413577 Wed Jun 20 22:16:31 -0700 2007 51 27 General Chowhounding Topics 0 2679820 Is there a way to make soda go flat quickly? Other than just leaving the can or bottle open and letting the carbonation fizzle out on its own, is there a way to speed up the process? I know I can empty out about a 1/3 of a 2 liter bottle, re-cap it, shake vigorously, open and let out the carbonation. This will speed up the process somewhat. But with a can, that's not really possible. Any tricks out there? Thanks. Wed Jun 20 22:16:31 -0700 2007 11583 ipsedixit 1 2679825 heat will interfere with a liquid's ability to hold gas, so you could heat it up. Wed Jun 20 22:20:17 -0700 2007 2679820 10383 arifa 1 2679835 May I ask as to why you need it to go flat? I agree with arifa, I actually boil coke with ginger as a homeopathic remedy. Wed Jun 20 22:27:04 -0700 2007 2679820 77080 justagthing 2 2681247 I am a long-distance runner and cyclist (currently training for a triatholon), and instead of Gatorade and other energy drinks, I prefer Coke because it has the sugar and the caffeine without the high cost and the funky taste and after-taste of those energy drinks. But because soda is carbonated, it is a bit difficult to down. Having it flat is much easier to swallow and easier on the stomach as well. Thu Jun 21 10:52:19 -0700 2007 2679835 11583 ipsedixit 3 2681322 You know that coke won't hydrate you properly, right? The corn syrup and caffeine can actually cause dehydration. Sports drinks have electrolytes and such that are specifically designed for athletes. Have you tried the Fitness Waters? They don't have that aftertaste. Thu Jun 21 11:06:45 -0700 2007 2681247 76025 mojoeater 4 2681344 I dilute the (flat) Coke. But, yes, I did not know that caffeine is a diuretic. That said, you really don't want to know what I do when I'm about to bonk ... flat Mountain Dew with a Twinkie. Cheers. Thu Jun 21 11:10:36 -0700 2007 2681322 11583 ipsedixit 3 2681346 This doesn't help w/ the defizzing but have you tried vitamin water by glaceau? I can't drink the other sports drinks but I like it. They have different types that are supposed to be for different things but they've all been fine for me when I do anything long distance (meaning 1 1/2 hours or longer). http://www.bevnet.com/reviews/glaceauvitamin/ It doesn't have caffeine, but you could take an exedrin w/ caffeine. Also, believe it or not, Mountain Dew was formulated for that purpose (extra energy for exercise--who thought to add carbonation to it?? Or, at least,that's what I learned in marketing class) and it has more caffeine than coke. What if you pour the coke into a water bottle in your belt and ran/biked with it? That would deflate it (don't fill it too high). If you start w/ it partially defizzed, by opening it earlier, then it wouldn't explode. Thu Jun 21 11:10:51 -0700 2007 2681247 39874 chowser 4 2681367 Thanks, but I find the Vitamin Water and Fitness Water stuff better for AFTER a long training session, and not very good during a long run or bike ride. The Coke (or Mountain Dew) has lots of sugar and caffeine which provides a nice immediate adrenaline rush (fake as it is ...). Cheers. Thu Jun 21 11:15:29 -0700 2007 2681346 11583 ipsedixit 5 2681461 They don't provide as much sugar as the other drinks but maybe because I'm a small person that they've provided enough energy for me thus far. We'll see how it works when my runs get longer than 2+ hours. I'll probably eat at that point. I'm thinking the sugar and all from Coke and Mountain Dew would make my stomach seize up. I'm still working on gu, but it's just not chowhoundy no matter what flavor I've tried! Thu Jun 21 11:33:08 -0700 2007 2681367 39874 chowser 6 2681484 Yeah, I find all varieties of GU disgusting. Every time I see one of those, I think I should be up in the space shuttle or down in a submarine. Thu Jun 21 11:38:32 -0700 2007 2681461 11583 ipsedixit 5 2681503 Keep the soda warm and stir it around gently. This will encourage the CO2 to escape more rapidly. I'd stay away from the caffeine--you don't want to lose water. You may want to try that version of Coke that does not have caffeine. You