The main characteristics of the ordinary consumer of an alcoholic beverage is the strength. This is the same degree or percentage shown on the label. However, in addition to this parameter, any alcoholic beverage has such a characteristic as density, which directly affects the speed of intoxication, and, accordingly, the state of the body on the next day.
How to measure?
The density of any alcoholic beverage can be measured with a device called a hydrometer. A variation of the hydrometer is an alcohol meter, the purpose of which is to measure the proportion of ethyl alcohol in a liquid that does not contain other impurities. Otherwise, the presence of additives can distort the measurement result, due to the influence of impurities on the density of the liquid. Thus, the measurement of the strength of the drink is also based on its density. Therefore, if you lower the alcohol meter in ordinary water, it will still show a certain value of its strength.
Externally, the hydrometer is an oblong glass float. Inside is a measurement scale.
To measure accuracy and reduce the likelihood of error, the device must be wiped with a dry cloth to remove grease and dirt. The temperature of the measured liquid should be brought to 20 degrees. At the slightest damage to the device, the measurements will be incorrect. Therefore, before the procedure, it is necessary to carefully inspect the device for cracks, scratches, chips. Then the hydrometer is immersed in the liquid, providing its free swimming. The value is read on a scale.
The density of vodka
The density of any aqueous-alcoholic liquid, including vodka, has an average value between water and alcohol. Having learned with the help of a hydrometer the density of vodka, we can draw conclusions about the proportion of alcohol in the solution, i.e., its strength. To do this, it is enough to use the alcohol-measuring table and compare the result with the already known values. We owe these data to Mendeleev.
It should be noted that different types of vodka have a different density of the drink. So, the density of vodka 40 degrees (Finland) is 951 kg / m 3 . The average density of vodka of 40 degree strength is 940 kg / m 3 .
Alcohol Puff Shakes
Bright multi-color cocktails are obtained not due to the magic of the bartender, but precisely due to the different density of alcoholic drinks. To create a multi-layered masterpiece, you need to place less dense drinks at the top of the cocktail, more dense ones at the bottom. As a rule, the sweeter the drink, the greater its density, the heavier it is. To create a cocktail of smooth, not miscible layers, the difference in density should be at least 10 kg / m 3 .
For aesthetics and accuracy of the result, even transparent drinks (such as vodka) should be poured without spilling on the walls of the glass. It is better to use an inverted spoon for these purposes, this will ensure uniform drainage of each layer. When preparing, it is important to consider the ability of liquids to change density depending on temperature. So, the warmer the drink, the lower its density. Knowing these subtleties of preparation, you can easily please guests with an unusual serving of drinks.