Evgeny Moskalev, a professor at the Saint Petersburg Technology University, has developed a technique to solidify any alcohol of up to 96 per cent purity into a powder, which can then be packaged in a pill.

“I think the same problems that arise when people consume the liquid form would arise with the solid form, so it would probably be of concern to alcohol policy makers,” said Samantha Wells, scientist at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health.

Wells explained in spite of the novelty of the idea it is not very likely to catch on.

“Part of drinking isn’t just its effects, but its taste and the social environment.”

If the idea did catch on, however, Wells was concerned about the effects solidified alcohol could have on underage drinking.

“Those who don’t like the taste of alcohol are usually younger people. If taste is the issue, I could see it being appealing to the very young,” she continued. “Not only that, but if its in solid form and in small sizes, then it would be very easy to smuggle.”

—Jared Lindzon