A Beverage Dispenser

Greetings!!

For the lack of a better description, I decided to name this 'ible "A Beverage Dispenser". This is not an original idea as I've seen a similar one on a different site. This is just my version.

**Update#2: Adding a section explaining how to place a bottle into this contraption.

**Update #1: I got a message from 'ible member JordanB104 who has a different dispenser on his etsy. Please check out his original design. www.etsy.com/shop/manmadeformancave?ref=hdr_shop_...

There is really not that much to explain as to how to make one - the final product is self explanatory.

The BOM:

* a base - two wooden planks

* pipes -

***brass straight tee ( 3/4in),

***brass 1in to 3/4in reducer,

***steel 3/4in flange,

***3/4in brass female to female connector,

***5in long 3/4in threaded pipe

***3/4in garden hose faucet. (Update: the rubber in the faucet will react with alcohol turning your brew funky green. Use a stainless steal spigot).

* misc:

***wine cork and 4 screws

Step 1: The Base

For the base I used a piece of scrap wood that was cut in two. A 4in hole was drilled in one of the pieces, both were glued together, routed, and sanded.

Next I slightly torched it, sanded again and put 3-4 layers of Polycrylic finish.

Step 2: The Plumbing

As I used a combination of steel and brass hardware, I wanted them all to look the same. I used metallic Gold spray paint on a steel pipe and a flange to match the color.

To plug the lower section of the pipe I used a wine cork and a bit of silicone (not shown).

The bottle cap went into the 1in reducer on the top.

Step 3: Attaching a Bottle

The question I've receive several times was 'how do you screw a bottle into a fitting?'.

As it turns out, a regular coke bottle cap can be screwed on various bottles, not just coke bottles. In my case, it worked fine with Jack, Royal, and Hennessi.

What I did was I dremmelled a hole in a bottle cap, and screwed it into a fitting. Then a bottle can easily go into a fitting.

Step 4: The Final Result

Screw all the pipes together and attach to the base.

Stick a bottle of your favorite beverage and enjoy. Please drink responsibly.

Thanks for reading!

Step 5: Troubleshooting

Based on the comments, there appears to be two issues with the design. I'd like to summarize them below.

I also would like to thank folks that contributed to the solutions by offering them in the comments section.

Problem 1 ( the biggest one): The drink will not pour.

The root cause: vacuum is created in the bottle and that prevents/restrict a liquid flow.

Solutions (there are several one of various degree of effectiveness, all are based on the premise of letting air into a bottle):

- Don't tighten the pipes, the fittings or the bottle too tight. That might cause some minor puddling of liquid around the points of contact, but it worked well for me.

- A drink pourer.

- A vacuum break. I did not work for me, but if you can get it working, please post it.

http://m.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-3-4-in-Hose-Bibb...

- Add a tube connected to the pour vent. Look for 'shakerj65' for explanations/pictures in the comment section

Problem 2. After several days of alcohol sitting in the bottle, the liquid comes out black/green.

The root cause: the alcohol deteriorates a rubber seal in the spigot.

Solutions

- Why would you let it sit for several days? Drink it all! That, of cause, is a terrible advise and you should ignore it. The truth is I use my dispenser for decorating purposes only and don't keep any liquid in it.

- Use a stainless steel spigot (Thanks for advice, RustyE4!)

Comments

[Twistedpatsfan]

So I made this…the overall design was simple and easy, it looks great. The problem I’m having is that it doesn’t seem to matter what soda cap I use the crown bottle will leak, that seems to be the only issue. Any suggestions on how to correct? Thank you for the idea!

[mpaka69]

So i added a tube that would go into to bottle and pulled upto the entrance of the dispenser.... my conserns are
1. How do i prevent liquid to touch the brass used?
2. If not using tube how can i assure that the alcohol will not be effected when it runs thru the brass? I read remarks about corrosion etc..

Please help

[PadraigC]

Please do not use brass that is not lead free. Use copper, stainless steel, or pvc. And use food grade tubing to connect from the bottle to the spigot, if possible.

[sygl4ever]

Here is mine and we love it! Only problem is once the liquor is on it for a day it makes the liquor cloudy. All liquor has a taste of rust. I used brass and steel I bought From Lowe’s and spray painted it with a hammered paint so it all matches. Anyone have any ideas of something I can pour down it to coat the pipes???

[PadraigC]

Hi, I’ve been looking at this post a bit and see a LOT of folks telling others to use brass. DO NOT USE BRASS, UNLESS it is lead free. As for cleaning the pipe, use soap and water, then acetone to ensure everything is off before you paint. Use copper where you can and use food grade tubing (or copper) through the pipes as much as possible. That way, you will not get the liquor in contact with any metals until the spout/spigot (which should be stainless steel). Good luck!!

[geordie_h]

Awesome project. Just the picture of the whisky bottle hooked up to the plumbing is great.

[AndréC175]

Can anyone tell me how i attach the liqour to the setup.?

Wich fitting to i need to the liqour install.?

Hope to hear from you guys.

André - Denmark

[Slick822]

I cannot find which cap too use for the liquor bottle

[RushNafikov]

Andre. See step 3. I used a coke bottle cap to mate a bottle to the pipe fitting.

Rush - Texas

[bobbygosbee]

What did you use to seal the cap? I assume a food grade adhesive is needed since it is in constant contact with liquor?

[Idnacpaul]

Here’s what I did, installed an air intake to help the liquid flow, the picture isn’t the final product but it works. An extra tee with 1/2” air intake... viola easy pour, cheers my new friends!!! Candice & Paul

[ljalique]

Hiw do you clean out the inside of the pipes before putting in the bottle?

[stephen3393]

Is there an update to this? I’m curious

[RedFeatherCollective]

Detached arm to show most important step of this build. Don’t drink corrosion, instead drink responsibly. As well, bent must be higher in elevation than the spout of the bottle.

[stephen3393]

How did you attach the tubing to the part that attaches to the bottle? I’m curious I am trying to make a dispenser and trying to figure how I am goin to accomplish to prevent corrosion

[maarja.treimut]

How did you attach the tube to the spigot? If it's not airtightly attached, then doesn't the alcohol keep pouring down the tube when you close the spigot and fill the hardware?

[AGuyNamedJoshua]

Hey brother, I'm wanting to make one of these for Father's Day but I was worried about the corrosive effects of alcohol on the piping. Looks like you've figure it out! Can you share with me the parts and process for the interior tubing? Thanks in advance! :)

[Gg7676]

How do I prevent the soda from building up pressure?

[Gamblergurl]

I made a few of these and gave them to people for Christmas a couple years ago. I cant decide what design I want to make and keep for myself lol. I'm still deciding

[JeffM354]

My question is how do you put the bottle in without spilling.