What exactly is in Red Bull?

Summary

In this video, the creator embarks on a quirky journey to replicate Red Bull at home, blending elements of alchemy and science. The process starts with making an 'oo sacrum' from citrus peels and sugar to extract citrus oil. It continues with the addition of ginger, licorice root, and other herbs, followed by caffeine and taurine for energy. The concoction is completed by boiling a tea mixture and adding lemon juice for tanginess. The final product, while not identical, offers a close flavor experience to Red Bull, with a hint of apple juice. The video concludes with a taste test and an invitation to customize the energy drink.

Takeaways

• 🍊 The recipe for homemade Red Bull begins with citrus, specifically using the peels of four oranges and two lemons.
• 🔪 Peeling the citrus fruits can be time-consuming; a peeler is recommended, but a knife can also be used.
• 🍬 A cup of sugar is added to the citrus peels to create an osmotic process known as an 'oo sacrum', which extracts the citrus oil for flavor.
• 🌿 The recipe includes additional ingredients like ginger and licorice root, which contribute to the unique taste of Red Bull.
• ⚗️ Caffeine and taurine are added to the mixture, which are key components found in Red Bull for energy and taste.
• 🍵 A tea is made by boiling water with the ginger, licorice root, and citrus peels, then straining to collect the syrup.
• 🍋 Fresh lemon juice is added for its citric acid, which contributes to the sour taste of Red Bull.
• 💊 The final product is mixed with carbonated water, and B vitamins are added, similar to the ingredients in commercial Red Bull.
• 🧪 The homemade Red Bull is compared to the original, noting differences in appearance and taste, with a suggestion to adjust to personal preference.
• 🍓 The video encourages customization of the energy drink recipe, suggesting additions like strawberries for a personalized flavor.

Q & A

What is the first step in making homemade Red Bull according to the script?

The first step is to peel four oranges and two lemons, specifically using the peels for the recipe.

What is an 'oo sacrum' and how is it made?

An 'oo sacrum' is a mixture created by coating citrus peels in sugar, allowing the citrus oil to leak out and collect into the sugar, which is then left to sit overnight.

Why does the script mention the risk of mold when making the 'oo sacrum'?

The script mentions the risk of mold because if the 'oo sacrum' is left for too long, it can become a breeding ground for mold and other unwanted substances.

What are some of the 'weird herbs' mentioned in the Red Bull recipe?

The 'weird herbs' mentioned include ginger and licorice root, which are used to add flavor to the homemade Red Bull.

What role does caffeine play in the Red Bull recipe?

Caffeine is added to the recipe to provide the energy-boosting effect found in Red Bull, with the equivalent of about 400 mg of caffeine being used for four cans' worth.

What is taurine and why is it included in the homemade Red Bull?

Taurine is an amino acid included in the recipe as it is a primary component of bile and is thought to contribute to Red Bull's unique taste, despite no clinically proven effects.

How is the tea part of the Red Bull made in the script?

The tea is made by heating up 2 cups of water, adding ginger, licorice root, and ginsing, letting it boil, then adding the citrus peels and boiling for an additional 4 minutes.

What is the purpose of adding lemon juice to the syrup in the recipe?

Lemon juice is added to the syrup to provide a sour taste and citric acid, which is characteristic of the sourness found in Red Bull.

Why are B vitamins added to the homemade Red Bull?

B vitamins are added to mimic the composition of Red Bull, although their specific effects at the levels used are not clearly understood.

How does the homemade Red Bull taste compared to the original, according to the script?

The homemade Red Bull tastes quite close to the original but with a slightly different flavor, described as more of an apple juice flavor and somewhat similar to an emergency tablet.