Make Clarified Cocktails

The technique used to clarify cocktails has been around for ages.  Also referred to as “milk washing,” the clarification process requires a cocktail that features a prominent citrus component in order to react and curdle the whole milk when combined.  Now, before you get sufficiently grossed out, after you filter the mixture to remove the dairy and any impurities, you are left with a ready-made libation that is safe to store in the refrigerator indefinitely.  In addition to its extended shelf-life, the clarified cocktail inherits a smooth, silky texture that attributable to the milk washing.

This is a step-by-step process that is fairly applicable for any citrusy cocktail:

1. Start by a measuring out your whole milk — a general rule of thumb is enough for a 4:1 cocktail to whole milk ratio.

2. In a non-reactive container, slowly introduce the cocktail into whole milk (not the other way around).  You will notice the milk immediately begins to curdle.

3. After you give the mixture a gentle stir, allow it to sit for an hour or two undisturbed.

4. Slowly the pour mixture through a pre-wet coffee filter (I have found this really helps the coffee filter maintain its integrity and prevent it from ripping) and allow the milk curdles accumulate and assist with the filtering process.

5. Let the mixture filter — this can take hours depending on how much you are filtering.

6. If necessary, repeat the filtering process if you see debris after the first pass.

Although it takes a considerable amount of time and effort, the results speak for themselves.  One of my go-to cocktails to clarify is the Jungle Bird; not only is it optimal choice due to the citrus of both the lime and the pineapple juices, but through the filtering process the appearance changes in a rather surprising way.  For best results, I recommend cocktails that have either lemon juice or lime juice; the acidity in orange juice or even pineapple juice is typically not enough on their own to achieve the necessary results.  But don’t take my word for it, try it for yourself!