No-Paloma & Grapefruit Switch
The bitterness of grapefruit is switched with that of hops thanks to enzymes. Use both the grapefruit juice and peel together with a hydrosol and grapefruit soda for a refreshing non-alcoholic drink.
The prep room behind The Cocktail Balance has been full of experiments, and our Enzyme Master Michal Dojčák has created a refreshing drink based on grapefruit, using both the juice and the peel.
The team made a recipe video so you can see each step for yourself. Don’t forget that all the enzymes and acids are available in our shop!
Enzyme action
Three enzymes are added to grapefruit juice and each plays a different role. Pectinase breaks down pectin and cellulase breaks down cellulose; basically, these two enzymes together break down plant cells walls, softening them and allowing more juice to be extracted.
Naringase, on the other hand, both enhances and releases aromas in a plant, as well as reduces bitterness. With naringase, we can eliminate grapefruit’s bitterness so that it tastes more like an orange.
The resulting clear liquid is then infused with hops to make the cordial, which gives it a beer-like aftertaste, and keeps the drink from being too sweet.
Steam distillate instead of alcohol
Michal uses hydrosol of cacao bean in the final No-Paloma cocktail to replace the spirits. A hydrosol, also called a hydrolate or herbal distillate, is made by steam distilling plant matter. Basically, bring water to a boil and catch the steam that rises up. While tea is strong in flavour, hydrosol is less strong in flavour but much stronger in aroma.
Bitter Ex-Change - Grapefruit Hops Switch
8 grams Pectinase
8 grams Naraginase
8 grams Cellulase
400 grams Grapefruit Juice
2 grams dried hop capsules
133 grams sugar
5 grams malic acid
5 grams citric acid
1 gram salt
Mix enzymes and grapefruit juice. You can use an immersion blender to better amplify the enzymatic action. Pour the juice into a vacuum bag and seal.
Leave it in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for about 4 hours for quicker separation. Strain the bitter-less clear grapefruit juice through a coffee filter.
To add a layer of a different kind of bitter, open the vacuum bag and add hop capsules, sugar, acids, and salt. Reseal bag and sous-vide for one hour. Strain through a coffee filter and funnel into a bottle.
Grapefruit Super Juice
1000 grams water
48 grams citric acid
12 grams malic acid
2 grams MSG
60 grams organic grapefruit peel
With a vegetable peeler, peel the outside of an organic grapefruit, leaving behind the pith. Blend all ingredients at high speed and strain.
No-Paloma Cocktail
15 ml Grapefruit Switch Cordial
15 ml Grapefruit Super Juice
20 ml Cocoa Bean Hydrosol
Three Cents Grapefruit Soda
Pour the first three ingredients into a cocktail shaker and throw with ice. Strain into a glass and top with Three Cents Grapefruit Soda. Stir gently.
