Inspired by the advanced technology of Wakanda and the flavors of the region of Uganda, my Black Panther Cocktail inspiration will have you toasting Wakanda Forever. The Black Panther cocktail introduces you to molecular gastronomy, a culinary technique the residence of Wakanda were sure to embrace.
If you love this cocktail as much as I do you will want to try my spicy peach bourbon smash cocktail. While you sip read up on Thor: Ragnarok easter eggs and fun facts.
Molecular Gastronomy Spherification
We are going to use molecular gastronomy to turn Gin into pearls. Yes, eadible pearls of Gin that pop in your mouth. I believe that THIS is how the mixologists of Wakanda would be garnishing their cocktails. Using science to go beyond what was being done.
As with any scientific procedure, exact measurements are important. So for this part of the procedure we are going to weigh the ingredients. Yes, with a scale. Preferably a scale that can be set to grams
Measure out:
- 2g sodium alginate
- 125g (about ½ C) water
- Blend it with an immersion blender until completely incorporated.
- Allow to rest for an hour or until the bubbles have dispersed and the liquid is clear.
Coloring the spheres:
For a 2 color option, Blue for Vibranium and Purple for Purple for the Heart-Shaped Herb.
In this case I am using ¼ cup of gin with blue food coloring in one bowl and ¼ cup in Gin with purple food coloring.
Calcium Chloride Bath
- 3g calcium chloride
- 2 cups water
Combine the calcium chloride and the water until the calcium chloride is dissolved.
Spheres
After most of the bubbles have dispersed from the sodium alginate mixture, add a small quantity (perhaps ⅛th - ¼) to the tinted Gin.
Mix with a spoon or small whisk.
In my opinion it should look like Jello that has not fully set.
Gin Spheres
Load some of the Gin mixture into a dropper, test.
If the drop disperses on the surface of the bath, clean it off the surface, add more of the alginate mixture to the tinted Gin and try again.
Once the spheres start to hold together, you are good to go. The longer the sphere sits in the bath, the more the alginate and calcium will react so you'll get thicker walls.
Allow them to set for 1-3 minutes, depending on how thick you want the outer membrane.
Looking for another Marvel inspired cocktail? Try this Marvel Avengers Chambord cocktail, or leave it non-alcoholic!
Remove from the bath with a strainer or a slotted spoon.
Wash them off in clean water.
Here are the blue Vibranium gin spheres.
Looks like caviar!
The spheres can be made ahead of time but are best made at time of cocktail creation.
Looking for a meal inspired by The Black Panther movie? Check out what Media Medusa put together. The Purr-fect Black Panther Dinner Menu and Recipes.
Black Panther Cocktail Ingredients:
- Rosemary sprig
- Lemon slice
- 2 ounces Limoncello
- 2 ounces Gin
- Ginger beer
- Ice
- Vibranium spheres
- PurpleHeart-Shaped Herb spheres
- Test Tube
How to make at Black Panther Cocktail:
- Muddle a slice of lemon and a sprig of rosemary in the bottom of a cocktail shaker.
- Fill the shaker ½ way with ice.
- Add 2 ounces of Limoncello and 2 ounces of Gin.
- Shake, hard.
- Strain over ice.
- Top with Ginger Beer and garnish with a slice of lemon and a test tube filled with gin spheres.
- Garnish with a spoonful of spheres
Test Tubes
I found that filling the test tube ½ with gin spheres and ½ with gin or ginger beer will help release the spheres from the test tube.
Enjoy and toast to Wakanda Forever!
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Ingredients
125g (about ½ C) water
- ½ Cup Gin
Lemon slice
- 2 Ounces Limoncello
- 2 Ounces Gin
Instructions
- Blend it with an immersion blender until completely incorporated. Allow to rest for an hour or until the bubbles have dispersed and the liquid is clear.
- For a 2 color option, Blue for Vibranium and Purple for Purple for the Heart-Shaped Herb. In this case I am using ¼ cup of gin with blue food coloring in one bowl and ¼ cup in Gin with purple food coloring.
- Combine the calcium chloride and the water until the calcium chloride is dissolved.
- After most of the bubbles have dispersed from the sodium alginate mixture, add a small quantity (perhaps ⅛th - ¼) to the tinted Gin. Mix with a spoon or small whisk. In my opinion it should look like Jello that has not fully set.
- Load some of the Gin mixture into a dropper, test. If the drop disperses on the surface of the bath, clean it off the surface, add more of the alginate mixture to the tinted Gin and try again. Once the spheres start to hold together, you are good to go. The longer the sphere sits in the bath, the more the alginate and calcium will react so you'll get thicker walls.
- Remove from the bath with a strainer or a slotted spoon.
- Wash them off in clean water.
- Muddle a slice of lemon and a sprig of rosemary in the bottom of a cocktail shaker.
- Fill the shaker ½ way with ice. Add 2 ounces of Limoncello and 2 ounces of Gin. Shake, hard.
- Strain over ice. Top with Ginger Beer and garnish with a slice of lemon and a test tube filled with gin spheres. Garnish with a spoonful of spheres
- I found that filling the test tube ½ with gin spheres and ½ with gin or ginger beer will help release the spheres from the test tube.
Nutrition
I am Sarah Mock. Welcome!
Sarah Mock is a classically trained Chef and a graduate of Johnson & Wales University. A culinary blogger for 17 years, Sarah helps the home cook prepare her recipes with professional results.
Jacqueline says
This is absolutely amazing! And an absolutely beautiful drink!
Sarah Mock says
thank you Jacquiline! It was a fun process to imagine how the Wakandans would have used technology in their cocktails. Wakanda Forever!
Sarah
Hanna J. says
THIS IS SO COOL! I just hope I can make the pearls. thanks!
Meghan Cooper says
This is so cool! I love the science experiment aspect as well!