Use this Super Juice Calculator to determine the exact amount of citric acid, malic acid, and water needed to transform citrus peels into high-yield, shelf-stable juice. Maximize output and minimize waste in your bar program.
Super Juice Calculator
Super Juice Calculator Formula
The “Super Juice” method (Oleo-Citrate) relies on extracting oils from peels using acids and reconstituting them with water to mimic the volume and acidity of fresh juice. The general formula is:
Water Weight = Peel Weight × 16.66
Total Yield ≈ Water Weight + Acid Weight
Source: Punch Drink – The Super Juice Guide
Variables Used
- Peel Weight (P): The weight of the citrus skins minus the pith (in grams).
- Acid Ratio: The percentage of acid required to match the fruit’s natural profile (e.g., Limes require ~6% total acidity).
- Water Factor: The multiplier (typically 16.66) used to estimate the water volume needed to simulate the fruit’s natural hydration.
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What is Super Juice Calculator?
A Super Juice Calculator is a tool designed for bartenders and mixologists to calculate the precise ratios of citric acid, malic acid, and water needed to create “Super Juice.” This sustainable bartending technique utilizes the peels of citrus fruits, which contain essential oils, to create a juice that is chemically identical to fresh-squeezed juice but with a significantly higher yield and longer shelf life.
By using this calculator, you can reduce the cost of goods sold (COGS) for your bar program. Traditional juicing often wastes the flavorful oils in the skin. Super Juice extracts these oils using an oleo-citrate method, often producing 8x to 10x more juice per fruit than squeezing alone.
How to Calculate Super Juice (Example)
Here is a step-by-step example of calculating the recipe for Lime Super Juice using 100g of peels:
- Weigh the Peels: You have 100g of lime peels.
- Calculate Citric Acid: Limes require roughly 4% Citric Acid relative to peel weight (varies by recipe, but 0.66 ratio is common). 100g × 0.66 × 0.04 ≈ 44g (Wait, the simplified ratio is often direct: 0.04 × Water Weight). Note: Our calculator uses the widely accepted Kevin Kos method ratios.
- Calculate Malic Acid: Limes specifically need Malic Acid to replicate the “bite.” Usually 0.02 ratio.
- Calculate Water: Multiply peel weight by 16.66. 100g × 16.66 = 1,666g (ml) Water.
- Combine & Blend: Add acids to peels, wait 1 hour, add water, blend, and strain.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Super Juice better than fresh juice?
It is often considered superior for high-volume bars because it lasts up to 2-3 weeks without oxidizing, whereas fresh juice degrades within 24 hours.
Why do I need Malic Acid for limes?
Lemons primarily contain citric acid, but limes have a significant amount of malic acid. Without it, your lime super juice will taste “flat” or like lemon juice.
Can I use this calculator for Grapefruit?
Yes. Select “Grapefruit” in the dropdown. Grapefruit super juice typically uses a lower acid concentration than lemons or limes to match the fruit’s natural sweetness.
What is the shelf life of the result?
When stored properly in a sealed bottle in the refrigerator, the product calculated here typically lasts between 2 to 3 weeks.