Hey there, fellow art enthusiasts and cocktail lovers! Robert Kline here, ready to share a recipe that’s as delightful to look at as it is to drink: the Fruity Pebbles Clarified Milk Punch.
This isn’t your average childhood cereal and milk. This is a grown-up, whimsical take on a classic cocktail technique, resulting in a crystal-clear, flavorful, and surprisingly sophisticated beverage.
What Makes This Milk Punch So Special?
We’ll be tapping into the magic of clarification, a process that might sound like something out of a mad scientist’s lab, but trust me, it’s easier than you think!
By combining the tangy citrus notes of lemon and lime with the creamy sweetness of milk and the nostalgic charm of Fruity Pebbles, we’re creating a symphony of flavors that will transport you back to your childhood breakfast table.
Gathering Your Supplies
Before we embark on this flavor adventure, let’s gather our ingredients:
For the Cocktail:
- 16 oz citrus-forward gin (I recommend Nikka Coffey Gin or St. George Botanivore)
- 10 small strawberries
- 6 oz sugar (about 170 grams or a bit over 3/4 cup)
- 8 oz pineapple juice
- 4 oz lime juice
- 4 oz lemon juice
- 10 oz Fruity Pebbles cereal milk (recipe below!)
- Garnishes: Fruity Pebbles, salt, orange peel, honey
For the Fruity Pebbles Cereal Milk:
- 12 oz milk
- 2/3 cup Fruity Pebbles cereal
The Art of Clarification: A Step-by-Step Guide
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Muddle the Berries: In a jar, muddle the strawberries with the lemon and lime juice. Strain into a larger container.
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Sweeten the Deal: Add the sugar, pineapple juice, and gin to the strawberry mixture. Stir well to dissolve the sugar.
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The Magic of Milk: Slowly pour in the Fruity Pebbles cereal milk. Now comes the fun part! The acid in the citrus will react with the milk, causing it to curdle. Don’t worry, this is exactly what we want! It’s the key to achieving that crystal-clear finish.
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Patience is a Virtue: Place the mixture in the fridge for a few hours, or even overnight. This allows the curds to fully form, trapping all those impurities that cloud up a cocktail.
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The Big Reveal: Once you see a “web” of curds at the bottom of the container, it’s time to strain. Using a coffee filter or cheesecloth, slowly strain the mixture into a clean container. Be patient, this can take some time, but the result is worth it!
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Bottle It Up: Transfer your clarified cocktail to a mason jar or sealed container. This magical concoction can last for several months in the fridge!
Fruity Pebbles Cereal Milk: A Blast From the Past
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Infuse the Flavors: Combine the milk and Fruity Pebbles cereal in a jar, shake well, and let it sit for 1-2 hours. This will infuse the milk with that unmistakable cereal goodness.
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Strain and Store: Strain the milk into a container, discarding the cereal. Your homemade Fruity Pebbles milk will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Assembling Your Masterpiece
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Rim the Glass: For an extra touch of whimsy (and a hint of salty-sweet), spread some honey or lemon juice on the rim of a rocks glass and dip it in a mixture of crushed Fruity Pebbles and salt.
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Add the Goods: Fill the glass with a large ice cube (clear ice works best for showcasing the clarity of your cocktail) and pour in the chilled clarified milk punch.
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Garnish and Enjoy: Express an orange peel over the glass to release its aromatic oils and drop it in. Now, take a sip, and let those nostalgic flavors transport you!
Tips from Robert Kline Art
- Fresh is Best: Whenever possible, opt for fresh juices over bottled. The flavor difference is remarkable!
- Dairy Alternatives: Feeling adventurous? Experiment with non-dairy milk options like almond milk!
- Embrace the Unexpected: Don’t be afraid to put your own spin on this recipe. Try different gins, add a touch of spice, or get creative with the garnishes!
There you have it! A cocktail that’s equal parts playful and sophisticated, just like a piece of art. Head over to Robert Kline Art for more inspiring creations and let’s get crafting! Don’t forget to share your cocktail adventures with me in the comments below!