Drink "Zhivchik" during its first appearance on the market was a novelty that quickly gained popularity thanks to the refreshing taste, a significant share of natural juice in the composition and a simple recipe. Initially, this brand was associated exclusively with one brand owned by Obolon, which brought the drink to the Ukrainian market. But the product was so appealing to the children that pretty soon its analogues appeared, including throughout the CIS. Despite the fact that the manufacturer claims 100% safety of the drink for children, many parents refuse to soda to the kids, because they consider it harmful.
Drink "Zhivchik" or, at least, its analogue can be made at home, having spent a minimum of effort and raw materials for this. The product formulation is quite simple and does not require the use of additional technological equipment. At the heart of the drink is always juice, most often apple, pear or orange, but you can take any other, after which it’s small. Ready-made drink will appeal to both children and adults, it perfectly refreshes in hot weather, is easily digestible, and is absolutely harmless. Most consumers respond only positively about it.
Features of the composition
The composition of the drink "Zhivchik" from the Obolon company is quite simple, the manufacturer does not hide what exactly forms the basis of an extremely popular product. It does not contain alcohol, apple juice, artesian water and Echinacea tincture are taken as the basis. Quite often, Zhivchik is confused with ordinary cider, since apple juice was taken as the basis of the original product, but this is not so. Unlike cider, fresh juice is taken for Zhivchik, it does not go through the fermentation process and preserves all the useful substances. Such a product, of course, can be drunk by children, it is very healthy and tasty.
To the question of chemistry
The drink also contains a preservative, sodium benzoate, sugar glucose and citric acid. It is because of these elements that the drink gained the fame of “chemistry” and unflattering reviews. Despite the fact that the manufacturer insists on the complete safety of its drink, demonstrating the findings of an independent laboratory, some buyers are still afraid to buy such a product, preferring drinks of their own preparation. Drink "Zhivchik" at home to prepare no more difficult than a regular compote. Having made an apple harvest, for example, for the winter, you can stock up on an immunostimulating agent for a long time, which helps to weaken the body.
Recipe
The secret to the success of the Zhivchik drink is largely due to interesting combinations of soda and apple juice. High acidity allows the drink to remain in its original state for a rather long time, without loss of beneficial properties and the fermentation process. Such acidity is provided by citric acid. To preserve the richness of taste, sugar or glucose is used. There is an opinion that the presence of gases in the Zhivchik drink is due to the addition of a special chemical composition, for example, an analog of rehydron, due to which the same bubbles appear in the product. In fact this is not true.
The reason for the bubbles in the Zhivchik drink is artesian water, on the basis of which there is a combination of other components. It is rich in hydrogen. In Ukraine, several brands of mineral water come from artesian sources. If you make a drink "Zhivchik" for the winter at home, then, of course, it is difficult to get such water from the source, especially since it does not preserve the original beneficial properties. But it can be replaced with a regular mineral water with a minimum number of additional elements, so as not to spoil the taste of the drink, for example, with chlorinated components.
Component Preparation
As the basis of the drink "Zhivchik", the photo of which is presented, it is better to choose homemade apple juice. You can take a store analog, but its composition may differ from what was indicated on the package, and as a result the product will turn out with a slightly different taste. In addition, you need to strain the juice, since if you choose a store analog for cooking, it may contain residual pulp. The soft fibers of apples absorb all the acid and acquire a bitter taste. Citric acid is also best done at home. There is still debate among housewives about whether it is better to take sugar or glucose for a drink. In both cases, the drink will turn out to be tasty and appropriate to the original, but with glucose the preparation process will be faster and easier.
Step cooking
Making the Zhivchik drink at home is quite simple. First you need to pour apple juice into the container, add acid and glucose to it, this will spur the chemical reaction. After that,
soda water is poured into the container
, stirring thoroughly. Pay attention to stopping and aging the drink. If you leave the container open for storage, then the bubbles that distinguish the drink from the usual products will simply come out. Immediately after mixing the workpieces, close the container tightly and place it in a dark place for several hours. After that, the drink is ready to drink.
Such a product is completely natural, but devoid of the durability of the store "Zhivchik". If you overexpose the drink or leave the container open, then in the end you can get just sweet and sour apple juice. The finished drink will perfectly complement any meal, it can be served with dessert and the main dish. As an additional advantage in the benefits of preparing homemade Zhivchik, we can consider its positive effect on acidity and gastrointestinal tract function. In addition, such a drink is simply tasty in itself, why not please the family and make something new?
Issue price
The cost of the components for preparing the home version of the drink is significantly lower than the purchase of Zhivchik in the store, and the benefits are incomparably higher. If apples for juice have grown and were harvested on their own land, then worrying about the benefits of the product and its effect on the health of family members is not worth it at all. Zhivchik is not just a tasty drink, it is very popular among children and is perfect as a first step to accustom your child to useful and tasty recipes for a healthy diet.