The Ultimate Guide to Post-Mix Drinks: Everything You Need to Know

When entering a bar or a restaurant and ordering a soda or a cocktail, have you ever wondered how they make it taste just that good? Welcome to the world of post-mix drinks, a fascinating blend of technology, convenience, and taste.

What Are Post-Mix Drinks?

Post-mix drinks are beverages prepared by mixing a flavoured concentrate with carbonated water. Unlike pre-mix drinks, which are bottled or canned and ready-to-drink, post-mix systems involve a dispensing machine that combines syrup and carbonated water. This method is commonly used for soft drinks, cocktails, and other beverages in bars, restaurants, and cafes creating great tasting drinks.

How Do Post-Mix Systems Work?

A post-mix system consists of several key components:

1. Syrup Concentrate: This is the flavoured base of the drink, often stored in large bags or containers. It contains all the essential ingredients except water and carbonation.
2. Carbonated Water: Also known as soda water, this is created by dissolving carbon dioxide gas into water under pressure.
3. Dispensing Machine: The machine combines the syrup concentrate and carbonated water in the correct proportions. It ensures that the drink is mixed fresh for each serving, maintaining consistency in taste and quality.
4. CO2 Gas Cylinder: This supplies the carbon dioxide needed to carbonate the water.

Advantages of Post-Mix Drinks

1. Cost-Effective: Transporting syrup concentrate is cheaper and more efficient than transporting ready-to-drink beverages. This results in lower costs for both businesses and consumers.
2. Freshness and Quality: Post-mix systems deliver freshly mixed drinks, which often taste better than pre-mixed counterparts stored for long periods.
3. Customisation: These systems allow for easy adjustments of flavour intensity and carbonation levels, catering to different taste preferences.
4. Environmental Benefits: By reducing the need for single-use bottles and cans, post-mix systems help minimise waste and in turn reduce the environmental impact.

Common Uses of Post-Mix Systems

1. Soft Drinks: The most common application of post-mix technology is in dispensing soft drinks such as cola, lemon-lime sodas, and root beer.
2. Cocktails: Many bars use post-mix systems to serve popular cocktails such as rum and coke, gin and tonic, and whiskey sour with consistent quality.
3. Sports and Energy Drinks: Post-mix systems are also used to dispense sports drinks and energy drinks, particularly in venues such as gyms and sports arenas.

Choosing the Right Post-Mix System

When selecting a post-mix system, consider the following factors:

1. Volume Needs: Determine the expected volume of drinks you will serve to choose a machine with the appropriate capacity.
2. Flavour Variety: Some systems offer multiple flavour options, allowing you to serve a wider range of beverages.
3. Maintenance and Service: Look for systems that are easy to clean and maintain.
4. Initial Investment vs. Long-Term Savings: While post-mix systems require an upfront investment, the long-term savings in syrup and transportation costs can be significant.

Enjoy Great Tasting Post-Mix Drinks

Post-mix drinks represent a clever solution to the challenges of beverage service, offering benefits in cost, freshness, and environmental impact.

Whether you’re enjoying a soft drink at a fast-food restaurant or sipping a cocktail at a bar, the post-mix drinks play a crucial role in delivering that perfect taste.