How to Make Caramel Coloring

Caramel coloring is an amber-brown color that isn't difficult to make, whether it's for something edible or otherwise. You can use homemade caramel coloring in soups that need the extra tint or as a glaze for porcelain craft painting. This endeavor is achievable by even the novice craft hobbyist and allows you the ability to create pleasingly colored foods, crafts and more.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• 1 oz. red food dye
• 1 oz. green food dye
• 1 oz. yellow food dye
• 1 oz. vodka
• 1/8 oz. sodium lactate
• 6 oz. jar

1. Combine the red, green and yellow food colorants in.the jar. This will create a murky, deep brown color. This color, although unattractive, is the base of the caramel color.

2. Add the vodka to the jar. Vodka, a form of ethyl alcohol, helps to blend and brighten the color while thinning it slightly.

3. Add the sodium lactate, which is a preservative safe for human consumption. Sodium lactate is found in craft and hobby supply stores.

4. Secure the lid onto the jar and shake it vigorously for a minute. This shaking blends all of the ingredients to create a runny, caramel-colored pigment.

Tips & Warnings

• Spoon the colored liquid into a recipe to deepen the color when needed.

• Dip a paintbrush into the color and sweep it over paper, fabric or porcelain to create attractive craft designs.