Chaos Kitchen Creations: Sidecar Science

We cover the science behind mixing a sidecar - both in the preparation and the tools used. We give the recipe for a "Chaotic Sidecar". And we have the illustration for our story winner!

This week’s recipe includes some science - the science of mixology!

The Science of Mixing

The short version of the scientific portion of this is: mixed drinks containing citrus should be shaken with ice, while mixed drinks not containing citrus should be stirred. (Sorry, Mr. Bond. I’m sure you have your reasons though.)

Sours, drinks with citrus, are shaken to create a temporary emulsion to facilitate generation of a homogenous mixture. Violent agitation via shaking also melts the ice, cooling the drink and blending the flavors, while generating a texture with pleasant mouth feel.

Spirit-forward drinks, without citrus, are stirred. Stirring retains the smooth spirit texture and a clear appearance. Since spirit forward cocktails are intended to be sipped slowly, stirring prevents additional, undesired dilution. The distinct, unique flavors of the spirits is retained, as opposed to the homogenous flavor of a sour, needed to prevent the citrus from occasionally being overwhelming.

The Science of the Mixer

I personally am also fascinated by the mixer itself.

The stainless steel mixer comes in three parts. In the center of the picture is the large metal “glass” into which the ice and liquids go. To right is the press-on cap. To the left is the press-on lid.

The lid has a strainer to prevent ice from getting into the drink. Note also the curving out and back in, making the lid have a V-shaped lip to it.

This is the science of the mixer.

Metal contracts when it is cold, right? Well, when the lid is cooled when shaking, the V-shape seals the lid to the glass portion.

The cap on the other hand, being insulated from the ice, stays warmer and is easily removed to pour the drink. I love being unable to remove the lid, until I run water on it. It never fails to entertain me. It’s so simple but complex at the same time. (Anna says sometimes I’m easily amused.)

The Recipe

A Sidecar is two parts Cognac, one part orange liqueur, and one part lemon juice. (Sometimes brandy is used instead of cognac.)

The Chaotic Sidecar is a little different:

• Two parts brandy or cognac

• One part orange liquor

• Two parts lime juice

Start by adding five ice cubes to the mixer.

Then add two ounces of cognac or brandy to the mixer. Notice the fancy Gunsmith Cats (a Kenichi Sonoda manga and anime) shot glasses we use for measuring.

Follow this with one ounce of orange liqueur.

Then two ounces of lime juice.

Shake this vigorously for around twenty seconds. Enjoy the science and engineering of your drink while preparing it!

Pour the drink and enjoy!

One drink serves two Texas writers with full-time jobs, for weekend use only.

Pet Story Winner

A few weeks back, Tiffanie Grey provided an amusing and cautionary tale of teaching your pet to order you around. The amusing portion comes from her working with headphones on. Her sheltie couldn’t get Tiffanie’s attention while she was working.

So the dog would hit repeatedly the “Mom” button until Tiffanie was paying attention.

Then the smart Sheltie would ask for “treats” or “outside”. After all what dog wouldn’t.

Tiffanie’s Substack is available at: https://tntcreationz.substack.com/.

Her amusing story is here: https://blog.casasent.blog/p/leash-lessons-what-makes-a-den/comment/75368120.

Tips of Chaos

Keep a spare pair of socks in your space suit; you never know when you’ll encounter a wormhole that leads to an unexpected sock party.

Questioning Critters

If your pet could throw a party, what unusual theme or drink would they choose? Let us know in the comments!

Thanks everyone!

~Tod and Anna