Citrus Mix
Bar Prep • mix
Description
A balanced, ready-to-use blend of fresh citrus juices (lemon, lime, and orange) used to streamline cocktail prep and provide consistent bright acidity and citrus flavor for sours, Collinses, daiquiris, and other cocktails.
History
Citrus blends have long been used behind bars to standardize sour components and speed service. Modern craft bartending often uses fresh citrus mixes (rather than bottled sour mixes) to combine convenience with fresh flavor.
Instructions
Step 1.
1. Select ripe, firm fruit: yellow lemons, Persian limes, and sweet navel oranges. Chill fruit for easier handling if desired.
2. Wash and dry fruit thoroughly.
3. Roll lemons, limes, and oranges on a cutting board under the palm to soften and increase juice yield.
4. Cut fruit in half and juice using a hand press or electric juicer.
5. Strain the combined juice through a fine-mesh sieve or chinois into a clean container to remove pulp and seeds. Press gently on solids to extract remaining juice if desired.
6. Combine juices in this ratio by volume: 2 parts lemon : 1 part lime : 1 part orange. Example: 2 cups lemon, 1 cup lime, 1 cup orange. Stir to homogenize.
7. Taste and adjust: if too sharp, add up to 10% extra orange; if too sweet, add more lemon/lime in small increments.
8. Transfer mix to a sanitized, airtight glass bottle or jar, leaving minimal headspace. Label with prep date.
9. Chill immediately and keep refrigerated. Shake or stir before each use as separation may occur.
2. Wash and dry fruit thoroughly.
3. Roll lemons, limes, and oranges on a cutting board under the palm to soften and increase juice yield.
4. Cut fruit in half and juice using a hand press or electric juicer.
5. Strain the combined juice through a fine-mesh sieve or chinois into a clean container to remove pulp and seeds. Press gently on solids to extract remaining juice if desired.
6. Combine juices in this ratio by volume: 2 parts lemon : 1 part lime : 1 part orange. Example: 2 cups lemon, 1 cup lime, 1 cup orange. Stir to homogenize.
7. Taste and adjust: if too sharp, add up to 10% extra orange; if too sweet, add more lemon/lime in small increments.
8. Transfer mix to a sanitized, airtight glass bottle or jar, leaving minimal headspace. Label with prep date.
9. Chill immediately and keep refrigerated. Shake or stir before each use as separation may occur.
Step 2.
Optional: For a slightly sweeter, ready-to-pour "sweet citrus" mix, dissolve 1/4 to 1/3 cup simple syrup per quart of mix, adding to taste.
Storage
Store refrigerated in a sanitized, airtight glass container at 4°C (40°F) or below. Use within 72 hours for best flavor and safety. For longer storage, freeze in ice-cube trays or sealed containers for up to 3 months; thaw in refrigerator and use promptly. Always re-taste before use.