Trash Tiki Citrus Stock Mixer: Unlocking 2 Weeks of Joy

Hey there, fellow home cooks and cocktail lovers! Have you ever looked at that pile of citrus peels after juicing lemons or squeezing limes and felt a pang of guilt? All that potential flavor just heading for the trash? Well, get ready to change your perspective because today, I’m so excited to share a recipe that’s a game-changer for sustainable mixology: the Trash Tiki Citrus Stock Mixer. It’s an absolute revelation, transforming those would-be discards into a vibrant, flavorful syrup that’s perfect for cocktails and mocktails.

I first stumbled upon the idea of making a citrus stock mixer through the amazing folks at Trash Tiki, who are all about zero-waste cocktails. It just clicked with my own love for not letting anything go to waste in the kitchen. Making this Trash Tiki Citrus Stock Mixer at home is surprisingly easy, and the result is incredibly delicious. It’s got this concentrated citrusy punch that you just can’t get from fresh juice alone. Plus, knowing you’re using up those peels feels really good.

Honestly, since I started making my own citrus stock, our drinks have leveled up big time. It adds a depth of flavor that store-bought mixes just don’t have. And it’s become a staple in my fridge. Ready to dive in and see how simple it is?

So, why should you make this Trash Tiki Citrus Stock Mixer? Trust me, there are so many reasons! It’s become a favorite in my kitchen for a few key reasons.

• Zero Waste Hero: This is the big one for me. You’re taking something that would normally be thrown away and turning it into something absolutely delicious. It feels good to be part of the zero-waste movement, even in a small way.
• Flavor Explosion: Using the peels gives you a different kind of citrus flavor than just the juice. It’s more intense, aromatic, and complex. It really makes your drinks pop!
• Super Simple: Seriously, the steps are easy. It doesn’t take fancy equipment or complicated techniques. If you can measure and stir, you can make this.
• Saves You Money: Instead of buying expensive mixers, you’re using something you already have. Your wallet will thank you, and you’ll have a fantastic mixer ready whenever you need it.

It’s a win-win all around!

Equipment Needed for Trash Tiki Citrus Stock Mixer

Making this Trash Tiki Citrus Stock Mixer doesn’t require a ton of special gear. You probably have most of this stuff in your kitchen already! Here’s what you’ll need:

• A kitchen scale to weigh your citrus peels accurately.
• A good-sized bowl for mixing.
• A muddler or something similar to crush the peels (the end of a wooden spoon works too!).
• A fine-mesh sieve to strain the mixture.
• A bottle or jar for storing your finished citrus stock.

That’s really about it! See? I told you it was simple.

Ingredients for Trash Tiki Citrus Stock Mixer

Alright, let’s talk about what goes into this magical Trash Tiki Citrus Stock Mixer. The beauty of this recipe is how simple the ingredients are, and how they work together to create something so flavorful.

You’ll need:

• 200 grams of citrus peels. This is your chance to use up those leftover peels from lemons, limes, oranges, or grapefruits. Make sure they’re clean and you’ve gotten rid of as much of the bitter white pith as possible.
• 500 grams of granulated sugar. This helps extract those wonderful oils and preserves the stock.
• 500 milliliters of hot water. This is what dissolves the sugar and creates the liquid gold.

I really recommend using a mix of different citrus peels if you can. It gives the finished Trash Tiki Citrus Stock Mixer a much more complex and interesting flavor profile. A blend of zesty lemon, bright lime, and sweet orange is my favorite combination. It adds layers of citrus goodness to your drinks!

Step-by-Step: How to Prepare Trash Tiki Citrus Stock Mixer

Okay, let’s get down to the fun part – making your very own Trash Tiki Citrus Stock Mixer! The process is really straightforward, and you’ll be amazed at how easily those peels transform into a flavorful mixer. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying your homemade citrus stock in no time.

It’s a simple kitchen project, but the results are fantastic. I always feel a little bit like a kitchen alchemist when I make this!

Preparing the Citrus Peels for Trash Tiki Citrus Stock Mixer

First things first, you need to get your citrus peels ready. This is a crucial step for a clean, bright flavor.

Start by washing your citrus fruits thoroughly before you peel them. You want to get rid of any dirt or residue.

Carefully peel your fruits. Try to get just the colorful part, the zest, and avoid the white pith as much as possible. The pith can make your stock bitter, and we don’t want that!

Weigh out 200 grams of these clean peels. A kitchen scale is super helpful here for accuracy.

Macerating Peels and Sugar for Trash Tiki Citrus Stock Mixer

Now it’s time to work some magic with the sugar.

Put your weighed citrus peels into a bowl.

Add the 500 grams of granulated sugar right on top of the peels.

Grab your muddler (or wooden spoon!) and start muddling the peels and sugar together. Really press down and grind them. You’ll start to see the sugar getting wet and smelling intensely citrusy. You’re releasing those precious oils!

Once you’ve muddled well, just leave the mixture alone. Let it sit at room temperature for about 2 to 3 hours. This sitting time is important; it allows the sugar to draw out even more of the citrus flavor and oils from the peels.

It might look a little syrupy after this time, which is exactly what you want.

Dissolving the Sugar and Straining Your Trash Tiki Citrus Stock Mixer

Almost there! Now we’ll turn this sugary peel mixture into a liquid stock.

Heat up 500 milliliters of water until it’s hot, but not necessarily boiling.

Pour the hot water into the bowl with your macerated peels and sugar.

Stir everything together really well until all the sugar has completely dissolved. Make sure there are no sugar granules left at the bottom.

Now, grab a fine-mesh sieve and place it over another clean bowl or container.