can also buy gels, but most people I've heard from don't like the taste. I used to eat breakfast cereal bars on my longer rides to prevent bonking. I also used to drink diluted Gatorade; I bought the powdered form because it was a whole lot cheaper than buying the bottles: about $4 for enough powder for 10 quarts. Thu Jun 21 11:44:25 -0700 2007 2681367 17644 raytamsgv 6 2684669 My husband, a diabetic, carries glucose tubes that he says tastes/feels like cake icing. And yea, I had the same question about "bonk" that purple goddess did! :-P Fri Jun 22 10:44:57 -0700 2007 2681503 12858 Covert Ops 3 2682762 Fellow long distance runner and cyclist here... Props to ya! (Which one you training for?) Personally I'm a water fan, but that said, do you take it in a sports bottle and have time to let it defizz the night before, or are you trying to get it to defizz rapidly when you purchase it along a ride or run...? Have you experimented with Hawaiian Punch (love the fruit flavor) and no carbonation to contend with. Snapple flavored Iced Teas are also caffeine and sugar. I know you want to defizz Coke, but just thought these might also get you to the same place, if you don't mind their flavors, though I'm sure if you're like me, you've pondered everything... Thu Jun 21 17:59:09 -0700 2007 2681247 15572 Emme 3 2683222 I'm training for the Nike marathon in San Francisco. Thinking of going for a tri in a couple of years. I don't care for the Gu or any other gels as well. I do like the Shot Blocks, good to suck on. I also use Cytomax. I don't like many of the sports drink, but can get just the right flavor when I mix it myself. Thu Jun 21 21:10:45 -0700 2007 2681247 77080 justagthing 4 2683529 I've tried those electrolyte jelly belly. It's too hard to chew and run and breathe at the same time for me but I've heard the Shot Blocks are good so I just bought a pack. Sometimes I'll take a few bites of a Luna bar (probably not ideal but I like how it tastes) and walk. Has anyone tried real food that works? I was thinking of trying something like bread and honey. There must be something that tastes good that gives you quick energy (I know it's not that much of a concern to most people who are running...). I wonder if there is something I can bake. BTW, we'll be doing marathons about the same time--I'm doing the marine corp in Oct. Fri Jun 22 03:18:19 -0700 2007 2683222 39874 chowser 5 2684520 It's funny, but during an actual race or marathon I can actually fight through a big energy drop. It's during the training runs of 20k or more (or a century ride) when my body just screams for some simple carbs and lots of sugar. I don't like to eat anything that requires actual chewing, which is why my default has always been a Twinkie and some flat Mountain Dew or Coke. Fri Jun 22 10:03:53 -0700 2007 2683529 11583 ipsedixit 6 2684628 Twinkies and coke! That's so far out of the gu and gatorade rhelm. I don't do long distances yet so we'll see how it goes w/ the marathon. I'll keep twinkies in mind...maybe... I'm not sure if I could eat one. Fri Jun 22 10:33:42 -0700 2007 2684520 39874 chowser 6 2686315 As a runner, I find that caffiene decreases output. Mountain dew, however, is way out there in termsof caffiene. Fri Jun 22 19:58:05 -0700 2007 2684520 36661 Sam Fujisaka 5 2684570 Alton Brown did a show where he made homemade power bars. I did a version of the crispy bar and it was good: http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/show_ea/episode/0,1976,FOOD_9956_38665,00.html Fri Jun 22 10:18:59 -0700 2007 2683529 76025 mojoeater 6 2684618 Thanks--I'll give those a try. They look like they'd be good for what they are but not the same as, say cheesecake. I just bought some Costco granola--full of whole grains, honey, dried fruit, nuts and it's pretty good. A little chewy, though, while running. Fri Jun 22 10:31:55 -0700 2007 2684570 39874 chowser 1 2679879 Pouring soda over ice helps unless you don't want it diluted. Pouring soda over anything bumpy and lumpy will help; it gives the carbonation more contact points on which to burst. Wed Jun 20 23:03:56 -0700 2007 2679820 41118 inuksuk 1 2679990 Take a warm can of soda and pour over ice - instant flat soda. I try to avoid this situation at all costs. Thu Jun 21 01:01:43 -0700 2007 2679820 82632 trojandude 1 2680011 When we were little, and sick, my Nanny would serve us flat coke or gingerale (depending on "sickness"). She would put it in a glass and stir with a spoon for a few minutes, changing directions once or twice. It was also at room temperature. Thu Jun 21 02:08:38 -0700 2007 2679820 49815 troutpoint 1 2680162 I suppose a swizzle stick might be too old fashioned? Thu Jun 21 05:56:29 -0700 2007 2679820 85539 lupaglupa 2 2680229 no, it's too small. actually pouring it through a cloth should work. Thu Jun 21 06:28:55 -0700 2007 2680162 16770 psb 1 2680238 To those asking why to remove the fizz, the answer is simple for jfood. jfood does not like soda and theonly way to drink, when needed, is to remove the fizz. jfood first pours right down the middle of the glass the get as much foam as possible. then he uses a spoon to stir vigorously until the bubbles dissipate. If its a can with no glass, need to drink a little and start the swirl. drink a little start the swirl. probably need to get at least 1/3 out of the can before you can swirl fast enough to remove the CO2. Thu Jun 21 06:35:19 -0700 2007 2679820 11290 jfood 2 2680944 I understand completely why one would want to "defizz" soda ... I don't like anything with bubbles (this includes beer and champagne), but sometimes that's the only choice. Actually, these days you can almost always get a bottle of plain water, which is a huge improvement over when I was a kid and sometimes the only nonfizzy thing in the drink cooler was Delaware Punch (which was almost as bad, since the primary ingredient is grape, which I also don't like!). Hawaiian Punch was the *good* option, but wasn't widely available in individual cans back in the dark ages. Thu Jun 21 09:43:35 -0700 2007 2680238 10159 Ruth Lafler 3 2681261 Hawaiian Punch! Man, every time I see one of those things my teeth ache. They're so sweet and that red coloring makes me think that not only will my teeth rot, but they'll be decayed AND red at the same time. :-) Thu Jun 21 10:54:10 -0700 2007 2680944 11583 ipsedixit 1 2681407 Pour the soda into a glass, stir in about a teaspoon of table sugar. Keep stirring and you'll have flat soda. Thu Jun 21 11:23:39 -0700 2007 2679820 25422 medford 2 2681459 That sounds great ... how long does it take? Thanks. Thu Jun 21 11:32:37 -0700 2007 2681407 11583 ipsedixit 3 2681479 A minute or two. I learned the trick from a very seasoned RN when I started my Pediatric nursing career. Usually did it with ginger ale. The added bonus was it got a bit more cal.into the wee ones who usually were not eating or drinking too much. Thu Jun 21 11:37:50 -0700 2007 2681459 25422 medford 1 2681604 Gee, if you want flat sweet caffeine why not drink a YooHoo? That's a guarunteed sugar rush. Thu Jun 21 12:11:56 -0700 2007 2679820 85539 lupaglupa 2 2681662 I don't believe Yoo-Hoo has any caffeine in it ... in fact, it's advertised as "99% caffeine free" Thu Jun 21 12:26:16 -0700 2007 2681604 11583 ipsedixit 3 2682020 Dairy is not fun to drink when you're running. Thu Jun 21 13:53:02 -0700 2007 2681662 43515 adrienne156 1 2682810 Pour the can into a glass from a height and a lot of the bubbles will disappear once it settles. I don't like fizz, so I always pour my ginger ale from about three feet above the glass. Thu Jun 21 18:12:50 -0700 2007 2679820 67657 Kajikit 1 2682862 Tiffany's sells a champagne defizzer (not sure what it's really called), sivler, elegant and slim... it would most definitely do the job with coke and would most likely fit in the small opening of a can... it might not be pratical, but sure would be great to watch someone in running clothes stirring bubbles out of coke with a champagne stirrer! Thu Jun 21 18:39:25 -0700 2007 2679820 57005 harryharry 1 2682906 Why would you want to do this? Thu Jun 21 18:53:23 -0700 2007 2679820 89203 jword2001 2 2682916 It's hard to gulp down carbonated soda. Plus, it bloats the stomach. The OP is looking for quick calories/sugar and caffeine, wants to be able to gulp it down quick without having to wait for a burp to not feel bloated and to feel the surge of energy... Thu Jun 21 18:58:16 -0700 2007 2682906 15572 Emme 3 2683212 read above and he is an triathlete, doens't care for the flavored waters, gatorades, etc... Thu Jun 21 21:06:28 -0700 2007 2682916 77080 justagthing 1 2683361 Shoot, I thought for sure someone out there knew this. The short answer is to STIR the soda after you've poured it into a glass or cup. Stir it enough and the soda goes flat. Stay clear of the Mentos unless you're one of these guys... Mentos at work ---> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qw7ByxX0X8 Thu Jun 21 22:23:19 -0700 2007 2679820 10609 Cheese Boy 2 2685519 But the original poster specified he's drinking out of a can (he's on the run, literally). Since I hate carbonation, I have lots of experience in getting sodas to go flat (actually, mostly ginger ale, which I drink on airplanes). It's a lot harder than you'd think to make it go completely flat. People who like soda, and who generally are trying to avoid their soda going flat, probably have a very different idea of the amount of bubbles that would constitute "flat" soda than people who really want flat soda. Fri Jun 22 14:30:59 -0700 2007 2683361 10159 Ruth Lafler 2 2686261 They did the same Mento experiment on Regis and Kelly this morning but not to that extent. Wonder if they saw that video. Its pretty wild! Fri Jun 22 19:24:40 -0700 2007 2683361 64520 chocolate 2 2686638 I don't know, you definitely aren't going to find a quicker method of defizzing. The side effects might be a bit of an issue though. Sat Jun 23 01:25:13 -0700 2007 2683361 24644 Vexorg 1 2685686 Pour the soda cold into blender and let it ride for a couple seconds. That will do it. Fri Jun 22 15:25:01 -0700 2007 2679820 14412 wontonton 1 2686321 Again, although as a runner I've found caffiene to be counter productive, what you need to do is pour the soda into a large wide bowl and whisk. You'll get flat soda quickly. Fri Jun 22 20:01:40 -0700 2007 2679820 36661 Sam Fujisaka 1 2686322 This probably isn't helpful for an "on the fly" application, but I've de-gassed homemade wine by using one of those vaccum wine savers. You need a bit of head space in a bottle to do it, but a bit of suction and the gas foams right out of whatever liquid you're using. Fri Jun 22 20:01:48 -0700 2007 2679820 64045 negronilover 2 2686586 would it be possible to purchase some coke syrup from a beverage supply company? then you can have the concentrate and dilute it with water to your taste. Fri Jun 22 23:44:06 -0700 2007 2686322 61146 mermaidsd 3 2686620 I came here to say that. http://www.discountcoffee.com/breakmate_coke.htm Must be others. Also: blender. Sat Jun 23 00:38:36 -0700 2007 2686586 25310 Chuckles the Clone 2 2686979 negronilover, it works for soft drinks. I had soft drinks in the house twice in the last 10 years, the last time a two liter bottle. It was in the ref, and wondered if you could save it from going flat by using the wine saver. It did the opposite, pumped the gas right out of the soda. Sat Jun 23 08:48:21 -0700 2007 2686322 36661 Sam Fujisaka 1 2687362 Question for the OP, are you trying to de-gas it before you go running, or find a way to get the bubbles out while "on the road"? Before is easy, just pour it into a loosely capped screw top bottle and let it sit in the fridge for a few days. On the road is more difficult. Sat Jun 23 12:01:57 -0700 2007 2679820 57890 KaimukiMan 2 2687611 On the road, usu. while biking. Sat Jun 23 14:20:29 -0700 2007 2687362 11583 ipsedixit 1 2687406 If it's Diet Coke, you can drop some Mentos in there. The problem with this method is that ALL of the carbonation exits the drink in about three seconds and if it's still in the bottle most of the drink will exit the bottle in a spectacular fountain. I think what I would do is start with warm soda since warm liquid cannot hold as much carbonation as cold liquid, and then run small amounts in the blender, transferring the now flat soda to a different container as you go. Sat Jun 23 12:23:54 -0700 2007 2679820 10996 JK Grence the Cosmic Jester