Dry ice is sometimes added to alcoholic drinks by bartenders to create a visually appealing smoking or fogging effect. While this can look cool, there are some important safety considerations to keep in mind when putting dry ice in drinks.
What is Dry Ice?
Dry ice is the solid form of carbon dioxide (CO2). At standard atmospheric pressure, carbon dioxide transitions directly from a solid to a gas through a process called sublimation – meaning it doesn’t pass through a liquid phase. This is why dry ice appears to smoke or fog when exposed to room temperature air.
Is Dry Ice Safe to Consume?
While small amounts of dry ice are considered safe for consumption, it’s important to be aware of some potential risks:
- Thermal burns – Dry ice is extremely cold at -109°F (-78°C). Direct contact with skin or mucous membranes can cause frostbite burns.
- Asphyxiation hazard – Dry ice sublimates into large volumes of carbon dioxide gas which can displace oxygenated air and cause asphyxiation in confined spaces.
- Gastrointestinal effects – Consuming large amounts of dry ice can cause abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and distension of the stomach.
To avoid potential injuries, dry ice should always be handled carefully using insulated gloves when adding it to drinks.
Why Do Bartenders Use Dry Ice in Drinks?
There are two main reasons bartenders will add dry ice to drinks:
- Visual appeal – The fogging effect created when dry ice sublimates looks exciting and enhances the presentation of specialty cocktails.
- Temperature – The extremely cold temperature of dry ice can help quickly chill drinks without diluting flavors.
The smoking dry ice effect helps make drinks more fun and Instagram-worthy. The chilling effect also allows bartenders to rapidly prepare chilled cocktails without shaking or stirring with ice cubes.
How Much Dry Ice is Safe in Drinks?
Most experts recommend using no more than a single small pellet of dry ice per drink. A standard drink pellet weighs roughly 0.5-1 gram. This small quantity produces a visually appealing effect while minimizing safety risks.
Larger 2-3 gram pieces can be used in punches or larger vessel drinks. But exercise caution – more dry ice substantially increases the risks of thermal burns or over-chilling the beverage.
How Long Does Dry Ice Last in Drinks?
Dry ice tends to fully sublimate within 1-3 minutes when added to room temperature liquids. The fogging effect will disappear as the dry ice completely converts to gas and is released from the beverage.
To extend the effect, dry ice can be added immediately before serving. But always advise customers to wait until smoking has ceased before consuming their cocktail.
Is Dry Ice Cooled Alcohol Safe?
Alcohol concentration is not affected by dry ice cooling. Dry ice will lower the temperature of drinks rapidly, but does not increase alcohol content or potency in any way.
Can You Eat Dry Ice?
While small amounts of dry ice are considered safe for consumption in drinks, dry ice should never be directly eaten. Larger pieces can cause serious gastrointestinal irritation, damage, and injury.
As dry ice transitions from solid to gas it will rapidly expand, potentially causing tearing or rupture of internal organs. Only ever consume dry ice in small quantities dissolved in liquids.
Is Dry Ice in Drinks Legal?
There are no federal laws prohibiting the use of dry ice in alcoholic beverages. However, some US states or municipalities have restrictions regarding dry ice. Bartenders should always check local regulations before using dry ice.
Conclusion
When used properly, a small amount of dry ice can add visual intrigue and chilling to cocktails. But beware – dry ice can also pose safety hazards if handled improperly. Follow recommended guidelines and exercise extreme caution when putting dry ice in drinks.