Wash the oranges under running water and dry them. Cut in half and squeeze the juice using a manual citrus juicer over a large bowl or a jug with a capacity of at least 1 liter. After squeezing all the fruits, strain the juice through a fine sieve into a clean jug to remove seeds and larger pulp. Measure 800 ml of juice; if you have a little more, you can adjust the amount of lemon juice (keep the acidity ratio).
Description
A fresh, modern cocktail that combines the intense color of blood oranges, the spiciness of fresh ginger, and a delicate, velvety foam made from aquafaba — a plant-based egg white substitute. The drink is seasonal (winter-early spring, when citrus fruits are available), visually striking with its deep orange-carmine hues and contrasting white foam, and flavor-wise it blends sweetness, citrus acidity, and a warming spicy finish. Serve in clear highball glasses or cocktail glasses for an elegant gathering, as a refreshing non-alcoholic drink for a meeting, or as part of a tasting menu. The aesthetics and harmony of flavors make the cocktail eye-catching and inviting to try.
Ingredients Used
Ingredients (11)
- Red orange juice 800 ml
- Lemon juice 60 ml
- Fresh ginger 40 g
- White sugar 200 g
- Water for syrup 200 ml
- Fresh thyme 4 g
- Aquafaba (chickpea water) 120 g
- Ice (cubes) 400 g
- 🌿 Przyprawy
- Saffron (a small amount) 0.1 g
- ✨ Opcjonalne
- Edible gold flakes (optional) 0.1 g
- Fresh sprig of thyme for decoration (optional) 3 g
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Preparation steps
Preparing the juices
Thyme and ginger syrup
Peel the ginger thinly (use a teaspoon to scrape off the skin) and cut it into thin slices or grate it on a fine grater. In a small saucepan, combine 200 ml of water and 200 g of sugar. Add the ginger and 4 g of fresh thyme. Heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves, stirring with a wooden spoon (about 3-4 minutes). When the syrup starts to gently boil, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes to allow the ginger to release its aroma. Turn off the heat and let it steep covered for 10 minutes, so the thyme and ginger infuse. Strain through a fine sieve into a bottle or jar and set aside to cool to room temperature.
Saffron infusion
In a small bowl, soak 0.05 g of saffron in 15 ml of hot (not boiling) water and set aside for 8–10 minutes. The saffron will release its color and aroma; the liquid will become golden-orange. Note: if you don't have saffron, skip this step — the foam will still be aromatic thanks to the syrup and aquafaba.
Preparation of aquafaba foam
In a clean, metal or glass bowl, place 120 ml of aquafaba. Add 1–2 tablespoons (15–30 ml) of prepared, cooled thyme-ginger syrup (which adds sweetness and stability). Pour a few milliliters of saffron infusion (about 5–10 ml) into the aquafaba to give it a delicate color and aroma. Whip with a hand mixer with a whisk attachment or a hand whisk for about 3–6 minutes on medium speed until the aquafaba forms stable, white peaks — the foam should be glossy and hold its shape when the spoon is turned upside down. If using a blender, keep the device steady and do not overheat the foam.
Mixing the cocktail
In a large pitcher, combine the filtered juice from red oranges (800 ml) and lemon juice (60 ml). Add 60–80 ml of the prepared thyme-ginger syrup (adjust sweetness to taste). Stir with a wooden spoon for 20–30 seconds. Taste the drink and adjust – if it's too sour, add an additional 10–20 ml of syrup; if it's too sweet, add 10–15 ml of lemon juice.
Chilling and Serving
In 4 highball glasses, evenly place 100 g of ice (cubes) — for a total of 400 g. Pour 20–25 ml of ginger-thyme syrup at the bottom of each glass (80–100 ml in total). Then, gently pour the prepared citrus mix into each glass, 200 ml each, using a bar spoon turned close to the surface to achieve a gentle mix and maintain the layered color effect. On top of each glass, add 30 ml of whipped aquafaba with a spoon — apply slowly to ensure the foam sits aesthetically on the surface of the drink.
Decoration
Gently place a few very thin strands of saffron or one strand for each glass on the foam. Optionally, sprinkle extremely sparingly with edible gold flakes (crushing a small amount with your fingers over the surface). Attach a sprig of fresh thyme to the edge of the foam or stick it vertically to add aroma when serving.
Final tips
Serve the cocktail immediately after preparation, while the foam is fresh and the ice hasn't melted too much. If preparing in advance, store the syrup and juice separately in the fridge (for up to 3 days) and whip the aquafaba just before serving.
Fun Fact
Aquafaba began to be widely used in vegan kitchens in the second decade of the 21st century as a plant-based substitute for egg whites — it became particularly popular due to its ability to create stable foams and emulsify.
Best for
Tips
Serve in clear tall glasses to highlight the contrast of colors. Serve with a short, wide straw or scoop directly with a teaspoon to taste the foam first, followed by the drink. For the alcoholic version, add 40 ml of cold vodka or gin to each serving before pouring the juice.
Store the syrup in a closed jar in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Keep fresh orange juice in a sealed container for a maximum of 48 hours. Aquafaba can be stored in the refrigerator for 48–72 hours, but it's best to whip it just before serving.
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