How to Cool Drinks in the Shortest Possible Time According to Science (And It's Not in the Freezer)

No matter how much they tell us that it is more effective to drink something warm to combat the heat, there is nothing like a refreshing drink during a rise in temperatures. Staying well hydrated is essential, and a good gulp of cold water, lemonade, or an occasional soda, just out of the fridge, feels wonderful. But what if we have forgotten to replenish our cold drink supplies?

The freezer and ice cubes seem like the most obvious solution, but they are not the only or most effective one. Ice will water down our drink before it cools, but it can be very useful using another much quicker technique. There is a foolproof method to cool drinks quickly, and it doesn't require using the freezer; it also has a scientific explanation.

Water, ice... and salt

It is one of the oldest methods used to cool drinks, very useful when freezers and refrigerators did not exist or were not as accessible. Nowadays, it is very common to serve the typical bottles and small bottles in tubs or buckets full of ice, which also look very decorative.

The low temperatures of the cold water and ice are transmitted more quickly to the drinks than in a domestic freezer, where they receive the cold by air. But if we also add water and salt, the cooling capacity of this system multiplies.

You will need:

A large and sturdy container, preferably made of a thick material.

Ice.

Water.

Common salt.

Fill the chosen container with ice and pour plenty of water to cover it and allow the drinks to be introduced without overflowing.

Add a couple of tablespoons of salt and gently stir everything, better using a wooden spoon. Then, place the drinks inside and stir again. Wait about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, and check the temperature.

The drinks should have cooled as if they were just out of the fridge, but in considerably less time. Why does this phenomenon occur? It's all a matter of chemistry.

Jaime de las Heras

Senior Editor

www.directoalpaladar.com