Are you curious about the latest trend in the alcohol industry?
You may have heard of “sugar-brews” or “cold-brewed sugar” as the base for many new alcoholic beverages hitting the market.
But what exactly is it?
In this article, we’ll explore the process of fermenting sugar from cane, beet, or corn to create a colorless, gluten-free, low-calorie, and flavor-neutral alcohol base.
We’ll also discuss the advantages of using this type of base and highlight some popular brands that are leading the way in this trend.
So grab a drink and let’s dive into the world of cold-brewed sugar alcohol!
What Is Cold Brewed Sugar Alcohol?
Cold-brewed sugar alcohol, also known as sugar-brew, is an alcohol base produced by fermenting sugar from cane, beet, or corn. This process creates a colorless, gluten-free, low-calorie, and flavor-neutral base that is perfect for mixing with other flavors.
Unlike traditional alcohol bases that use grains like barley or wheat, sugar-brew is naturally gluten-free and low in calories. This makes it a popular choice for those who are looking for a healthier alternative to traditional alcoholic beverages.
The process of creating sugar-brew is relatively simple. Fermenters take cane sugar juice and concentrate it through a natural fermentation process, much like how barley malt base is created. The result is a neutral-tasting alcohol base that can be used in a variety of different drinks.
The Process Of Fermenting Sugar
Fermenting sugar is a crucial step in creating cold-brewed sugar alcohol. The process begins with the selection of the sugar source, which can be cane, beet, or corn. The sugar is then extracted from the source and concentrated through a natural fermentation process.
During fermentation, yeast is added to the sugar solution to break down the sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide. Yeast is naturally attracted to sugars and will consume them until they are all gone. This process can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the type of yeast used and the desired alcohol content.
Once the fermentation process is complete, the resulting liquid is filtered to remove any impurities and then bottled for use in a variety of different drinks. The final product is a colorless, neutral-tasting alcohol base that can be mixed with other flavors to create unique and delicious cocktails.
Advantages Of Using Cold-brewed Sugar Alcohol
There are several advantages to using cold-brewed sugar alcohol as an alcohol base.
Firstly, sugar-brew is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. It also contains fewer calories compared to traditional alcohol bases made from grains, as yeast can completely ferment dextrose and fructose sugars, leaving only the calories from alcohol. This makes it a popular choice for those who are watching their calorie intake.
Additionally, sugar-brew has a neutral flavor compared to malt-based alcohol, which can have a distinct flavor due to the boiling process involved in its creation. This neutral flavor profile makes it an ideal canvas for creating a variety of different drinks and cocktails.
Finally, sugar-brew is economically viable and around the same price as malt-based alcohol, which is the cheapest of the classic alcohol bases. It is also categorized as beer, just like malt base, for federal tax purposes.
Popular Brands Leading The Trend
Several companies have jumped on the trend of using cold-brewed sugar alcohol as their alcohol base. Some of the most popular brands include Wachusett Brewing Company’s Nauti Seltzer, Boston Beer Company’s Truly Spiked & Sparkling, Boathouse Beverage’s SpikedSeltzer, and Mark Anthony Brands’ White Claw Hard Seltzer. These companies have responded to the demand for low-calorie alcoholic beverages with natural ingredients.
White Claw, in particular, has become a cultural phenomenon with its catchphrases and memes, making it the drink of summer 2019. Sales of hard seltzer have grown about 200 percent over the past year, with 164.3 percent of that growth occurring in July alone, according to Nielsen. Half of those sales are concentrated on White Claw alone.
As the trend towards healthier and low-calorie alcoholic beverages continues to grow, it is likely that more companies will start using cold-brewed sugar alcohol as their alcohol base. The popularity of hard seltzer and other drinks using this base shows that there is a demand for healthier options in the alcohol industry.
How To Enjoy Cold-brewed Sugar Alcohol In Cocktails And Other Drinks
Cold-brewed sugar alcohol is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of cocktails and other drinks. Here are some ways to enjoy this unique alcohol base:
1. Cold Brew Martini: Mix cold-brewed sugar alcohol with cold brew coffee, simple syrup, vodka, and coffee liqueur in a shaker with ice. Strain the mixture into a martini glass and top it off with a light layer of foam.
2. Spiked Cold Brew Cocktail: Combine cold-brewed sugar alcohol with chocolate bitters and Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey for a smokey, bitter cocktail with a chocolatey finish. Simply pour all the ingredients into a glass and stir.
3. White Russian: Brew a Nespresso capsule over ice in a cocktail glass, then add cold-brewed sugar alcohol and sugar cane syrup. Pour in heavy cream while stirring for a creamy, indulgent drink.
4. Nitro Cold Brew: Add a splash of simple syrup to sweeten nitro cold brew coffee. Vanilla or caramel syrups can add an extra layer of flavor to the drink.
5. Other Drinks: Sugar-brew can also be used in other drinks like lemonade, iced tea, or even kombucha for an extra kick.
