Molecular Mixology: Glow-in-the-dark cocktails

Amaze others with a cocktail that glows under black light!

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

• 0.5 ounce (oz) / 15 ml Lime Juice https://amzn.to/3x5lzbC

• 1 ounce (oz) / 30 ml Vodka https://amzn.to/4axxA83

• 1 oz / 30 ml Blue Curaçao https://amzn.to/43wOAct

• 4 oz / 120 ml Energy Drink https://amzn.to/3VwNsn5

• Ultraviolet (UV) light - Small https://amzn.to/3IUo1nX or Big -https://amzn.to/3vsu7ca

• Ice cubes https://amzn.to/3TPMktw

Recipe:

1. This drink is best made in a dark room where you can see the effects, but starting with the lights on, add vodka to a clear glass.

2. Add blue curaçao and some ice cubes.

3. Add the energy drink.

4. Finish with the lime juice and mix all the ingredients together.

5. Finally, turn out the main lights and turn on your UV light to see the effect!

The science:The secret lies in a B vitamin called riboflavin (vitamin B2), present in high amounts in energy drinks and some tonics. Under a blacklight, which emits ultraviolet (UV) light, Riboflavin absorbs this energy and re-emits it as a visible yellow glow. The more B vitamins, the stronger the glow.

The glow comes from the UV reaction, not the drink itself, so it’s perfectly safe to drink. The blue curaçao and vodka are clear, so they don't interfere with the light and the lime juice just adds a tart touch.

Remember, these drinks won't glow in the dark, just under a blacklight! For a truly dark wonderland, why not grab some glow sticks and neon accessories too.

by Sarah Dawn Maria Green

Let us know what you think! Tag us in your creations on socials @litlablondon !

Sources:

National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) (2022). Office of Dietary Supplements - Riboflavin. Available at: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Riboflavin-HealthProfessional/#en1.