Clarified Del Sol Recipe

Bloom gelatin

Put 1 tsp unflavored gelatin into a small bowl and pour 1 tbsp warm (not boiling) water over it. Stir gently and let sit 3–5 minutes until fully bloomed and thickened.

Dissolve gelatin

Gently warm the bloomed gelatin (over a steam bath or microwave for 5–8 seconds) until it becomes liquid again. Do not boil. Add 1 oz cold water and stir to cool and dilute — this creates the clarifying solution that will be mixed with the cocktail.

Combine base ingredients

In a cocktail shaker, add 2 oz Cuervo Tradicional Silver, 1 oz coconut liqueur, 2 oz fresh pineapple juice, 0.5 oz agave syrup, and 0.5 oz fresh lime juice.

Shake with ice

Add ice (about 6 oz or fill shaker) and shake vigorously for 12–15 seconds until the shaker is well chilled and diluted.

Strain into settling container

Double-strain the shaken mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a small jar or container, leaving the ice behind. Allow the mixture to rest briefly (1–2 minutes) so large bubbles dissipate.

Add gelatin clarifier

Pour the cooled, dissolved gelatin solution into the jar with the strained cocktail. Stir gently but thoroughly for about 20–30 seconds to ensure the gelatin is evenly distributed.

Set and chill

Cover the jar and place in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours (preferably 3–6 hours) until clear and a gel mat has formed on top. During this time the gelatin will coagulate impurities and fats (from pineapple and coconut) and trap them in the gel.

Break the gel and filter

Once set, use a spoon or fork to break the gel into pieces and invert the jar through a funnel lined with a coffee filter (or pour carefully through cheesecloth). Allow the cocktail to slowly drip through; this may take 30–90 minutes depending on filter and temperature. Do not press the gel — let gravity pull the clarified liquid through to avoid cloudiness.

Collect clarified liquid

When most of the liquid has filtered through and is clear in the receiving vessel, discard the spent gel. If you prefer an even brighter result, re-filter through a fresh coffee filter.

Serve

Pour the clarified cocktail into a chilled coupe or rocks glass (over a large ice cube if desired). Garnish with a dehydrated pineapple wheel or a lime wedge. Serve immediately.

Notes

Clarification reduces aroma intensity slightly and produces a silky, clear cocktail called 'Clarified Del Sol.' If you prefer a quicker version, omit gelatin clarification and serve the shaken cocktail over ice.