When it comes to fat-washing, the ratio of fat to spirit is not set in stone. It can vary depending on the flavor intensity you are aiming for. In my experience, a good starting point is to use 2 tablespoons of fat for every 1 cup of spirit. This ratio allows for a nice infusion of flavor without overpowering the spirit.
However, it's important to note that this ratio is not a hard rule. You may need to adjust it based on the specific fat and spirit combination you are using. For example, if you are working with a strongly flavored fat like sesame oil, you might want to start with just half a tablespoon and gradually add more to taste. This will help prevent the infusion from becoming too intense and overwhelming the other flavors in your cocktail or dish.
One of the great things about fat-washing is its versatility. It allows you to experiment and find your preferred balance of flavors. I encourage you to play around with different ratios and see what works best for your palate. Don't be afraid to try different fats and spirits to create unique and exciting flavor combinations.
In my own experiments with fat-washing, I have found that certain fats require different ratios to achieve the desired flavor profile. For instance, when using bacon fat, I found that a slightly higher ratio of 3 tablespoons per cup of spirit worked well to capture the smoky and savory essence of the bacon. On the other hand, for lighter fats like coconut oil, I found that a ratio of 1.5 tablespoons per cup of spirit was sufficient to impart a subtle coconut flavor without overpowering the drink.
Remember, the process of fat-washing is all about experimentation and finding what works best for you. So don't be afraid to start with the recommended ratio as a guideline, but feel free to adjust and tailor it to your taste preferences. Happy fat-washing!