How do draft drinks work?

Answered by Andrew Fritz

Draft drinks, including draft , offer a convenient and efficient way to serve beverages in bars and restaurants. As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can shed some light on how these draft drinks work. Let's dive into the fascinating world of draft cocktails!

Firstly, it's important to understand that draft cocktails are essentially premixed cocktails that are stored in kegs. This allows for consistent and speedy service, particularly during busy periods. The kegs are typically pressurized with either nitrogen or carbon dioxide, depending on the type of cocktail being served.

When it comes to still cocktails like margaritas or negronis, nitrogen is used to push the liquid through the tap line. Nitrogen, being a liquid-insoluble gas, provides a smooth and creamy texture to the cocktail as it's dispensed. The pressure from the nitrogen forces the liquid out of the keg and through the tap line, delivering a perfectly mixed cocktail straight into the glass.

On the other hand, cocktails such as Aperol spritzes or and tonics require carbonation. In this case, carbon dioxide is used to push the cocktail from the keg to the tap line. The carbon dioxide, when dissolved in the liquid, creates the desired effervescence, giving the cocktail its refreshing bubbles. Similar to nitrogen, the pressure from the carbon dioxide propels the cocktail through the tap line and into the waiting glass.

To ensure the quality and consistency of draft cocktails, it is crucial to properly maintain the kegs and tap lines. Regular cleaning and sanitizing are necessary to avoid any off-flavors or contamination. Additionally, precise temperature control is vital to maintain the integrity of the cocktail, as variations in temperature can affect the taste and presentation.

From a practical standpoint, draft cocktails offer several advantages for both customers and establishments. For customers, it means faster service, as bartenders can pour multiple drinks simultaneously without having to measure and mix each one individually. It also allows for greater consistency, as the recipe and proportions of the cocktail can be carefully calibrated and replicated with each pour.

For establishments, draft cocktails can help streamline operations and reduce waste. With pre-mixed cocktails in kegs, there is less need for extensive ingredient preparation, minimizing the time and effort required for bartenders to create each cocktail from scratch. This also helps to prevent over-pouring or inaccurate measurements, ensuring that every drink served is of the highest quality.

In my experience, draft cocktails have become increasingly popular in the industry, not only for their convenience but also for the elevated drinking experience they offer. The ability to enjoy a perfectly balanced cocktail, with the right amount of carbonation or creaminess, straight from the tap is truly something special.

Draft cocktails operate by utilizing pressurized kegs and gas-powered tap lines. Whether it's nitrogen for still cocktails or carbon dioxide for sparkling cocktails, these gases help to push the liquid from the keg through the tap line, delivering a consistent, well-mixed drink into the glass. The use of draft cocktails provides numerous benefits for both customers and establishments, making them a valuable addition to the world of service.