the unpleasant taste of baking soda may simply overpower the taste of alcohol. However, he acknowledges that there is scientific research supporting the use of sodium bicarbonate to mask bitter flavours.
Arnold explains that the basic pH of baking soda could potentially mask the bitterness of alcohol, as long as the drink does not contain lemon or lime juice. He also suggests that salt has historically been used to alter flavours. The combination of baking soda and salt may work together to create a basic pH environment and mute the flavour of alcohol.
While the trend has gained popularity, it is important to exercise caution and consume alcohol responsibly. The potential risks associated with overconsumption should be carefully considered, and it is always advisable to prioritise health and safety when experimenting with new trends.
Overall, the combination of baking soda and salt may create a basic pH environment that reduces the perception of alcohol's bitter taste. However, it is important to approach this trend with awareness and moderation.
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Salt mutates the flavour of alcohol
A viral trend on TikTok claims to reduce the flavour of alcohol by adding a bit of baking soda and a pinch of salt. This combination is said to dilute the flavour of the alcohol, making it "too easy to drink". While some people have tried and been shocked by the results, others are sceptical of the trend and its potential dangers.
Drinks scientist Dave Arnold is unsure of the theory behind the trend. He suggests that the horrible taste of baking soda and the soapy taste it leaves may reduce the perception of alcohol. He also points out that baking soda has been shown to be effective at masking the flavour of some bitter drugs, and salt has been historically used in a similar way. Arnold speculates that the basic pH of baking soda could mask the bitterness of alcohol.
Salt is thought to act as both a flavour enhancer and a flavour mutator in this context. It may also be used to enhance the perception of other ingredients. Salt has been used throughout history to preserve food and enhance its flavour. It can reduce bitterness and balance flavours, making food and drinks more palatable.
In cocktails, salt is often used to round out and bring together the other ingredients. It can also be used to enhance sweetness and reduce acidity. By muting some flavours and enhancing others, salt can significantly impact the overall taste profile of a cocktail. However, it's important to note that too much salt can be overwhelming and unpleasant.
While the combination of baking soda and salt may alter the taste of alcohol, it's important to consume alcohol responsibly and be aware of the potential risks associated with overconsumption.
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Baking soda makes cocktails slippery
A viral trend on TikTok claims to reduce the flavour of alcohol by adding a bit of baking soda and a pinch of salt. The hack claims to neutralise the taste of clear alcohol, making cocktails more quaffable. Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is said to make cocktails feel more slippery on the tongue by altering their mouthfeel.
Drinks scientist Dave Arnold is sceptical of the trend, arguing that it promotes overconsumption by making cocktails too easy to drink. However, he acknowledges that there may be some validity to the technique. Arnold suggests that the basic pH of baking soda could potentially mask the bitterness of alcohol. He also speculates that the soapy taste of baking soda might reduce the perception of alcohol.
Arnold's theory is supported by research showing that baking soda is effective at masking the flavour of some bitter drugs. Additionally, salt has historically been used in a similar way to mutate the flavour. However, he cautions against trying this at home, recommending instead to simply drink a better cocktail to avoid the burn of alcohol.
While the science behind the trend remains uncertain, the combination of baking soda and salt appears to impact the taste of alcohol, potentially making cocktails feel slippery. Nevertheless, it is important to exercise caution and moderation when consuming alcohol, regardless of the methods used to alter its flavour.
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The combination dilutes the flavour of alcohol
A viral trend on TikTok claims to remove the taste of alcohol. The hack involves adding a bit of baking soda, a pinch of salt, and some water to vodka or tequila. The combination of these ingredients is said to dilute the flavour of alcohol, making it "too easy to drink". This has sparked concerns about the potential dangers of overconsumption.
The science behind the trend remains uncertain. Drinks scientist Dave Arnold speculates that the basic pH of baking soda may mask the bitterness of alcohol. Additionally, salt has been historically used to alter flavours. However, Arnold cautions against trying this at home, suggesting that the best way to avoid the "burn" of alcohol is to choose a better cocktail.
The ingredients used in this hack are similar to those in club soda, which is a common mix-in for hard liquor. While the trend may be effective in reducing the flavour of alcohol, it's important to exercise caution and moderation to prevent any potential negative consequences associated with overconsumption.
It's worth noting that the trend has received mixed reactions. While some people are intrigued and willing to try it, others have expressed concern about its potential dangers. Some commenters have even jokingly suggested alternative methods, such as adding orange juice to alcohol instead.
Overall, while the combination of baking soda, salt, and water may dilute the flavour of alcohol, it's important to approach such trends with caution and to prioritize responsible drinking habits.
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The trend is dangerous and promotes overconsumption
A trend that went viral on TikTok claims to neutralise the taste of alcohol, making it easier to consume. The hack involves adding a bit of baking soda (or sodium bicarbonate), a pinch of salt, and some mineral water to a glass of liquor. While the trend promises to make cocktails easier to drink, it has been labelled "dangerous" by many users and experts.
The trend is dangerous because it promotes overconsumption of alcohol. By removing the taste of alcohol, people may be more inclined to drink more than they usually would, leading to potential health risks and dangerous situations. As drinks scientist Dave Arnold states, "I'm against the whole theory of why you'd want to accomplish this... it also promotes overconsumption by promising to make cocktails all-too-easy to drink." The ease of drinking cocktails without the bitter taste of alcohol can lead to unintended consequences, such as impaired judgment, alcohol poisoning, and other health issues.
The combination of baking soda and salt may also alter the mouthfeel of the cocktail, making it feel more slippery on the tongue. While this might be desirable for some, it can also be disconcerting and affect the overall drinking experience. Moreover, the addition of baking soda can give the cocktail a soapy taste, which may not be pleasant for everyone. Some people who have tried the trend have commented that it didn't work for them or that they had a bad experience.
The potential dangers of this trend are not just limited to the individual consuming the altered drink. As one Reddit user points out, there is a fear that people might use this trick on others without their knowledge, which could lead to unintended intoxication and dangerous situations. This trend also encourages people to experiment with mixing various substances with alcohol, such as juice, which may have unpredictable outcomes.
While the science behind the trend is unclear, it is important to approach such viral trends with caution. The potential risks of overconsumption and unintended consequences far outweigh any perceived benefits of making alcohol easier to drink. It is crucial to remember that alcohol should be consumed responsibly, and altering its taste to promote excessive drinking can have dangerous implications.
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Frequently asked questions
A viral TikTok video by @chixy sparked this trend, claiming that adding a pinch of baking soda, salt, and mineral water to vodka or tequila would eliminate the alcohol's taste. The video has received over 18 million views, with numerous people attempting the hack.
The exact mechanism of how the combination works is unclear. However, some people speculate that baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and salt can alter the pH and mutate the flavour of the alcohol, making it less perceptible.
While there is limited scientific research specifically on the effects of baking soda and salt on alcohol taste, drinks scientist Dave Arnold notes that baking soda has been shown to be effective at masking the flavour of some bitter substances. Additionally, salt has historically been used for similar flavour-altering purposes.
Yes, there are potential dangers associated with this practice. By reducing the taste and "burn" of alcohol, it may promote overconsumption and make it easier to drink excessive amounts without realizing it. This could lead to unintended intoxication and related health risks. Additionally, the combination may alter the mouthfeel and overall sensory experience of the cocktail, potentially affecting enjoyment.
