Known for its crystal-clear appearance and intensified flavour, clarified juice is transforming cocktails into visually stunning and tastefully refined experiences. So, let’s take a look at how to make it, its characteristics, and how to incorporate it into cocktails!
How to Make It
Clarified juice is juice that has been filtered to remove all pulp and particles, resulting in a clear, smooth liquid. There are multiple ways to make it. Mix your juice of choice (you can use any citrus, fruit, berry, vegetable juice or a mix of all of them!) with gelatine or agar-agar and allow it to set into a gel. Once set, break up the gel into pieces and place it in a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth. Allow the clarified juice to slowly drip through into a container, leaving the solids behind.
Alternatively, place the fresh juice in centrifuge tubes. Spin the juice at high speed to separate the solids from the liquid, and carefully decant the clarified juice from the top. Remember that juices with high pulp content may take longer to clarify but yield a more pronounced flavour.
What Makes Clarified Juice Different
Clarified juices provide a pristine, transparent base that elevates the look of any drink. By removing the solids, the flavours in clarified juice become more concentrated, offering a more intense taste experience without the texture of pulp. This makes it a unique and versatile ingredient that bartenders can get creative with. The clarity and brightness of the juice allow bartenders to create drinks that are both flavoursome and visually captivating, and it’s perfect for high-end cocktails.
Mexican Elbow Lemon & Lime Squeezer
Tips for Incorporating it into Cocktails
Adjust other ingredients to ensure a balanced taste, as clarified juice has a more concentrated flavour, it requires a refined and seasoned palate to make it work. Make sure to use clear glassware and consider garnishes that complement the transparent look such as herbs, citrus twists, and edible flowers.
Match the clarified juice with spirits that enhance its flavour profile. For example, vodka with cranberry, gin with lemon or grapefruit, tequila with lime or pineapple, rum with orange or mango. Experiment with layered cocktails where different colours and densities can be showcased without muddiness. Store clarified juices in airtight containers and keep them refrigerated to maintain their freshness and clarity. Use them within a few days for the best results.
Clarified juice can not only inspire new flavour combinations but can give a delightful twist to classic combinations too. It’s a process that requires patience but can really pay off and advance your cocktail game.
