Lemongrass is like the secret weapon of the cocktail world. With its zesty citrus vibes and a hint o...
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.
Filed with tags
More to explore
Prohibition occurred in the 1920s, when it became illegal to manufacturer, transport, sell or consum...
Ringing in the New Year calls for a little flair in your cocktail shaker. It's a chance for amateur...
Tag cloud
Explore more with our randomised tag cloud.
-
Comfort Drinks
-
Festive
-
Zingy
-
Wine Cocktail
-
Spring
-
Peruvian
-
Easy to Enjoy
-
Childhood
-
Dynamic
-
Robust
-
Restaurant Signature
-
Accessible
-
Global Trends
-
Shared Drink
-
Long Island Iced Tea
-
Music
-
Advanced Mixology
-
Tannin
-
British Pub
-
Fruity Vodka Cocktail
Bartender's top tip
Related posts
The History of the El Presidente Cocktail
National Rum Day is quite possibly one of the very best reasons to drink rum. Our classic cocktail of the month is the El Presidente cocktail, because it is my favourite way to incorporate rum into my... read more
Are you using the right wine glass?
When it comes to cocktails, the glass is as important to the finished drink as every other ingredient. But when pouring wine, few people think twice about which glass they use. It doesn’t help that gl... read more
The History of the Snowball Cocktail
Every year we have dreams of a white Christmas, but unfortunately, it doesn’t always work that way. Depending on where you are in the world, you might get rain, wind, maybe scorching hot sunshine, but... 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. Or become a premium member to rise to cocktail greatness.
- Save your bar forever
- Access to our Cocktail Creator, allowing you to create your own wonderful concoctions.
- Create personalised cocktail menus for all your events, bars or parties
- 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 personalised MyBar URL, allowing you to share everything you can make with friends
- And much more ... (what to buy next, measurement choices, search personalisation...)
Have you tried our Wordpress Plugin?
Download our plugin and embed cocktail recipes directly onto your own site or blog.
Choose from our whole recipe database, or choose a specific cocktail made with a certain ingredient, and let us place a beautiful recipe on your own site.
Find out more