~ Cocktail chemistry made easy by borrowing lab technology ~
Mixology shares more similarities with science than you might think. In fact, mixology is a science in itself, where achieving exceptional results requires precision and, often, advanced equipment. Justin Welton, managing director of Gem Scientific, supplier of laboratory equipment for the food and beverage industry, explains how scientific tools are helping to transform the cocktail experience.
To stand out in the competitive food and beverage market, bars and restaurants are increasingly adopting techniques normally found in the laboratory.
Processes like redistillation and homogenisation may seem more suited to a lab coat than a bar apron, but they have been key to mixology for decades. These scientific methods could be the secret to the charm of your favourite cocktail.
Elevating vermouth cocktails with science
The world of vermouth cocktails is rich, inviting and diverse. Enter the olive oil martini—a cocktail that elevates tradition through the innovative infusion technique known as fat washing.
The process begins with gin infused with olive oil, rosemary and thyme, gently stirred for 12 hours to develop its distinct savoury character. A heated hot plate stirrer makes this task seamless, maintaining consistent temperature and stirring speed.
Its compact design and automated operation allow bartenders to focus on other creations while ensuring a perfectly balanced infusion.
Once infused, the mixture is frozen to separate the olive oil, leaving behind beautifully fat-washed gin. Pair it with blanc vermouth, and the result is a modern martini masterpiece.
For the ultimate hangover remedy, consider a clarified Bloody Mary. This lighter, sweeter version with a splash of dry vermouth offers a refined twist on a classic.
Clarification, the process of removing impurities and suspended particles to achieve a clear liquid, enhances visual appeal and refines texture and flavour. Traditionally, clarification requires up to two hours of straining, but modern tools like a large capacity centrifuge significantly reduce the time and effort.
Modern techniques for perfect cocktail textures
The Ramos Gin Fizz is legendary for its luxurious texture—and for its notoriously labour-intensive preparation, which traditionally takes up to 12 minutes. The challenge lies in the heavy cream: while it stabilises the foam, it also makes it harder to form.
Legend has it that Henry Ramos employed a chain of “shaker men” to keep up with the cocktail’s demand. Thankfully, laboratory instruments simplify this process. Overhead stirrers and vortex mixers replicate the vigorous mixing needed, eliminating the manual labour.
Spherification introduces a new dimension to cocktails by creating small, edible capsules filled with liquid, adding bursts of flavour and texture. Take rum caviar, for instance: dark rum is combined with agar-agar powder, then heated using a hot plate stirrer to dissolve it fully.
Once cooled, sugar is added to adjust the rum’s density. Using an eyedropper, the mixture is dropped into cold vegetable oil, where the alginate sets, forming delicate spheres.
Precision tools like eyedroppers enable consistent pearls, ideal for personalising cocktails. Proper storage is key, with a fridge set at 17°C being optimal. Features like automated temperature control and audible alarms make sure ingredients remain in peak condition.
Personalising cocktails
Personalisation is the hallmark of a great cocktail. Take the mojito: it’s a classic, yet its variations—raspberry, passion fruit or custom creations—set bars apart.
Homemade syrups, individual to your establishment, elevate such drinks. Thermomixers, versatile devices that heat, mix and blend with precision, make it easy to craft syrups and other cocktail components.
And let’s not forget bitters—these small but impactful additions allow for endless customisation, balancing flavour and adding complexity to any cocktail.
Discover the future of mixology
These tools enable bars and restaurants to elevate the quality, creativity and excellence in cocktail creation. High-precision tools like heated hot plate stirrers, centrifuges, vortex mixers, eyedroppers and many more can all add to mixologists’ repertoires.
Gem Scientific’s support also extends beyond equipment. It provides guidance and products to help professionals unlock new possibilities in cocktail crafting and devise ways to distinguish each establishment from the competition.
Elevate your cocktail creations and bring laboratory-level sophistication to your bar. Download the free Gem Mixology brochure from Gem Scientific.
