018: Ice Cold Genius: Mr Panda's Revolutionary Freezing Methods

In this episode, we dive deep into the revolutionary freezing techniques that have placed Iain McPherson, aka Mr. Panda, at the forefront of cocktail innovation. Known for pushing the boundaries of flavor, Iain discusses how his groundbreaking methods like "Switching," "Dry Freezing," and "Sous pression" are transforming the cocktail industry. Learn how freezing can enhance texture, intensify flavors, and even create entirely new taste profiles.

Iain walks us through:

• Switching: The technique that replaces water in spirits with flavorful liquids like coconut milk, without diluting the alcohol content, creating an elevated, intensely flavorful cocktail.
• Dry Freezing: A method that freeze-dries fruits and juices to preserve their essence, adding a whole new dimension to cocktails, and even enabling year-round use of seasonal ingredients.
• Sous pression: A playful twist on sous-vide, where freezing pressure infuses ingredients like fruits and herbs into spirits, maintaining the fresh, vibrant flavors that heat methods can often mute.
• Freeze Concentration: A method that concentrates the flavor of ingredients like apple juice by removing water content, allowing bartenders to create bold, natural cordials.

Throughout the episode, Iain shares tips on how bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts can experiment with these techniques in their own bars or at home, providing an approachable entry point into the world of freezing for cocktails. We also discuss how freezing methods can enhance sustainability by reducing waste, offering cost-efficient solutions for high-volume bars.

While Iain’s celebrated bars — Panda & Sons, Nauticus, and Hoot the Redeemer — are renowned for their unique concepts, they serve as the playgrounds for these freezing innovations. He explains how these bars incorporate these advanced techniques into their menus, bringing cutting-edge cocktails to the masses while maintaining a strong focus on hospitality.

Whether you're a seasoned bartender, cocktail enthusiast, or just curious about the science behind innovative drinks, this episode will inspire you to explore the untapped potential of freezing techniques in the cocktail world.

Key Takeaways:

1. Understanding the science behind freezing in cocktails and how it preserves and enhances flavors.
2. Practical applications of switching, dry freezing, and suppression in both home bars and high-volume settings.
3. How freezing techniques can improve sustainability and reduce waste in the cocktail industry.
4. Insights into Iain McPherson's creative process and how these techniques are shaping the future of mixology.

Iain gives a special mention ot Kevin Kos and Danil Nevsky is the episode who play their part in spreading the freezing techniques message

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