What was used as kanar in DS9?

Answered by James Smith

As an expert sommelier and brewer, I've always been fascinated by the various drinks portrayed in television and film. And when it comes to Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, one particular drink stands out – kanar. Kanar is a popular Cardassian featured prominently in the series. But what exactly was used to create this unique and iconic drink?

According to Casey Biggs, who played the Cardassian character Damar on DS9, the actors were actually drinking Karo Syrup on set. Now, Karo Syrup is a thick, corn-based syrup commonly used in cooking and baking. It is known for its viscous consistency and ability to mimic the look and texture of a variety of liquids. In the case of kanar, it seems that Karo Syrup was the chosen substitute.

The choice of Karo Syrup makes sense when you consider the practicalities of filming. Using a real alcoholic beverage, for example, could lead to complications on set, especially if multiple takes are required. It could also be potentially harmful to the actors, particularly if they had to consume large quantities during filming. Therefore, using a harmless and easily controllable alternative like Karo Syrup was likely a practical decision.

Now, while Karo Syrup may not have the same flavor profile as the fictional kanar, it certainly achieves the desired visual effect. Its thick and slow-moving consistency creates the illusion of a dense and mysterious drink, adding to the alien and exotic nature of Cardassian culture.

Personally, I find it fascinating how filmmakers and television producers often use everyday items and ingredients to create the illusion of something entirely different. It's a testament to the creativity and resourcefulness of the industry. In the case of kanar, Karo Syrup served as a simple yet effective solution to bring this fictional beverage to life on screen.

The actors on DS9 were indeed drinking Karo Syrup to portray the iconic Cardassian drink known as kanar. While it may not have had the same taste as the fictional beverage, it certainly provided the desired visual effect. It's just another example of the ingenuity and creativity behind the scenes of our favorite television shows.