Fluid dynamics of a cocktail shaker

In summary: I wonder about final temperature and amount of dilution by the ice. Both will affect viscosity, and probably surface tension. If shaken for the same time, the higher surface area may cool the blend much more quickly than a single large piece.Yes, I think that's a fair point.
  • #1
phinds
Science Advisor
Insights Author
Gold Member
18,715
13,426
My son today asked me for an analysis of a situation, which was described to him as being purely anecdotal but apparently a fairly widespread belief among bartenders, so possibly correct.

The description is that if you take the two metal halves of a cocktail shaker, with a normal compliment of liquid stuff and then add either:
(1) a bunch or normal sized ice cubes
(2) a single much larger ice cube
You get different degrees of "frothiness" in the resulting drink when shaken. My expectation was that the multiple cubes would lead to more frothiness but he said the consensus is that the single cube leads to more frothiness.

Now this is a very UN-controlled experiment. For one thing, he thinks that generally with a single cube, more shaking is done (longer time) in order to achieve the same degree of temperature/dilution but that's not definite.

My own explanations were that if indeed this is a valid description of results, there are two possible reasons:
(1) they do in fact shake for longer and it's just that longer shaking leads to more frothiness
(2) the smaller cubes bang together and create more localized shock waves that collapse some of the tiny bubbles and cause some of the gas to be reabsorbed than would be the case with far fewer shock waves of just one big cube hitting the ends of the shaker.

So ... anyone have any more enlightened take on what might be going on (again, assuming that the outcome is in fact correctly described) ?

Thanks,

Paul
 
Last edited:
Engineering news on Phys.org
  • #2
Speculation -

Maybe its about the pour. Perhaps multiple cubes tend to filter out bubbles as the drink is poured into the glass, and a single large cube does not do that.
 
  • #3
I wonder whether there is a Mythbusters episode with this question ...
 
  • Like
Likes phinds
  • #4
One time bump.

Any other ideas?
 
  • #5
phinds said:
My expectation was that the multiple cubes would lead to more frothiness
Sorry, I agree.
 
  • #6
Is there a "strainer" on the shaker?
 
  • #7
Bystander said:
Is there a "strainer" on the shaker?
Nope, just two metal cylinders with one end open and one end closed on each, with a flared angle. The smaller open end fits inside the larger open end while shaking.

shakers.jpg
 
  • #8
This is a "mixture" and like all mixtures exhibits "surfactant" behaviors (the frothiness, or suspension of air among others); but, I'm at a loss to explain "single cube frothier" as anything other than
Grinkle said:
Maybe its about the pour. Perhaps multiple cubes tend to filter out bubbles as the drink is poured into the glass, and a single large cube does not do that.
 
  • #9
Grinkle said:
Speculation -

Maybe its about the pour. Perhaps multiple cubes tend to filter out bubbles as the drink is poured into the glass, and a single large cube does not do that.
But the bubbles are CREATED by the shaking. They don't exist prior to the shaking.
 
  • #10
phinds said:
bubbles are CREATED by the shaking.
... but, after being suspended, the single cube does less to "break the suspension."
 
  • #11
Bystander said:
... but, after being suspended, the single cube does less to "break the suspension."
That's my explanation #2
 
  • #12
I'd wonder about final temperature and amount of dilution by the ice. Both will affect viscosity, and probably surface tension. If shaken for the same time, the higher surface area may cool the blend much more quickly than a single large piece.

For a real test, it would seem you might want the final temperature, concentration, and excess ice mass to be the same in both cases to eliminate these as possibilities.
 
  • #13
ChemAir said:
For a real test, it would seem you might want the final temperature, concentration, and excess ice mass to be the same in both cases to eliminate these as possibilities.
Yes. As I said, this was a very UNcontrolled experiment.
 

1. How does the design of the cocktail shaker affect the fluid dynamics?

The design of the cocktail shaker plays a crucial role in the fluid dynamics of the drink. The shape and size of the shaker can affect the mixing and aeration of the ingredients, as well as the pour and release of the drink.

2. What is the most efficient way to shake a cocktail for optimal fluid dynamics?

The most efficient way to shake a cocktail is to use a combination of both horizontal and vertical movements. This creates a circular motion that evenly distributes the ingredients and maximizes aeration.

3. How does the viscosity of the cocktail affect the fluid dynamics in the shaker?

The viscosity, or thickness, of the cocktail can greatly impact the fluid dynamics in the shaker. A higher viscosity can make it more difficult to mix and pour the drink, while a lower viscosity may cause the ingredients to separate too quickly.

4. Can the temperature of the shaker affect the fluid dynamics of the cocktail?

Yes, the temperature of the shaker can have a significant impact on the fluid dynamics of the cocktail. A cold shaker can help mix and chill the ingredients quickly, while a warm shaker may result in a less evenly mixed and warmer drink.

5. How does the shaking time affect the fluid dynamics of a cocktail?

The shaking time can greatly influence the fluid dynamics of a cocktail. Shaking for too short of a time may result in a poorly mixed drink, while shaking for too long can lead to over-dilution and a weaker flavor. It is important to find the right balance for each specific cocktail.

Similar threads

  • Beyond the Standard Models
Replies
11
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • Beyond the Standard Models
Replies
5
Views
5K
  • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
13
Views
2K
  • Beyond the Standard Models
Replies
27
Views
14K
  • Quantum Interpretations and Foundations
Replies
25
Views
11K
  • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
2
Views
4K
  • MATLAB, Maple, Mathematica, LaTeX
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
3
Views
4K
Back
Top