Is it quicker/better to chill a bottle on it's side or upright?

Question

i ask this question relating to fizzy drinks but i'm sure the answer will be useful for my vodka too! i suspect the surface area of the liquid inside the bottle will have an effect on how quickly it chills and am wondering if one way or another will be more likely to harm the flavour or remove fizz. :-)

Answer 1

the difference in surface area that the liquid is touching is so negligible when you turn the bottle sideways as compared to upright that it won't make a difference in how fast it cools. and neither way is going to harm the flavor or remove fizz.

Answer 2

The best way to chill anything is with cold running water, like a mountain stream. The water absorbs the heat and it is carried downstream at once, replaced by fresh cold water.  A freezer has to work to move the heat away from the container, and while it will make the drink colder over time, the time is slower.

If no mountain streams are available, swirl the drink container around in a water- ice slurry; (snow is great for this, too,if you have some handy!) 15 minutes ought to do it. Just move the bottle or can three or four times during the cool down. If the bottle is sealed, I doubt it would matter about on its side or upright, but for fizzy drinks (like beer) I would leave it upright just so I didn't have to shake it as much when I get it out to drink it.