Why Bartenders Are Obsessed with Clarified Cocktails

In the world of mixology, trends come and go faster than you can shake a cocktail. The latest fad that's taken bars by storm is the art of clarifying drinks. The result? Cocktails that look like a glass of water. While this trend has its roots in legitimate techniques, it seems like some bartenders today are just clarifying for the sake of it, without really understanding why. Let’s dive into this. 

The Science Behind Clarification

Clarification is the process of removing particles from a liquid to make it clear. This technique can involve various methods such as filtration, centrifugation, or the use of clarifying agents like gelatine, or agar. But why do it?

It turns out that colour molecules, or pigments, are often larger than flavour molecules. When you clarify a drink, you strip away these larger colour molecules. Theoretically, this means you’re letting the true flavours shine through your drink. However, scientific evidence specifically linking colour molecules covering flavour molecules is limited, but the principle of removing particulates to enhance purity is well established.

The Real Reasons for Clarifying Drinks

Back in my day as a bartender, clarification wasn't just about jumping on the latest trend. We used it strategically. If a drink’s colour was less than appealing, we’d clarify it to strip away that unattractive hue. Then, we’d reintroduce a more relevant and visually pleasing colour. It was a practical solution to a practical problem. The goal was always to enhance the overall drinking experience – both in terms of flavour and aesthetics.

Today, it seems like bartenders are clarifying drinks left and right without much rhyme or reason. Sure, a crystal-clear cocktail can look elegant and intriguing. But if you’re doing it just because it’s trendy, you might be missing the point.

Clarifying for Clarity’s Sake?

Clarifying drinks has become so popular that it's almost lost its original purpose. In the quest for that perfectly transparent libation, are we sacrificing some of the character and vibrancy that make cocktails so enjoyable? A beautifully coloured drink can be just as enticing as a clear one, if not more so.

The Missing Benefit: If you don’t understand why you’re clarifying a drink, you might end up stripping away some of the complexity and depth that make your cocktails unique. Clarification should enhance the flavour, not detract from it. When done correctly, it can elevate a drink to new heights.

Perception and Flavour: The visual appeal of a drink can significantly influence how we perceive its taste. Research suggests that our brains can perceive crystal-clear drinks as more refined and pure, which might enhance the enjoyment. However, if the drink looks too much like plain water, it might signal a lack of flavour or complexity, leading to a less satisfying experience.

As with any trend, it’s important to remember the why behind the what. Clarification is a tool, not an end in itself. Use it wisely, and your cocktails will not only look stunning but taste incredible too. Forget to think it through, and you’re left with a clear drink that might be missing its soul.

So, next time you find yourself reaching for that clarifying agent, ask yourself: Is this really going to make my drink better? Or am I just chasing clarity for clarity’s sake? In the world of mixology, a little thought goes a long way. And sometimes, a bit of colour is exactly what your cocktail needs to stand out.

The trend of clarifying drinks has its merits, but let’s not forget the artistry and science behind it. Clarify with intention, not just for the sake of it. After all, a cocktail is meant to be a feast for all the senses – including sight.

Cheers to thoughtful mixology!