Hey there, fellow cocktail enthusiasts! Are you ready to embark on a journey that will tantalize you...
Fresh Fruit Juice In Cocktails
Facing a large party or in search of convenience, the cocktail connoisseur can be tempted by bottled juices. They boast impressive shelf lives, simplicity and no messy fruit peels to contend with. However, in a battle of flavour, there is no contest. Fresh juice will always yield a more delicious, refined cocktail.
While it is a difficult sensation to describe, the taste difference between fresh and bottled juices is noticeable. Taste tests regularly prove that people prefer fresh juice over bottled, powdered or frozen alternatives. Cocktails are crisper, cleaner and more full-bodied when fresh juice is used.The key difference between fresh and bottled juices is oxidation, the same chemical reaction responsible for turning cut apples brown. When fruit juice is exposed to the open air, oxygen reacts with certain compounds within the juice. This is called oxidation. Oxidation rapidly breaks down substances like enzymes, phytochemicals and flavonoids that are responsible for a juice's "fresh" flavour.
Bottled juices that are pasteurised are also exposed to heat and other sanitation methods that, while they extend the product's shelf life, destroy critical flavour compounds. Many people also claim that the preservatives and additives in bottled juices compromise their pure flavour. Concentrated juices go through a similar flavour-eradicating process, and frozen juices are not only concentrated but have also suffered damage from the formation of ice crystals.
Juicing fruit at home is easier than it sounds. A simple citrus reamer and strainer are perfect for single cocktails. For parties, there is no need to stand in the kitchen juicing lemon after lemon immediately before the guests arrive. Properly chilled, fresh juice will keep its full flavour for about ten hours.
Those that drink cocktails or host parties on a regular basis might consider purchasing an electric juicer. Masticating or triturating models, or those that "chew" the fruit rather than using spinning blades, produce a superior juice. They minimise the juice's exposure to air, therefore reducing oxidation.
Using fresh juice is not about being picky. It is about getting the best possible flavour out of your cocktails. The switch from bottled to fresh juice is the difference between a good cocktail and a magnificent one.
Pardon the interruption
Did you know that you can become a member for free, taking your cocktail making skills up to level 11. You can save your My Bar ingredients, make tasting notes, have personalised Tried and Want to try lists and more.
More to explore
Ah, the city of love, Paris has a special place in our hearts. We may not be able to visit it right...
No brunch is complete without a Mimosa or two alongside your eggs benedict and smoked salmon, and it...
Bartender's top tip
Related posts
The History of Christmas Cocktails
With Christmas on its merry way, we are taking this opportunity to celebrate three of the most popular tipples at the time of year. Whichever one you prefer, it is always interesting to know the histo... read more
History of the B52
A well-made B52 shot is certainly a work of art. Made up of a beautifully layered mix of Baileys', triple sec and coffee liqueur, this is a shot that takes patience and precision in order to achieve p... read more
The History of Vodka
For a long time, this clear spirit was considered to be the most popular in the UK. It has recently been usurped by gin, but it still holds a special place in our hearts. Here is a story about how vod... read more
Subscribe to our Newsletter
Get tips straight into your inbox.
Upgrade your mixology
Become a member for free taking your cocktail making skills up to level 11.
- Save your bar forever
- Access to our Cocktail Creator, allowing you to create your own wonderful concoctions.
- Save cocktails to personalised 'Tried' and 'Want to try' lists
- Create and record tasting notes on cocktails
- Create lists of cocktails to share with friends and family
- A pesonalised MyBar URL, allowing you to share everything you can make with friends
- And much more ... (what to buy next, measurement choices, search personalisation...)
Olympic Cocktails and More
Discover a host of cocktails inspired by the Paris 2024 Olympics, meet the bartenders behind the cocktails and win yourself some juicy Amazon vouchers.
Our Olympic Cocktail Hub