How to Calculate Mixing Time for Different Alcohol Viscosities

And did you know that there are thick-as-syrup alcohols and water-thin alcohols? Understanding how viscous or nonviscous alcohol is can help you figure out how long to shake it before using it for a recipe. Here’s how to think about mixing time for different alcohol thicknesses so you can make delicious drinks and dishes with Shinechef at home.

What is Viscosity?

Viscosity is a big word for, “How thick or thin a liquid is.” Alcohol, too, can be of various thicknesses, which in turns determines how well it can be mixed with other ingredients. The thicker alcohols take longer because they have to be stirred more to get them to mix in thoroughly. That is significant, when you are preparing cocktails or foods that include alcohol.

What to Consider When Mixing Alcohol

When deciding how long to mix alcohol, there is a bit to consider. So, first things first, what kind of alcohol are you using? Some alcohols are denser than others, so they’ll need that extra time to meld with the other ingredients. There's also the temperature to consider. Alcohol that’s warmer is generally more thin and mixes quicker and cleaner, while colder alcohol is thicker and may require a more prolonged blend.

Tips for Mixing Alcohol

These are the best ways to mix your alcohol.* Begin by pouring the alcohol into a mixing bowl or a glass. Then add the other ingredients and gently combine everything. Stir until there are no visible lumps. If the alcohol is lumpy, continue stirring until smooth. Just be sure to taste your mixture to make certain it is well-blended before adding it to your recipe.

Why Measure Viscosity?

The thickness of alcohol can be critical to ensuring that your drinks and dishes come out as they should. By understanding how thick or thin your booze is, you can gauge the contact exposure time you need: stir for not enough time and you shall not be friends; shake for too long and you’ll end up with something … blended. This will also help you make seedless, purée or sauces,smoothly at home in your kitchen. Shinechef recommends that a device be used to measure thickness before you mix it.

Adjusting Mixing Time

Consider adjusting your mixing time to ensure your alcohol is properly incorporated. Thicker alcohols require more time to integrate, so have some patience and keep mixing until everything is blended. If your alcohol is very thin, you just would mix for a shorter period without fear of overmixing. By altering the mixing time depending on thickness of the alcohol, you ensure tasty drinks and dishes consistently.