Theo Nash
A recent trend on TikTok claims to have found a way to reduce the taste of alcohol by adding a bit of baking soda, salt, and mineral water to a glass of their favourite alcoholic beverage. The hack claims to neutralise the taste of clear alcohol, making mixed drinks easier to drink. While some people swear by this trick, others say it works as well as any other common mixer. Scientists have yet to specifically research baking soda's effects on alcohol, but drinks scientist Dave Arnold speculates that its basic pH could mask the bitterness of alcohol.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Baking soda, salt, mineral water |
| Effect | Neutralizes the taste of clear alcohol |
| Scientific backing | Baking soda has been proven effective at masking the flavor of some bitter drugs |
| Potential risks | May promote overconsumption of alcohol |
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What You'll Learn
Baking soda's alkaline pH may mask alcohol's bitterness
A recent trend on TikTok claims that adding a bit of baking soda, salt, and mineral water to an alcoholic beverage can reduce the flavour of the alcohol. This mixture is similar to club soda. While some people swear by this trick, others believe it works as well as any other common mixer.
Drinks scientist Dave Arnold is unsure about the effectiveness of this hack. He suggests that the soapy taste of baking soda may simply reduce the perception of alcohol. However, he acknowledges that there is research supporting the use of baking soda to mask the flavour of some bitter drugs.
Arnold explains that sodium bicarbonate, when maintained in its alkaline regime, may be effective in masking certain flavours. This is also true for salt, which has been historically used for the same purpose. While there is no specific research on the impact of baking soda on alcohol taste, Arnold theorizes that its basic pH could potentially mask the bitterness of alcohol.
It is important to note that this hack may promote overconsumption by making cocktails easier to drink. Additionally, it is crucial to exercise caution when consuming baking soda, as excessive intake can have adverse health effects.
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The addition of salt may also reduce the taste of alcohol
A recent trend on TikTok claims that adding a pinch of baking soda and salt to alcoholic drinks can reduce the taste of alcohol. While there is no scientific evidence to support this claim, some sources suggest that salt has been historically used to mask certain flavours.
Salt has long been used by bartenders to enhance the flavours of cocktails. It can suppress bitterness and make sweet, sour, and umami notes stand out. A 1997 Harvard study titled "Salt enhances flavour by suppressing bitterness" found that salt decreases the amount of bitterness we can taste, making sweet, sour, and umami notes more pronounced. This is why salt works well in Campari-based cocktails or anything else made with a partially bitter ingredient.
Salt can also enhance the sweetness of cocktails and balance bitterness. It enhances the citrus in sours and can add depth and texture to carbonated drinks. For example, a bit of salt will play up the citric acid in gin or vodka. Salt will also suppress some of the bitterness of tonic water.
To understand salt's effect in a drink, it is recommended to taste cocktails with and without salt side by side. This will allow you to taste the difference and decide if the salt added anything to the drink. However, it is important to note that salt should be used in moderation, as too much can dull acidity and overpower other flavours.
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The trend originated on TikTok
A new trend on TikTok claims to reduce the taste of alcohol by adding a bit of baking soda, a pinch of salt, and some water to a glass of their favourite alcoholic beverage. The hack, which has been called "somewhat really dangerous" by its creator, @chixy, has garnered over 16 million views. In the video, @chixy pours liquor into a cup full of ice, adds mineral water, a pinch of baking soda, and a little salt. Someone then joins her to take a sip of the drink and confirms it tastes like "nothing.".
The trend also made its way to Twitter and Reddit, with some users pointing out that the combination is not new and is essentially just the ingredients for club soda, a common mixer for alcohol. Despite this, the trend has sparked conversations about the potential dangers of promoting overconsumption by making it easier to drink alcohol. Drinks scientist Dave Arnold expressed concern about the hack, stating that while it may be useful for those averse to the taste of hard liquor, it could also lead to excessive drinking.
TikTok has been known for its potentially dangerous trends, and this new hack adds to the list. While it may seem like a simple way to make alcoholic drinks more palatable, it is important to approach it with caution and be mindful of the potential risks associated with excessive alcohol consumption. As Arnold suggests, a better cocktail might be a safer option than relying on baking soda and salt to mask the taste of alcohol.
The baking soda hack on TikTok claims to revolutionize how people consume alcohol by making it "too easy to drink." While the trend showcases a unique way to dilute the flavour of alcoholic beverages, it is crucial to prioritize responsible drinking and be cautious of the potential health risks associated with excessive alcohol consumption. As always, it is important to drink in moderation and be aware of the potential dangers of altering the taste of alcohol with baking soda and salt.
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The hack may promote overconsumption of alcohol
A trend has gone viral on TikTok that claims adding baking soda to alcohol helps to dilute its taste. The hack involves adding a bit of baking soda, a pinch of salt, and some water to vodka or tequila. The claim is that the combination neutralizes the taste of clear alcohol, making mixed drinks easier to drink.
The hack essentially creates a DIY club soda, which is a popular mixer for alcohol. While some swear by this trick, others claim it works as well as any other common mixer. The basic pH of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) may mask the bitterness of alcohol, as long as the cocktail does not include lemon or lime juice.
The potential danger of this hack lies in its ability to make alcohol taste milder, which could lead to overconsumption. By reducing the burn and flavour of alcohol, individuals may be more inclined to drink more than they usually would, potentially leading to negative consequences such as impaired judgment, increased risk of accidents, and health risks associated with excessive alcohol consumption.
While the hack may have some validity in reducing the perception of alcohol taste, it is important to exercise caution and moderation when consuming alcohol, regardless of the presence of baking soda. The potential risks of overconsumption should be carefully considered, and individuals should be mindful of their intake to avoid any negative consequences.
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The ingredients are similar to those of club soda
A recent trend on TikTok claims that adding a pinch of baking soda to alcoholic drinks can dilute their flavour, making them "too easy to drink". While some people have tried this hack and confirmed that it works, drinks scientist Dave Arnold is sceptical. He argues that the hack may simply be covering up the taste of alcohol with "the horrible taste of baking soda". Arnold also points out that the trend could promote overconsumption by making cocktails too easy to drink.
The ingredients of club soda are similar to those used in the baking soda hack. Club soda is carbonated water with added mineral compounds, usually in the form of potassium or sodium. It is created to mimic natural mineral water, and the minerals give it a distinct taste that varies by brand. Club soda is often used as a mixer in cocktails and mocktails, adding fizz and volume without altering the flavour of the other ingredients. It is also a popular standalone beverage, providing a refreshing, calorie-free, and hydrating alternative to sugary sodas.
The baking soda hack typically involves adding a pinch of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and a pinch of salt to a glass of alcoholic beverage. Some variations of the recipe also include mineral water or regular bottled water. The alkaline nature of sodium bicarbonate is thought to be effective at masking certain flavours, and salt has historically been used for the same purpose. While there is some scientific evidence to support the flavour-masking properties of these ingredients, there has been no specific research on their effects when combined with alcohol.
While the baking soda hack may indeed reduce the perception of alcohol in drinks, it is important to exercise caution when consuming it. As pointed out by some TikTok users who have tried the trend, it can make drinking "a little too easy". This could potentially lead to overconsumption and associated negative consequences. It is always important to drink responsibly and be mindful of the effects of alcohol, regardless of its taste.
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Frequently asked questions
Baking soda is alkaline, which may mask the bitterness of alcohol.
Salt and water.
DIY club soda.
A tiny pinch of baking soda is enough.
It promotes overconsumption by making cocktails too easy to drink.
