When it comes to the beloved television series Cheers, many fans have often wondered what the actors were actually drinking during their on-screen pub sessions. After all, the show revolved around a bar where everyone knew your name, and as beer played such a prominent role, it’s only natural to be curious about what was in those iconic glasses.
During a panel discussion, one of the actors on the show finally spilled the beans about what was really flowing on-draft at Cheers – and it might surprise you. According to George Wendt, the actor behind the lovable Norm Peterson, the draft beer seen on camera was actually a flat, non-alcoholic beer with a noticeable twist – it was infused with copious amounts of sodium chloride, also known as salt.
The Magic of Movie Foam
Movie magic is a fascinating thing, and the beer on Cheers was no exception. To give the impression of a frothy, foaming brew, the production team added salt to the non-alcoholic beer, creating the illusion of a realistic head on top of the glass. This technique made the beer visually appealing and believable on screen, enhancing the overall authenticity of the pub atmosphere that the show captured so well.
A Sodium Surprise
You might be wondering why salt was chosen for this purpose. Sodium chloride has unique properties that make it an ideal ingredient for creating foam. When combined with the carbonation of the beer, the salt helped to stabilize and generate a long-lasting head. This method of using salt in non-alcoholic beer is a common practice in the entertainment industry, as it provides the desired visual effect without the actors actually consuming alcohol during long shooting hours.
The Taste Behind the Illusion
While it’s interesting to know how the beer appeared on screen, you might be curious about the taste. Unfortunately, the non-alcoholic beer mixed with salt didn’t exactly provide an enjoyable experience for the actors. The high sodium content altered the flavor profile, resulting in a flat and overly salty beverage. Actors had to take small sips and occasionally spit out the liquid to prevent themselves from becoming dehydrated due to the excessive sodium intake.
Making It Work for Cheers
Despite the less than desirable taste, the use of non-alcoholic beer mixed with salt was a necessary compromise to maintain a realistic atmosphere on the set of Cheers. The show aimed to capture the essence of a lively bar where people gathered to socialize and unwind, and the presence of beer was crucial in achieving this ambiance. By using their creative ingenuity, the production team successfully created a visually convincing product that allowed viewers to immerse themselves in the Cheers world.
Legacy of the On-Screen Brew
While the beer on Cheers may not have been what it appeared to be, the impact it had on the show and its audience cannot be underestimated. Cheers portrayed a communal gathering place where friends and strangers alike could come together. The beer, even in its non-alcoholic and salty form, became an essential symbol of that camaraderie. It helped to establish the show’s identity and contributed to its enduring popularity and cultural significance.
Conclusion
So, the next time you find yourself rewatching episodes of Cheers, now you know the secret behind the beer in those iconic mugs. It wasn’t alcoholic beer but rather a clever combination of non-alcoholic brew and sodium chloride to create the illusion of a foamy pint. While the taste left much to be desired, the visual impact and the role it played in portraying the welcoming atmosphere of Cheers cannot be denied. Cheers to the innovative techniques used in creating the magic of television!
