Why does my lime peel-alcohol infusion become cloudy when mixed with water?

Why does my lime peel-alcohol infusion become cloudy when mixed with water? - Top view of fresh whole grapefruit lemon tangerines and limes placed on marble surface

Over the past week or so, I've been experimenting with infusing lime peels in alcohol, by:

  1. Peel limes
  2. Mix with 250mL of 151-proof grain alcohol
  3. Let sit for a week
  4. Strain through a coffee filter.

What I got is a nice, clear-green liquid:

lime-peel infusion in a 250mL swing-top bottle

However, I've discovered that when you dilute this with water, it becomes cloudy:

animated GIF of water mixing with my lime infusion

(click to see bigger, longer version)

Why does mixing two clear liquids create a cloudy liquid?

alcoholinfusion


Best Answer

This is a kind of emulsion called the Ouzo Effect (ouzo and other aniseed drinks also do this). I won't pretend to know enough to explain it, but it's essentially down to how oils (like those in fruit skin), water, and alcohol interact when stirred or otherwise agitated.

Wikipedia has an article that explains it fully.



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Why does my lime peel-alcohol infusion become cloudy when mixed with water? - Man in White Long Sleeve Shirt Holding Clear Glass Cup


How long does infused alcohol last?

As a general rule of thumb, 3-5 days is the perfect amount for most infusions. And don't worry - even if you're using fresh fruit, you don't have to worry about anything going bad. The alcohol prevents any mold from growing on the fruit, so even after you strain it, you can keep it for years.

How do you make an alcohol infusion?

How to Infuse Alcohol
  • Choose a clean, airtight jar. ...
  • Wash the ingredients, cut them if needed, place them inside the jar, and fill it with liquor.
  • Seal tightly with a lid and shake the jar.
  • Store your infusion in a cool, dark place and shake it daily for the duration of the infusion.


    • What is an alcohol infusion kit?

    Each handmade InBooze\u2122 packet contains one pouch filled with dehydrated fruits, veggies, spices and herbs to infuse your alcohol. The kit infuses enough for 8-10 cocktails... there is a flavor for everyone! One of the original InBooze flavors, the Old Fashioned tastes just like your go-to drink at the bar.




    More answers regarding why does my lime peel-alcohol infusion become cloudy when mixed with water?

    Answer 2

    Easy, when you make your extract with the peels you extract the oil also and when you mix it with water to thin it down the oil "demulsify" meaning it comes out a solution. If you would take the same solution and add high-proof spirit back to it it would go away.

    Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

    Images: ANTONI SHKRABA, Korhan Erdol, Andrea Piacquadio, cottonbro

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