The Art of Cocktail Clarification: A Comprehensive Guide
It seems like every cocktail list in India has a clarified cocktail or two, and there’s good reason for this. Not only does this technique allow you to explore flavours that would otherwise be highly difficult to add to a cocktail recipe- think baked goods or peanut butter - it also increases the shelf life by removing perishable ingredients like juice.
I caught up with Pankaj Balachandran who really needs no introduction, but for those of you who are new to the bar scene, you can find his great work at Countertop, Short Stories and newly opened, Boilermaker Goa.
We take a deep dive into the world of clarified cocktails, exploring the who, what, why and how to create these visually appealing, texturally silky serves. But, most importantly, how India’s most famous cocktail - The Midnight Breakie - came to be, and when it’s coming back!
"Where I find clarification being a problem is because a lot of people do it without understanding the science of clarification." - Pankaj Balachandran
Clarified? What are you talking about?
Cocktail clarification is an advanced technique that has been around since at least the 18th Century. It gained popularity globally over the past decade with the rise in cocktail culture and is increasingly being used by bartenders and mixologists for its ability to elevate the visual appeal, texture, and taste of a drink. It is the process of introducing a medium (gelatin, milk, agar agar) to the cocktail that binds and removes any solids and impurities to leave a crystal-clear serve with hidden complexity.
How to Clarify Cocktails
There are several methods to achieve clarification, each requiring its own set of techniques and equipment:
- Gelatin Clarification: One of the most common methods involves using gelatin. The process begins by blooming gelatin in cold water, then heating it to dissolve. This mixture is added to the cocktail, which is then chilled. As the gelatin sets, it traps the solid particles present in the liquid, which can then be removed by straining through a fine filter, leaving behind a clarified liquid.
- Milk Clarification: A historical technique known as milk clarification, or milk washing, is another popular method. By adding milk to a cocktail that contains acid (like citrus juice), the milk curdles and traps impurities. After straining out the curds, the cocktail is left clear and smooth, with a slightly altered flavor profile and a creamier texture.
- Centrifugal Clarification: For those with access to more advanced equipment, a centrifuge can be used to clarify cocktails. This method involves spinning the cocktail at high speeds, forcing solids to the bottom and leaving a clear liquid on top. It’s a quick and efficient method, but does require specialized equipment.
- Freezing and Thawing: A simpler method involves freezing the cocktail and then allowing it to thaw through a fine mesh. As it thaws, the ice traps the solids, leaving a clarified liquid. This method is less precise but can be effective for certain drinks.
Why should I go to this extra effort?
The reasons for clarifying cocktails go beyond just aesthetics. Here are some key benefits:
- Enhanced Visual Appeal: Clarification creates a crystal-clear drink, which not only looks stunning but also signals precision and care in its preparation. The visual clarity can elevate the presentation, making the drink more appealing to the eye, and more likely to end op on the Gram!
- Improved Texture: By removing solids, clarification results in a smoother texture. This is particularly desirable in drinks that would otherwise be gritty or cloudy, providing a more refined serve that your guests will keep coming back for more.
- Flavour Enhancement: Clarification can subtly alter the flavour profile of a cocktail. For instance, milk clarification adds a slight creaminess and mellows out sharp flavours, while gelatin clarification can soften bitter notes.
- Stability: Clarified cocktails tend to have a longer shelf life, as the removal of impurities and solids reduces the chances of spoilage. This makes them ideal for batch-preparing drinks in advance which takes the heat off the bar in busy shifts, and makes sure each serve is consistently delicious.
- Complexity: The process of clarification can also lead to a more cohesive flavour profile, where all the elements of the drink are balanced and integrated. You know the saying “the sum is greater than the whole of its parts”? Well, that is the case for clarified cocktail, this integration of flavours adds complexity and intrigue to the cocktail.
Is the clarified serve here to stay?
Pankaj explains "It's definitely not a fad, in India it grew in popularity in 2017, so 8 years ago. Where I find clarification being a problem is because a lot of people do stuff without understanding the science of clarification
For them it is all about clear drinks. But for me a milk washed (clarified) drink is, other than the fact it preserves the drink for a longer time, anything you add which is a stronger flavour, it mellows down that flavour. You put something strong like Fernet into a milk washed drink and the end product you get is so nice, it is so beautiful.
People still haven’t understood why they do something. A lot of the time there are 6 out of 10 drinks on a menu that are clariefied and they haven’t thought, do I have the time, do I have the space?
Famous Clarified Serves
While some categories of clarified serves have become famous like the clarified Bloody Mary or Pina Colada, I struggle to think of an individual cocktail that has become as widely known as the Midnight Breakie.
When questioning why this serve has managed to start securing its spot amongst other well known modern classics, Pankaj explains.
"While bartenders will always love a clarified serve for obvious reasons, I think for consumers it was visually appealing. This “nonchalant”, soft pink coloured cocktail then blew them away with its complex, but definitely smashable flavours. Also, it's identifiable and describable. Even without the menu, people would come in and order that serve with the watermelon."
- Midnight Breakie : India's best known and most travelled cocktail, this serve was born during the pandemic and has been delighting tastebuds ever since. Inspired by the classic PB&J sandwich this serve blitzes peanut butter with watermelon to "gravity filter" the serve. Refreshing, yet textural, this is a delight to drink.
- Milk Punch: Perhaps the most iconic clarified cocktail, Milk Punch dates back to the 17th century. The milk clarification process leaves a clear, smooth, and slightly creamy drink that is both refreshing and rich.
- Clarified Daiquiri: A modern take on the classic Daiquiri, the clarified version uses gelatin or agar-agar to remove the cloudiness from lime juice, resulting in a crystal-clear drink that retains the bright, zesty flavor of the original.
- Clarified Pina Colada: This tropical favourite can be clarified to remove the opacity of pineapple juice and coconut cream, leaving a clear liquid with all the flavour of the original. The result is a visually stunning and refreshing take on a classic.
- Milk-Washed Negroni: By using milk washing, the intense bitterness of the Negroni is softened, resulting in a clarified cocktail that is smoother and more approachable, yet still rich in flavour.
Conclusion
Cocktail clarification is more than just a visual trick; it’s a technique that can transform a drink’s texture, flavour, and overall experience. Whether you’re looking to create a show-stopping serve or simply refine the flavours of a classic cocktail, mastering clarification is a valuable skill for any bartender or cocktail enthusiast. As you experiment with different methods, you’ll discover the endless possibilities that this technique offers, leading to new and exciting creations that delight both the eye and the palate.
