Clarified Autumn Bitter
Food, Styling & Photo: Oliver Schwarzwald
Clear almond with artichoke and elderberry
The cold days are approaching - time for drinks that not only taste good, but also have health benefits. Ok, since we don't drink alcohol here, all of our drinks are healthier than anything else. But our clarified almond milk punch with elderberry juice, artichoke syrup and non-alcoholic rum now combines sophisticated flavors with a touch of bar feeling and delivers real health boosts, vegan to boot.
Elderberries, brimming with vitamin C, give your immune system the kick it needs for winter, while the artichoke is a real detox wonder that gently stimulates digestion and liver function.
The clarified almond milk provides valuable unsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E - great for skin and cells, and a plus for our cardiovascular system. This autumnal punch is more than just a drink - we give ourselves balance and vitality in a glass. With the good feeling of consciously supporting our body.
Food, Styling & Photo: Oliver Schwarzwald
Fresh leaves vs. tea
I like to use artichoke tea for the artichoke syrup - it's always to hand and provides a really nice bitter note that goes really well with our autumn drink. If you prefer something milder and fresher, try using fresh artichoke leaves. Not only do they add a softer taste, they also add more vitamins and antioxidants to the glass.
For the version with artichoke tea:
200 ml water
1 tbsp artichoke tea
3 cardamom pods
1 star anise
Zest of 1/4 organic orange
200 g sugar
Preparation:
Bring the tea and ingredients to a boil in the water.
Remove from heat and let it steep.
Strain, and process into a syrup by dissolving the sugar.
It's important that the sugar is fully dissolved.
For the version with fresh artichoke leaves:
200 ml artichoke water
3 cardamom pods
1 star anise
Zest of 1/4 organic orange
150 g sugar
Preparation:
Bring the tea and ingredients to a boil in the water.
Remove from heat and let it steep.
Strain, and process into a syrup by dissolving the sugar.
It's important that the sugar is fully dissolved.
Whether you opt for the more intense tea version or the milder one with fresh leaves, this artichoke syrup brings a special depth and balance of sweetness and bitterness to your mocktail.
he Drink:
The quantities are measured to compensate for the slight loss during the filtering process.
Ingredients:
4 cl unsweetened almond milk
4 cl unsweetened elderberry juice
3 cl freshly squeezed lime juice
3 cl artichoke syrup (recipe available)
6 cl non-alcoholic rum
Preparation:
Step 1: Mix all ingredients
Combine the ingredients: Add the unsweetened almond milk, elderberry juice, freshly squeezed lime juice, artichoke syrup, and non-alcoholic rum into a bowl or large glass. Stir well until everything is evenly mixed.
Separation by acid: The lime juice will start separating the almond milk. The acidity splits the fats and proteins in the almond milk, contributing to the clarification.
Step 2: Clarify by filtering
Filtering: Let the mixture sit for about 5–10 minutes to allow full separation. Slowly pour the mixture through a coffee filter or a fine sieve lined with cheesecloth. One round of filtering is usually enough to achieve a clear, silky liquid.
Step 3: Prepare and serve the punch
Chill: Fill a mixing glass with ice and pour in the filtered mixture. Stir well until the punch is nice and cold.
Serve: Pour the chilled punch into a pre-chilled glass with fresh ice cubes. This keeps the drink cool and fresh for longer.
The clarification gives the punch a velvety texture and a clear appearance without losing any of the full flavor. The combination of the bitterness of the artichoke syrup, the fruity depth of the elderberry juice, and the refreshing lime makes this punch a special treat. The non-alcoholic rum, with its notes of vanilla, caramel, and wood, adds extra depth to the punch, ensuring a full flavor experience and perfect balance.
Cheers!