Drinks and Science: Science Speakeasy

Design credit: Nadia

It was the evening of March 12 and the STEMcomm VIP team were in preparation mode for the Science Speakeasy. The Science Speakeasy was an event that was focused on eight different beverages where the science behind each beverage was explained to our fellow guests. Our event took place in the newly built Coda building of the Georgia Tech community. We were all eager to hold this event and have been waiting since 2019. It was an amazing experience to host before Spring break and eventually before we had to move to online courses. My group members consisted of Dr. Greco and Dr. Mendelson and they helped me make Xocolatl. I would like to share the recipe to those interested and hope you like it. 

Xocolatl

  • Ingredients
    • â…› cup Cocoa powder
    • 1 Green chile pepper
    • 2 ¾ cups Water
    • 1 tsp Vanilla extract
    • honey/sugar (for sweetness)
    • cinnamon /cayenne pepper (extra spice)
  • Recipe (summary)
    • ¾ cup of water and sliced green chile pepper (including the seeds) should be brought to a boil → 5-10 minutes
    • After boiled, strain the water to remove the chile pepper and the seeds and put water back in pot
    • Add the rest of the water and bring it to a boil.
    • While it is heating up, whisk the vanilla extract in.
    • Once boiling, add the cocoa powder and keep whisking → about 5 minutes 
    • Froth should be appearing (might be small amount)

*All done: if bitter add necessary amount of honey or sugar 

*want more spice, add necessary amount of cinnamon and/or cayenne pepper

 

This event was an amazing way to close out the shortened spring semester. Being involved in hosting the Sober Science Speakeasy for the Atlanta Science Festival and the Georgia Tech community, was a night to remember. With the help of our faculty advisors: Dr. Leavey, Dr. Evans. Dr. Greco and Dr. Mendelson and our classmates, this event was a success. Shout-out to Nadia and the band, you guys sounded great. Feel free to try out the recipe and hope to see everyone soon. Stay safe.

  • Some pictures from the event

Claudia is an Biology graduate student at Georgia Tech. She loves photography, traveling, baking, and swimming. In her spare time she enjoys swimming, watching soccer, exploring new places and hanging out with friends. She is excited to research and learn new things in the world of science.