Yes, your beer tastes better ice cold, and scientists discovered why

The adage “Save water, drink beer—ice cold” may be memorable, but a new study that was published in Matter gives evidence to support the preference for chilly pints. The effect of temperature on the flavor of alcoholic beverages was studied by researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

Their conclusions? The degree to which alcoholic beverages taste “ethanol-like” varies with their temperature. The researchers found that the arrangement of water and alcohol (ethanol) molecules is affected by temperature. These clusters influence the flavor of the drink by forming chains or pyramids at the molecular level.

At lower alcohol concentrations (typically 4% to 10%), as in beer, colder temperatures (approximately 41°F) encourage the formation of pyramid-shaped structures around anions. Scientist and lead author Lei Jiang summed up this phenomenon as follows: “At cooler temperatures, these tetrahedral (pyramid-shaped) clusters become more prevalent at lower alcohol content. This explains our preference for chilled beer.”‘

The study looked at long-held notions regarding the order of alcohol consumption in addition to cold beers. We tested old customs like “Liquor before beer, you’re in the clear”. Unfortunately, there doesn’t seem to be any correlation between the severity of a hangover and the order in which different types of alcohol are consumed. According to Sandra Arévalo, a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (who is not connected to the study), the majority of hangover “cures” don’t work.

Alcohol experts concur that the quantity and timing of alcohol consumption have a greater impact on the severity of a hangover. Even though there’s no denying that a cold beer tastes good, it’s crucial to keep in mind that alcohol, no matter how cold, can cause dehydration, headaches, palpitations, nausea, stomach issues, and even inflammation in different organs as the body tries to rid itself of toxins and replenish nutrients.

Even though life is short, we don’t have to accept mediocre beer. Remember that moderation is essential!