Colour Mill
Oil-Soluble Food Coloring - Colour Mill Merlot 100 ml
Oil-soluble food coloring in Merlot shade, Pro 100 ml format
Colour Mill Merlot evokes deep burgundy velvet and a dark ecclesiastical robe. This oil-soluble food coloring is designed for fat-based pastry mixtures: melted white chocolate, butter ganache, buttercream, royal icing, and fondant warmed by hand. Particularly sought after by cake designers for high-end autumn wedding cakes and wedding anniversary layer cakes (ruby, 40 years), it delivers a distinctive shade recognizable from the Colour Mill palette (Australia).
Made in Australia using proprietary pigment encapsulation technology, Colour Mill withstands baking temperatures of up to 180°C without shifting or fading. The Merlot shade remains stable after baking, making it the reference choice for cake batters colored before going into the oven. The 100 ml bottle is intended for boutique bakeries in regular production: at the same volume, it costs approximately 35% less per milliliter than the 20 ml bottle, making it suitable for daily use without frequent restocking.
Merlot shade
Official reference from the Colour Mill palette (Australia).
Merlot: 3 shades according to dosage
The shade can be subtly adjusted according to the dosage without losing its identity.
Light dosage
2 to 3 drops / 250 g
Standard dosage
5 to 8 drops / 250 g
Intense dosage
15 to 25 drops / 250 g
Creative ideas with Merlot
5 signature uses where this shade makes the difference:
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• High-end autumn wedding cakes
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• Wedding anniversary layer cakes (ruby, 40 years)
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• Autumn and harvest-themed royal icing cookies
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• Chic indulgent dessert-themed drip cakes
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• Sophisticated cocktail-style event cupcakes
Features
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• Brand: Colour Mill (Australia)
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• Type: Concentrated oil-soluble food coloring
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• Shade: Merlot
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• Packaging: 100 ml soft squeeze dropper bottle
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• Compatible bases: Melted white chocolate, ganache, buttercream, royal icing, sugar paste
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• Typical dosage: 2 to 6 drops per 250 g of mixture
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• Baking resistance: Stable up to 180°C; does not fade after baking
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• Origin: Australia (proprietary manufacturing)
Instructions for use
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Base preparation: bring the fat-based mixture (white chocolate, ganache, buttercream) to 25–30°C. Above 35°C, some pigments may lose intensity.
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Initial dosage: shake the bottle for 10 seconds. Add 2 to 4 drops per 250 g of mixture for pastel shades, 6 to 10 drops for vibrant shades, and 15 to 25 drops for dark shades.
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Mixing: whisk with a stand mixer or silicone spatula for 30 to 60 seconds to distribute the color evenly.
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Resting and stabilisation: leave to rest for 30 minutes at room temperature under cling film pressed directly against the surface. The shade develops and fully reveals itself during resting.
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Optional adjustment: if the shade is too pale, add 1 to 3 additional drops and remix. Proceed in increments to avoid oversaturation.
Ingredients and compliance
Composition: food-grade vegetable oil base and food color pigments compliant with European regulations (EU 1333/2008).
Allergens: no major allergens declared. Gluten-free, lactose-free, egg-free, peanut-free, and soy-free. Suitable for vegetarian and vegan diets.
Storage
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• Keep the bottle closed in a cool, dry place away from direct light.
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• Ideal storage temperature: between 15 and 22°C.
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• Slight pigment/oil separation is normal after prolonged storage: shake for 10 seconds before use.
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• Once opened, use within 12 months to preserve maximum pigment intensity.
Patissland Tip - Merlot
Merlot is the true burgundy-red, the signature color of refined autumn wedding cakes. More sophisticated than Red and more saturated than Burgundy. Combine it with Sage and Mustard for a complete autumn palette. Highly sought-after for 40th (ruby) and 60th (diamond) wedding anniversaries.
Frequently asked questions
At what level of activity does the 100 ml size become cost-effective?
The 100 ml size becomes worthwhile at around 5 colored orders per week. To get started or simply test a shade, the 20 ml size (see above) remains more suitable.
How many drops for 250 g of buttercream?
For pastel shades: 2 to 4 drops. For vibrant shades: 5 to 10 drops. For dark shades: 12 to 20 drops. Always start with less and gradually adjust; it is easier to intensify a color than to lighten it.
Can Colour Mill food coloring withstand baking?
Yes, Colour Mill is one of the few oil-soluble food colorings that retains its intensity after baking at up to 180°C. This property distinguishes it from classic liquid food colorings, which become lighter in the oven.
Can Colour Mill be used on water-based mixtures (royal icing, syrup)?
No, Colour Mill oil-soluble is designed for fat-based mixtures: melted chocolate, ganache, buttercream, and fondant. For water-based mixtures, use the Colour Mill water-soluble range.
Does the bottle have a built-in dropper?
Yes, the 100 ml Colour Mill bottle also has a built-in dropper opening in the soft cap, despite the larger container. A simple squeeze dispenses one precise drop.
Take it further
Complete your Colour Mill palette:
