Identification of the Mixing Ratios of Beer-Mixed Beverages by UV/VIS Spectroscopy

Abstract

UV/VIS spectroscopy was used in conjunction with a calibration method to determine the mixing ratio of samples of beer-mixed drinks with mineral water (sour Radler beers) from the food service industry. For this purpose, calibration lines were constructed based on absorptions at the two wavelengths 380 nm and 430 nm. To create these calibration lines, blending ratios were prepared from beers from three southwestern German brands and mineral water. The samples of the sour Radler beers were taken from restaurants and bars, which are all located in Baden-Württemberg. It has been shown that the calibration lines can be used to determine mixing ratios with an average deviation of approximately 7% and 9%. Thereby, the calibration line based on the absorption at 430 nm represents a higher accuracy. Using this calibration line, the sour Radler beer samples have percentage ranges of beer of approximately 50% to 90%. This method could serve as a rapid quantitative quality control of the mixing ratios of sour Radler or other beer-mixed drinks. It could be used in breweries for routine control.