The Lunar Eclipse cocktail is a creation that captivates with its vibrant colors and blend of flavors.
This drink combines the earthy notes of turmeric-infused vodka with the sweet and tangyness of carrot and lemon juice, all balanced by the sweetness of honey and the Angostura bitters.
It’s a turmeric cocktail recipe that promises not only a sensory experience but also a visual one, reminiscent of the awe-inspiring phenomenon it’s named after.
Here’s how to prepare this mesmerizing concoction, including a guide to creating your own turmeric-infused vodka.
Lunar Eclipse Cocktail Ingredients:
- Turmeric-Infused Vodka (2 ounces / 60 ml): A bold, aromatic base that introduces a distinctive earthiness and a bright golden hue.
- Carrot Juice (1 ounce / 30 ml): Adds a subtle sweetness and a beautiful orange color, enhancing the cocktail’s visual appeal.
- Lemon Juice (3/4 ounce / 22.5 ml, freshly squeezed): Adds a refreshing acidity that cuts through the sweetness.
- Honey (3/4 ounce / 22.5 ml): Offers a natural, soothing sweetness that complements the earthy and citrus notes.
- Angostura Bitters (2 dashes): Lends complexity and a hint of spice that rounds out the drink.
- Garnish: Celery Stick: Adds a fresh, crunchy element that contrasts nicely with the drink’s flavors.
Lunar Eclipse Cocktail Recipe:
- Prepare Turmeric-Infused Vodka:
- Begin by chopping a two-inch piece of fresh turmeric. Combine this with 750 mL (25 Ounces) of vodka in a jar, sealing it to allow the flavors to meld. Let the mixture infuse for 24 hours, checking the taste periodically. If desired, allow it to infuse longer for a more pronounced turmeric flavor. Once satisfied, strain the vodka to remove the turmeric pieces, and your infused vodka is ready to use.
- Mix the Cocktail:
- In a cocktail shaker, combine 60 ml (2 ounces) of turmeric-infused vodka, 30 ml (1 ounce) of carrot juice, 22.5 ml (3/4 ounce) each of freshly squeezed lemon juice and honey, along with two dashes of Angostura bitters. Fill the shaker with ice, ensuring enough to chill the ingredients well.
- Shake and Serve:
- Seal the shaker and shake vigorously until the mixture is well-chilled. This ensures the flavors are well-blended, and the cocktail is cooled to perfection.
- Strain the chilled cocktail into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice, capturing the essence of the Lunar Eclipse in every aspect of its presentation.
- Garnish and Enjoy:
- Finalize the cocktail by garnishing it with a celery stick. The celery not only adds a visual and textural contrast but also introduces a fresh, vegetal note that complements the cocktail’s earthy and sweet flavors.
The Lunar Eclipse Cocktail – A Deeper Look
Lunar eclipses are rare events, occurring only a few times each year. However, for those looking to capture such an occurrence more frequently, the Lunar Eclipse cocktail offers a celestial experience.
This drink was conceived by bartender Matt Ragan during his tenure at Victor Tangos, a once-popular Dallas venue celebrated for its gourmet fare and cocktails.
Ragan’s creation was driven by a desire to provide patrons with a beverage that delivered both a healthful boost and a delightful buzz, courtesy of its key ingredient, turmeric.
Ingredient Preparation Is Key
Creating turmeric vodka, the cornerstone of this cocktail, requires a DIY approach, as it is not readily available for purchase. This involves simply infusing chopped turmeric in vodka for a full day.
The result is a spirit with a rich, earthy foundation, which is then enhanced with the sweetness of carrot juice, the tang of lemon juice, the smoothness of honey, and aromatic bitters. A celery stick serves as the final touch, adding an elegant garnish.
Opting for fresh carrot juice is advisable to ensure the cocktail is imbued with a vibrant sweetness and an eye-catching bright orange color. For those with a juicer, making your own carrot juice is ideal. However, for those without, there’s no need to worry. Fresh carrot juice is readily available at many health food stores and major grocery chains, including Whole Foods, making it easy to source.
The Lunar Eclipse cocktail, with its unique blend of vodka and carrot juice, garnished with a celery stick, is not just an ideal choice for brunch. It’s a versatile cocktail that promises a delicious tipple at any time of the day.
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