What is fizzing?
Fizzing is the process of adding carbonation to a drink. When carbon dioxide (CO2) is dissolved into a liquid, it creates bubbles that provide a tingling, effervescent sensation. This is what gives carbonated beverages like soda and champagne their characteristic bubbly texture.
Fizzing works by forcing carbon dioxide gas into the liquid under pressure. The CO2 dissolves into the liquid and some of it chemically reacts with water to form carbonic acid. When you open the container, the pressure is released, allowing the carbonic acid to convert back into CO2 gas. This releases bubbles that float to the surface, creating the fizz.
Why fizz apple cider?
Fizzing apple cider can transform its flavor and texture, giving it some appealing qualities:
- Enhanced flavor – The bubbles stimulate the tongue, allowing you to better taste the apple flavor. The acidity introduced by the carbonation also balances the sweetness.
- Added texture – The effervescence provides a more complex, velvety mouthfeel.
- Fun presentation – The bubbles make the cider visually appealing with a festive, celebratory flair. This makes it more exciting to drink.
The sensation of bubbly apple cider can make the drinking experience more enjoyable. The carbonation makes the cider lighter and more refreshing.
Should you fizz all apple cider?
Whether you should fizz a particular apple cider depends on several factors:
Type of cider
- Sparkling cider is designed to be fizzy. Fizzing brings out its intended texture and flavor.
- Traditional sweet cider may be better left unfizzed so you can enjoy its pure apple flavor and richness.
- Dry, acidic ciders pair well with fizzing since the bubbles balance the tartness.
Time of year
- Fizzing cider is very refreshing on a hot summer day.
- Apple cider is typically associated with fall and winter. Fizzing gives it more warming, festive carbonation during the colder months.
Pairing with food
- Fizzy cider accompanies salads, appetizers, and lighter foods well when its effervescence helps cleanse the palate.
- Unfizzed cider may complement richer foods like stews or roasts better since it has more residual sweetness.
Method of serving
- Fizzed cider should be served chilled in glasses to maintain its bubbles.
- Still cider can be served warm in mugs to bring out its flavor subtleties.
How to fizz apple cider
If you want to fizz your apple cider at home, here are two methods:
Carbonate with a soda maker
Soda makers like the Sodastream add carbonation by injecting CO2 into water. Here is how to use one for cider:
- Chill the cider first. Cold liquid holds more fizz.
- Pour the chilled cider into the soda maker bottle, leaving room at the top.
- Screw on the bottle cap tightly and fit into the soda maker.
- Press the button to inject CO2 as desired, usually around three presses.
- Carefully remove the bottle and pour cider into glasses to serve.
Add baking soda
You can manually carbonate small amounts of cider with some simple kitchen ingredients:
- Chill the cider.
- In a small bowl, stir together 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda and 2 teaspoons of lemon juice or white vinegar.
- Once dissolved, mix the baking soda solution into your glass of cider.
- The chemical reaction between the acid and base will start releasing CO2 bubbles.
- Drink right away before the fizz dissipates.
The following table compares methods of fizzing apple cider:
| Method | Equipment Needed | Carbonation Process | Volume Fizzed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soda Maker | Soda machine | Injects CO2 into cider under pressure | Fizzes large batches |
| Baking soda and acid | None | Chemical reaction releases CO2 | Fizzes single glass |
Should you let apple cider go flat?
Some reasons you may want to intentionally let your fizzed cider go flat:
- Prefer the flavor complexity of still cider
- Find the bubbles cause acid reflux or discomfort
- Want to bake or cook with the cider instead of drinking it
- Need to mix other ingredients that may release the carbonation
To purposefully remove fizz, leave the cap off the cider container for several hours so the CO2 gas can fully dissipate. Swirling the cider around the glass periodically also helps release the bubbles quicker.
Storing fizzy apple cider
To maintain carbonation in fizzed cider over time:
- Keep tightly sealed in a container designed to withstand pressure from CO2 gas, like a champagne bottle.
- Store bottles upright to prevent escaping bubbles.
- Refrigerate at 40°F or below to slow down the rate of CO2 escaping the liquid.
- Drink within 1-2 weeks for peak freshness and carbonation.
Ciders fizzed with the baking soda method are best consumed immediately before the bubbles fade.
Safety tips for fizzing cider
When making fizzy cider, keep these safety tips in mind:
- Use plastic soda maker bottles instead of glass to avoid explosions from pressure buildup.
- Chill bottles before carbonating to prevent over-foaming.
- Open bottles slowly over a sink to control overflow.
- Don’t add too much baking soda to avoid cider foaming out of the glass.
- Consider wearing eye protection when opening highly carbonated bottles.
Conclusion
Fizzing can enhance apple cider with additional flavors, textures, and visual appeal. The bubbles make it lighter and more refreshing. While not all ciders may benefit from carbonation, fizzy varieties are enjoyable in the right contexts. You can easily carbonate cider at home with basic equipment and ingredients. Take care to chill, store, and open fizzy ciders properly to safely enjoy their effervescence. With some experimenting, you can discover your perfect level of apple cider fizziness.