Molecular Mixology: Blue Jellyfish

A visually stunning, layered drink that captures the essence of the ocean in a glass

Layer drinks to create summer ocean inspired effects

It features a gradient of vibrant blue from the bottom, reminiscent of the deep sea, transitioning to clear in the middle, and topped with a delicate "jellyfish" on top.

https://youtu.be/WWiUuYxkI74

Here's what you need to give this a try at home(makes 1 shot):

• 20 ml Clear Alcohol (we used White Rum) https://amzn.to/49xjTFn

• 5 ml Blue Curaçao https://amzn.to/43wOAct

• 1 ml Irish Cream https://amzn.to/3UCf743

Recipe:

1. Add White Rum to your cup.

2. Add Blue Curaçao syrup to the cup.

   • Tip: Touch the tip of the spoon to the inside of the cup and gently pour the syrup over it. The drinks will separate into layers, giving a pale, blue oceanic look.

   
   

3. Add Irish Cream drop-by-drop to the top of the drink. Watch as the drops create floating jellyfish effects. Enjoy!

The science

Check out this clip of our scientists doing it in our Science and Sip events!

This effect is achieved by carefully pouring ingredients with different densities on top of each other.

The deep blue layer is typically made with Blue Curaçao, a sweet liqueur with a vibrant blue colour which has a high density. Rum, with less density than the syrup, forms the middle layer and adds a kick of alcohol. The white top, resembling a jellyfish, is usually made from a drop of Irish Cream or regular cream which is the least dense of the drinks and so floats on top.

Sign up to our mailing list below and follow us on Patreon ‘Lit Lab London’ for more DIY science, Behind-the-scenes and the latest science news.