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The process of incorporating turmeric into your cocktail creations is a bit more complicated than just adding a spoonful here and there, to recipes. With a potent and unique flavour that needs to be thoughtfully integrated into the flavours of a cocktail, ensures that it doesn’t overpower the spirit, and balances well with the other ingredients. There are a few simple routes you can take to add turmeric to your drinks, but some of the most used are via syrups, tonics and rimming salts. Let’s take a closer look at how to use each.
Turmeric-Infused Syrup
Add a touch of sweetness along with your spice by making your own batch of turmeric syrup. Create this vibrant concoction by combining equal parts water and sugar in a saucepan. Simmer over low heat until the sugar dissolves, creating a simple syrup base. Add fresh turmeric slices or a teaspoon of turmeric powder per every cup of water to the mixture, and simmer gently allowing the spice to permeate the liquid. The distinct earthiness will infuse the syrup with a subtle yet enriching flavour before you strain the syrup to remove any solid particles, to make way for a sunshine yellow liquid that can be bottled and stored in the fridge for up to 6 months.
Turmeric Tonic Water
Tonic is a staple addition to many popular cocktails, especially those built around gin. Infusing it with turmeric doesn’t have to be a complicated affair. Begin by combining water, natural sweeteners like honey or agave, and a pinch of salt in a saucepan. Gently simmer the ingredients together stirring until the honey or agave dissolves completed, followed by freshly sliced turmeric or a spoon of turmeric powder to steep for a few minutes. After cooling and straining, what you have is a bespoke tonic water that makes a perfect accompaniment to your favourite spirits or even to be enjoyed in mocktails.
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Turmeric Rimming Salt
Image Credits: VinePair
Craft cocktails with a rim of salt, sugar or spices really add oomph to a drink but did you know you can do the same with turmeric? Adding both, a burst of colour and flavour to each sip, creating this golden-hued salt is a straightforward process. Start by combining sea salt with ground turmeric, ensuring an even distribution. Use it to adorn the edges of glasses for cocktails, mocktails, or even non-alcoholic beverages like fresh fruit smoothies.
Turmeric Coconut Milk
Create a creamy and exotic turmeric-infused coconut milk based cocktail by simmering fresh coconut milk with turmeric root until fragrant. Allow the mixture cool and strain out the turmeric solids to use in cocktails like pina coladas or tropical daiquiris for a rich and flavourful twist. Use a frother to make the turmeric-infused coconut milk foamy to add a different kind of texture and mouthfeel to your drink.
