Stepping into the world of mixology can be like learning another language. Everything seems confusing and you don’t know what’s what. But there’s something else nagging at you beyond everything else. Some alcoholic drinks have no colour, why is this?
Understanding Colour in Alcoholic Drinks
You don’t realise how much the appearance of alcohol plays a role in your decision-making until the colourless nature of some makes you nervous. You look for the Cointreau liqueur alcohol content as well as a vodka, and you might choose the former because it’s not colourless. The colour is an indication of the ageing process and the ingredients used during production for many. The hue is influenced by various factors, such as the type of grain or fruit, the presence of botanicals, and even the materials of the ageing barrels. Colourless drinks, therefore, are an interesting case to explore.
Types of Colourless Alcoholic Drinks
Not all colourless drinks are made equal. Some are clear from the get-go, thanks to their ingredients and the production process, while others start with more colour and are then refined to their transparent state. For instance, white rum and tequila can be naturally clear due to the fermentation of sugarcane or agave, whereas vodka is renowned for its ability to take on the colour of the pure water it’s often mixed with.
Reasons for Colourlessness
You may have guessed but the production methods are responsible for the absence of colour. Spirits like vodka, gin, and some types of tequila are painstakingly crafted to ensure they are as clear as possible. The distillation process itself removes most of the impurities and compounds that could lend colour to the alcohol, but further steps are taken to achieve that prized transparency.
Distillation Process
Distillation involves heating a liquid to create vapour, which is then condensed back into a liquid form. This complex process is deployed multiple times in the case of colourless spirits, stripping away any pigments that might be present in the raw materials. Additionally, some spirits undergo a rectification process, which is essentially a more thorough distillation to ensure a purer, colourless end product.
Filtering Methods
To ensure a crystal-clear appearance, many alcohol producers employ sophisticated filtering techniques after distillation. From charcoal to molecular sieves, these tools help trap impurities and any remaining colours. Charcoal filtering, in particular, is a popular method for white spirits as it not only improves clarity but can also smooth out the taste of the drink by removing any unwanted flavours.
Popular Colourless Alcoholic Drinks
You’ll find loads of colourless alcohol options and this might be why you researched and found this article. Vodka, with its chameleon-like ability to take on the hue of mixers, is known for its neutrality. Tequila often comes in both clear and gold variations, with the clear being young and the gold reflecting ageing in wooden casks. White rum, a staple in many tropical drinks, is naturally clear due to the use of sugarcane.
