Molecular mixology is an exciting new trend in the cocktail-making industry combining chemistry and art to create innovative drinks. Below we look at what it is and the molecular mixology equipment you could use to get creative with your cocktails!
What is Molecular Mixology?
Molecular mixology is a relatively new trend in the cocktail-making industry. It combines science and art to create innovative cocktails that differ from traditional recipes, involving various processes and techniques – such as emulsifying, foaming, gel-setting or spherification. As a result, mixologists can combine flavours in previously impossible ways – turning the drink into something much more than the sum of its parts.
Molecular mixology cocktails are created using chemistry. Different ingredients react differently when combined – these reactions can be used to produce unusual flavours and textures. For example, a mixologist could use a foam created by a cream whipper; this reaction happens due to a chemical interaction between nitrogen gas released from the cream whipper’s cartridge and the liquid in the mixture. As a result, this creates a stable foam with an unexpected texture.
Molecular Mixology Equipment
Molecular mixologists use a range of specialised equipment to create their unique drinks. Below is a list of equipment commonly linked to a science lab that can be used in molecular mixology.
- Cream whippers or ISI Whippers are used to infuse nitrogen gas into various liquids, creating an interesting foam-like texture. These machines consist of a cartridge that holds liquid and a valve that releases pressurised nitrogen gas into the liquid when opened. When released, the nitrogen gas causes tiny bubbles, creating a stable foamed texture.
- Liquid nitrogen rapidly chills drinks, creating unique textures and temperatures. It’s also frequently used in molecular mixology for creating interesting foams and gels that can be formed into desired shapes.
- Rotary evaporators produce more intense flavours from distillation. By increasing the pressure of a vacuum, rotary evaporators allow molecules to be extracted while preserving their delicate nuances. This method is often used with liquid nitrogen to create the perfect temperature-controlled environment for extracting flavour components.
- Sous vide machines are perfect for cooking and infusing liquors slowly over time at a controlled temperature, allowing them to achieve complex tastes that would otherwise not be possible using traditional methods.
- Blowtorches can caramelise or char infusions such as whiskey, giving it a smoky taste that adds a new dimension to cocktails.
- Vacuum chambers allow ingredients such as herbs, fruits, and spices to be extracted in their purest form without damaging their delicate structure or flavour compounds.
- Rotovaps are used to create a vacuum to distil and extract essential oils from herbs and spices. They generate heat that evaporates the mixture’s liquid and then condenses it. The result is a more concentrated flavour – this can be made even more complex by combining multiple flavours in one drink!
- Centrifuges spin liquids at high speeds, using centrifugal force, which helps separate and clarify ingredients. These machines are perfect for making clarified juices or liquors which have had particles removed from them. The separated components can then be recombined interestingly to create unexpected flavour combinations!
Molecular mixology combines science and creativity to create extraordinary drinks. With the right equipment, techniques, and ingredients, you can elevate your cocktail-making game to an exciting new level. From blowtorches to vacuum chambers, ISI Whips, liquid nitrogen containers, and rotary evaporators – all the necessary tools for molecular mixology cocktails are available from Techmate. Whether you’re a professional bartender or a home enthusiast, Techmate has everything you need to get started! For more information, you can also contact the team at Techmate today, who are happy to help!
