G&T Jelly. Glowing, quivering and looking more like an alien invasion than something you should put in your mouth, gin & tonic jelly (jello for those in North America) packs a real punch. Inspired by Bompas & Parr (the Blumenthal's of the jelly world) this uses the naturally flourescent quinine in Indian tonic water to make a luminous loaded dessert. All you need is some simple ingredients, a bit of patience, and a UV light to show the whole thing off. Ingredients (makes 500 ml of jelly) : 150 ml gin 350 ml Indian tonic water (containing quinine) A splash of rose water (optional) 5 leaves of gelatine You'll also need a measuring jug, small saucepan, heatproof bowl, seive and a jelly mould, preferably metal since this is best for releasing the jelly.
I used an aluminium castle cake tin. First, measure out the gin, tonic & rosewater into a jug. Pour the jelly into your mould. When set the jelly can be unmoulded. (Beware, this is a strong jelly, the very essence of a stiff G&T. Grow your own snowflakes. The parts list for this experiment is as follows: >One used 20-oz plastic Coke bottle >Three large-diameter styrofoam cups (or something similar; see below) >A small kitchen sponge (1/2 inch thick) >A short length of nylon fishing line (thinner is better; 1-pound test is good) >A strong sewing needle >Four straight pins >One paper clip >Some paper towels Step 1.
After rinsing out the Coke bottle, use a sharp knife to cut the bottle in two, about 1/2 inch above the bottom, as shown in the figure. Poke a hole in the center of the bottle bottom using a knife or needle, and also poke four holes in the side of the bottle bottom. Make a small round sponge to fit inside the bottle bottom, and hold the sponge in place by putting the four straight pins into the side holes you made (see figure).
Step 2. Thread the fishing line into the sewing needle, and push the needle through the hole in the bottle bottom, and through the sponge. Step 3. DIY Liquid Magnets aka ‘FerroFluid’ Scientific Tuesdays - How to make Magnetic Fluid (ferro fluid) Make Glow Sticks - The Science.