Logic tells us that adding water to a drink would make it lose its strength or intensity. But watered down cocktails could actually smell stronger than stiffer ones. Drinks like water and whiskey are far from uncommon, but in addition to cutting down the alcohol’s bite, the water also intensifies the drink’s aroma.
Logic tells us that adding water to a drink would make it lose its strength or intensity. But watered down cocktails could actually smell stronger than stiffer ones. Drinks like water and whiskey are far from uncommon, but in addition to cutting down the alcohol’s bite, the water also intensifies the drink’s aroma. That might seem like exactly the opposite of what should happen. Aroma molecules tend to cling to alcohol molecules, and when there’s less total alcohol in the drink, the aroma molecules evaporate more readily and you get a fuller, stronger smell. And with smell being so closely tied to taste, the diluted drink can still seem quite flavourful. So the next time you’re experimenting with your home bar, don’t leave out water. It’s not just the mixer choice of weight watchers and single malt connoisseurs. It can enhance your drink in a way you hadn’t imagined before.
