Smoke & Spherification: Learn The 101 Magic Of Mixology
It’s that time of the year where you learn how to elevate your mixology game from simply impressive to downright magical.
If you've ever wondered how to add that extra “wow” factor to your drinks, allow us to introduce you to the fantastic world of spherification and smoke.
These two techniques will make you feel like a mad scientist and a magical wizard, all rolled into one.
The Science of Spherification
First up, let's talk spherification. This fancy term essentially means turning liquids into tiny, caviar-like pearls that burst in your mouth. It’s a technique borrowed from molecular gastronomy and it’s perfect for adding a playful twist to your cocktails.
Imagine sipping your drink and encountering a burst of flavour—that’s the magic of spherification.
How It Works
Spherification involves mixing a liquid with sodium alginate and then dropping it into a calcium chloride bath.
The result? Beautiful, wobbly spheres filled with liquid. It's like cocktail boba but way cooler.
Cocktail Example: Caviar Margarita
For a Caviar Margarita, start by mixing 50 ml of tequila, 25 ml of lime juice, and 15 ml of Cointreau. Prepare your sodium alginate solution and mix it in with the margarita blend.
Using a dropper, drip the mixture into a calcium chloride bath. After a quick rinse in water, you’ll have margarita “caviar” to spoon into your cocktail.
Garnish with a lime wheel and prepare to leave everyone gobsmacked (you’re welcome).
Adding Smoke: The Mystical Element
Nothing says “mysterious and sophisticated” like a drink that arrives under a veil of aromatic smoke. It's all about the sensory experience—the sight, the smell, and of course, the taste.
How It Works
To add smoke to your cocktails, you’ll need a smoking gun. This handy gadget infuses your drinks with an enchanting smoky aroma without altering the temperature.
Pro tip: Choose your wood chips wisely—applewood, cherrywood and mesquite each will lend different flavours to your drink.
Cocktail Example: Smoked Old Fashioned
To make a Smoked Old Fashioned, mix 50 ml of bourbon with a dash of bitters and a sugar cube.
Stir until the sugar has dissolved. Pour the drink into a glass, cover it with a cloche, and use the smoking gun to fill it with cherrywood smoke.
Let it sit for a minute to infuse properly and then unveil it with a flourish like a magician. Garnish with an orange peel, and you’re golden.
Pro Tips
Practice Makes Perfect: Spherification can be tricky at first. Start with simple recipes and work your way up to more complex flavours.
Temperature Tango: The temperature matters a lot. Cold liquids work best for spherification. Keep your mixtures chilled for the best results.
Don’t Overdo the Smoke: A little smoke goes a long way. Start with a small amount and add more if needed. Too much smoke can overpower the drink.
Experiment Endlessly: Both techniques allow for endless creativity in terms of flavour. Try different combinations of spirits, mixers, and flavours to find what works for you and your guests.
