Clarified Piña Colada Recipe
Santa Teresa 1796, Cocchi Americano, Pineapple, Coconut Milk, Whey
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Ingredients
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Clarified Piña Colada - Cocktail Base
Clarification Agent
Finishing & Garnish
Method
Clarified Piña Colada - Combine & Clarify
- 1
Mix base liquids
In a clean mixing vessel (a mason jar or cocktail shaker without ice), combine the Santa Teresa 1796, Cocchi Americano, fresh pineapple juice, coconut milk, lime juice, and simple syrup. Stir or gently shake (no ice) to homogenize the mixture.
- 2
Add whey for clarification
Pour the chilled whey into the mixed cocktail base. Stir gently for 20–30 seconds to ensure the whey is evenly distributed. The acid and proteins in the whey will begin to curdle the coconut proteins and capture solids, starting the clarification.
- 3
Set and separate
Cover the vessel and let the mixture rest in the refrigerator or a cool place for 6–12 hours. During this time a curdled mass will form and solids will coalesce, leaving a clearer liquid. For faster separation, room temperature (60–70°F / 15–21°C) will work in 4–8 hours but refrigerating yields a cleaner flavor. Do not disturb once settling has started.
- 4
Strain the clarified liquid
After separation, set up a fine filtration: first strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth or a coffee filter into a clean container to remove the large curds. Then filter the liquid again through a fresh coffee filter, fine chinois, or lab-grade filter paper into another clean vessel. Repeat filtration until the liquid is visually clear and free of sediment. This can require 2–4 passes. Be patient — clarity improves with successive slow filtration.
Finish & Serve
- 5
Chill and taste
Taste the clarified liquid and adjust balance if needed: add up to 0.25 oz additional simple syrup if too tart, or a few drops of lime if it needs brightness. Chill the clarified cocktail in the refrigerator or over an ice bath until very cold.
- 6
- 7
Garnish
Garnish with a pineapple wedge or dehydrated pineapple slice on the rim. If desired, grate a small dusting (a tiny pinch) of fresh nutmeg over the surface for an aromatic accent.
- 8
Notes on yield and timing
This recipe yields one cocktail (servings: 1). Clarification requires advance time: allow 6–12 hours for best results. Filter slowly to preserve flavor and maximize clarity.