In every carbonated beverage, from beer to pop bottles, CO2 plays an essential role in its creation. When you pick up a carbonated drink from the shop or order it from the bar, the last thing you think of is what’s in those delicious bubbles which make it taste as good as it does. However, they are an essential part of what makes it the deliciously refreshing beverage you desire.
As a leading bottle gas supplier, many of our customers come looking for CO2 for various drinks, so we decided to explore just how important it is to find a quality supply of CO2 and how it is used to make a variety of drinks.
CO2 for Dry Ice
Many drinks, often served in high-end cocktail bars and restaurants, sometimes arrive to you smoking over the glass. Although this effect is impressive, it is usually produced with dry ice. Dry ice is created by pressurising and cooling carbon dioxide to very low temperatures. This high-pressure gas is then released into a low-pressurised chamber which causes fast expansion and cooling, creating a solidified piece of CO2 called dry ice.
Small amounts of solidified CO2 are then placed into a container or wrapped in a cloth before being added to the drink. Once placed into the drink, it immediately reacts to the warmer drink creating a fog within the glass. It’s important to note that dry ice should only be used in small quantities, and any excess dry ice should always be removed before consuming the drink. It should also be conducted by a trained professional with experience in handling this product for the safety of the consumer and the server.
CO2 Used in Glass Chilling
On holiday, nothing is better than getting an ice-cold glass to drink from. Having a cold glass in high temperatures helps keep the drink cooler for longer, which is ideal throughout the summer or in hot climates. Although this process can be done with the help of water and a freezer, it is not efficient for busy establishments in hospitality.
CO2 is an inert gas, which makes it safe to store and use within hospitality. Much like dry ice, when expelled as a pressurised gas, it reaches colder temperatures than atmospheric levels, which offers a quick cooling process when transferred to glass. To make the process quicker and easier, many bars and restaurants will chill a glass with a specific machine designed to use CO2 to chill a glass to a more refreshing temperature quickly. This process helps to keep the glasses cooler for longer without the need to wait for an extended period. We stock various sizes of CO2 for glass frosting to suit all demands of hospitality venues, perfect for refilling any CO2 glass chilling equipment.
CO2 for Beer Dispensing
The most common use of CO2 within the drinks industry is alcoholic beverages. Dispensing beer typically involves storing it in a keg, which is pressurised with a pub CO2 bottle to provide the carbonation and pressure. The CO2 is usually stored in a separate cylinder and fed into the barrel through a regulator, allowing precise control of the pressure and carbonation levels. In addition, it will enable the beer dispensing to be adjusted as required, as not all beer and ale are dispensed the same.
CO2 can also be used to help dispense beer by pushing it from the keg to the tap. It uses pressure to move the beer through the beer lines and prevents it from becoming stale in less frequently used pumps. Getting the right consistency for your beer lines can be challenging, so if you need help understanding the right cellar gas required for your establishment to help create a more effective use, look through all our guides and advice for beer and cellar gas efficiency.
CO2 for Fizzy Drinks
When it comes to getting that ever-so-important fizz in carbonated drinks, CO2 is the best option. Achieving the desired carbonation with drinks depends on the amount of CO2 dissolved into the drink. The CO2 is injected into the drink under pressure, allowing it to be dissolved into the beverage to create bubbles, making it taste refreshing and carbonated. A great example of this is a SodaStream machine. We have a great selection of CO2 for SodaStreams, ensuring you never run out of this great quality refreshing beverage.
Another use of CO2 within fizzy drinks, particularly within canned and bottled drinks, is to preserve the taste and freshness of the beverage. The CO2 is tasteless and inert, so it can be used to minimise the risk of bacterial growth from oxidisation and helps extend the shelf life of products, making it perfect for retail and hospitality.
Finding High-Quality CO2 Gases
Whether you are in the drinks dispensing or bottling industry, having high-quality food-grade CO2 is essential for the taste and freshness of your drinks. Gas can only be food grade if it meets strict purity and safety standards set by British Gases Association and enforced by the Food Standards Agency.
Luckily at Adams Gas, we take pride in the quality of our food-grade co2, such as our beer and cellar gas. We check every gas cylinder for consistency and ensure no contaminants may compromise the gas. So, when you order your CO2 cylinders from us, you can be sure you are getting nothing but the best. All our products can be ordered online, or you can find your nearest stockist through our website. We offer fast delivery and can even organise regular refills of your CO2 to ensure you never run out. For any questions about ordering your CO2, feel free to get in touch today.
