What Is Aquafaba? Uses in Cocktails, Vegan Recipes & Egg Substitutes

Introduction to Aquafaba

Hey, are you going to save that leftover chickpea water? It sure is a strange question to be asking, but once you know what aquafaba is, how it’s used, and why you shouldn’t just throw it away, you’ll begin to understand how versatile aquafaba is as an ingredient.

So, what is aquafaba? The name aquafaba comes from the Latin aqua (water) + faba (bean), and that’s pretty much what it is! Aquafaba is the leftover liquid from cooking beans or other legumes. While it sounds strange, it has quite a few uses and is great for cooking and use in cocktails.

How Is Aquafaba Made?

Aquafaba, in its simplest form, is made by cooking beans and separating the leftover water. You can make it yourself, but it’s easiest to just collect the aquafaba from canned cooked beans. Typically, this is done by opening the can slightly and draining the liquid without the beans.

Aquafaba in Cocktails

Aquafaba as a cocktail ingredient has been growing in popularity, especially among vegan bartenders and mixologists. Due to its foaminess, it’s a great substitute for egg whites in drinks like the Whiskey Sour, or variations like the Tequila Sour. Most bartenders and mixologists prefer chickpeas (Garbanzo) for their aquafaba, and many claim it to be the gold standard in terms of taste, clarity, and foam.

When shaken or mixed appropriately, aquafaba can be a game-changer in cocktails and has minimal flavor impact. On its own, aquafaba has a light bean taste, but this is easily masked by other ingredients.

Substituting Aquafaba

For those who like the foaminess of egg whites in a drink, substituting aquafaba can be a great way to still enjoy your favorite cocktail while keeping it vegan or vegetarian. Not to mention, with the variance in egg prices, aquafaba can sometimes be a cheaper substitute at home.

When substituting aquafaba, generally ~½ oz can replace 1 egg white. Results may vary, so experiment if needed to find the best ratio for your recipe.

Common Questions About Aquafaba

Does aquafaba impact the flavor of drinks?

Not really. With other ingredients that are sweet or acidic, the flavor is easily masked.

What does aquafaba taste like?

Aquafaba is rather plain but has a slight bean taste on its own. The flavor can vary depending on the type of bean or legume used.

What type of bean is best for aquafaba?

Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are considered the best bean for aquafaba due to their flavor, clarity, and foaminess.

How do you store aquafaba?

Aquafaba can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, you can freeze it in small portions (like an ice cube tray) for easy use in future recipes. Label your container with the date and portion size for convenience.