Glow-in-the-Dark Drinks

I saw something new (to me) at a spring break celebration in Myrtle Beach this weekend -- glow-in-the-dark Jell-O™ shots. I can't think of a safe way to make a drink glow in the dark, though I know you can make ice glow. (Make glowing ice sculptures or encase the outside of a punchbowl by soaking cotton balls in the liquid from glow-in-the-dark markers and freezing them in water. Do not consume the ice.) However, there are several edible substances that glow brightly from fluorescence under ultraviolet light. You can add black lights to most celebrations for your own glowing concoctions.

If you want to make glowing drinks, my advice is to get a pocket-sized black light (ultraviolet lamp) and take it shopping with you. Shine the light on products and look for a glow. Note that the glow may be a different color from the product. Also, you will discover many plastic containers are highly fluorescent. I did a little internet searching and came up with this list of beverages and additives that reputedly glow in the dark under black light. Absinthe and Blue Curacao™ contain alcohol, but the other items can be used for any occasion. Some fluorescent and phosphorescent substances will glow for several seconds after the light source is removed.

• blue raspberry Little Hugs™ (really awful-tasting kiddie soft drink)
• Mountain Dew™ and Diet Mountain Dew™ (one source included several 'toxic waste' recipes)
• Tonic Water (or any drink containing quinine)
• many sports drinks
• Absinthe
• Blue Curacao™
• some of the new bright food colors
• certain flavors of gelatin
• vitamin B₁₂ (glows bright yellow)
• chlorophyll (like from spinach juice, glows blood red)

Things that Glow under Black Light | How Lightsticks Work
Photo: Jonathan Kendrick
This blue martini would glow under ultraviolet light.