Carefully pour the citrus and sugar mixture through the sieve. Use a spoon or spatula to press down on the solids in the sieve. You want to squeeze out every last drop of that flavorful liquid.

Discard the spent citrus peels (or save them for another use – more on that later!).

Storing Your Homemade Trash Tiki Citrus Stock Mixer

You’ve made it! Now, proper storage is key to keeping your creation fresh.

Pour your finished Trash Tiki Citrus Stock Mixer into a clean bottle or jar. An airtight container is best.

Label it so you know what it is and when you made it.

Pop it straight into the refrigerator.

Your homemade citrus stock should keep well in the fridge for up to two weeks. Always give it a quick smell and look before using it to make sure it’s still good.

Tips for Making the Best Trash Tiki Citrus Stock Mixer

Want to make your Trash Tiki Citrus Stock Mixer absolutely sing? Over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks that really make a difference. It’s the little things that elevate it from good to truly great.

First, don’t be afraid to mix up your citrus! While a single citrus type works, a blend of lemon, lime, and orange peels gives you a much more complex and balanced flavor. It adds layers of brightness and aroma.

Quality of your peels matters! Make sure they are clean and fresh. Any brown spots or dryness on the peel won’t give you the best flavor. And really focus on getting as little of that white pith as possible; that’s where the bitterness hides.

When you’re muddling the peels and sugar, don’t be shy! Really press down and work it. You’re trying to get those essential oils out, and a good muddle makes a big difference in the final flavor of your Trash Tiki Citrus Stock Mixer.

Lastly, store it properly in the fridge. An airtight container keeps it fresh, and using it within two weeks ensures you’re getting the best possible flavor in your drinks.

Serving Suggestions for Trash Tiki Citrus Stock Mixer

Okay, you’ve made your beautiful batch of Trash Tiki Citrus Stock Mixer. Now what? The fun part is using it! This stuff is incredibly versatile and can add a burst of bright, complex citrus flavor to so many things.

My go-to is definitely in cocktails. It’s a fantastic base for sours, adding both sweetness and that intense citrus aroma from the peels. Try it in a whiskey sour or a gin fizz instead of plain simple syrup and lemon juice. It’s a game changer!

It’s also amazing in mocktails. Just mix it with sparkling water or soda water for a refreshing, homemade soda. Add a sprig of mint or a slice of fresh fruit, and you’ve got a fancy drink with minimal effort.

Don’t stop at drinks! You can use a little bit of this citrus stock in salad dressings or marinades for a bright, zesty kick. I’ve even drizzled it over fresh fruit for a simple dessert. Get creative and see where that amazing citrus flavor takes you!

Frequently Asked Questions About Trash Tiki Citrus Stock Mixer

I get a lot of questions when I share this recipe for Trash Tiki Citrus Stock Mixer, and I love answering them! It shows how much interest there is in sustainable mixology and using up every bit of our ingredients. Here are some of the most common things people ask me.

Making your own citrus stock from peels is a bit different than using fresh juice, so it’s natural to have some questions. I’m happy to share what I’ve learned through making batch after batch!

Can I Use Just One Type of Citrus in My Trash Tiki Citrus Stock Mixer?

You absolutely can use just one type of citrus peel for your Trash Tiki Citrus Stock Mixer. If you only have lemon peels, go for it! The recipe will still work, and you’ll get a lovely, single-note citrus flavor.

However, I really recommend using a mix of different citrus peels if you can. Combining lemon, lime, orange, or even grapefruit peels creates a more complex and interesting flavor profile. It adds layers of brightness and aroma that make the stock more versatile in drinks.

Think of it like a symphony of citrus rather than a solo performance!

How Long Does Trash Tiki Citrus Stock Mixer Last?

Once you’ve made your Trash Tiki Citrus Stock Mixer and bottled it up, it will last for about two weeks when stored properly in the refrigerator. The sugar helps preserve it, but because it’s made from fresh ingredients, it won’t last forever.

Always give it a quick check before using it. If it looks cloudy, smells off, or has any signs of mold, it’s best to discard it. Making a fresh batch is easy enough!

What Can I Do with the Leftover Citrus Solids from My Trash Tiki Citrus Stock Mixer?

Don’t throw away those strained citrus solids just yet! You’ve already extracted a lot of flavor for your Trash Tiki Citrus Stock Mixer, but there’s still some goodness left.

You can dry them out and blend them into citrus powder to add to baking or spice rubs. Or, you can candy them for a sweet treat. Some people even add them to compost or use them as a natural cleaner around the house. Get creative and keep that zero-waste spirit going!

Estimated Nutritional Information

Okay, I know some folks are interested in the nutritional side of things, even for a mixer. So, here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional information for this Trash Tiki Citrus Stock Mixer.

Keep in mind that these are just estimates. The actual values can vary depending on the exact type of citrus you use and the specific sugar you choose.

Based on a typical serving size of about 30ml (that’s roughly one ounce), here’s what you’re looking at:

• Calories: Around 120
• Sugar: About 30 grams
• Sodium: 0mg
• Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

As you can see, it’s primarily sugar, which makes sense since that’s a key component for extracting the citrus oils and preserving the stock. It’s definitely meant to be used as a mixer in smaller quantities rather than drunk straight!

Ready to Make Your Own Trash Tiki Citrus Stock Mixer?

So, what do you think? Are you ready to give this Trash Tiki Citrus Stock Mixer a try? It’s a simple way to add incredible flavor to your drinks and cut down on food waste at the same time.

I really hope you give this recipe a go. It’s become such a staple in my kitchen, and I think it will in yours too. If you make it, please come back and leave a comment! Let me know how it turned out and what you used it in. Your feedback helps other home cooks too!

Happy mixing!

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