Chemistry of the Cocktail

RENO, NV - Chemistry of the Cocktail has become the Discovery Museum's biggest fundraiser. The highlight of this event is in the name, which makes you wonder, how do science and spirits relate to one another? Patrick Turner, Director of Marketing and Communications for the museum, says the two go hand in hand.

"At its base it's chemistry. It's the mixing of different acids and bases that create the flavors and different concoctions," he says.

The annual event aims to teach people the science behind the drink-making process and how to take in all of the flavors you are tasting. Of course, most of us don't really think of science when we're making a drink. Like cooking, we're just following a recipe, but according to Lo Martinez, creating the perfect cocktail takes some finesse.

"You can throw a bunch of stuff together, but it's probably going to taste bad. So, there is a formula in everything that we do," she says.

Martinez is the vice-president of the Reno chapter for the U.S. Bartenders Guild. This year will be the first time that the Discovery Museum has recruited help from the USBG to give people in the community a lesson in mixology. The museum's annual fundraiser will feature three different seminars: shake and stir, tasting and rapid infusion, which involves extracting flavor from a solid into a liquid. For example, infusing vodka with raspberries.

"You use nitrous to force the vodka into the walls of the raspberry. Then, when we release the nitrous and the pressure it actually takes all of that flavor back with it," says Martinez.

But it's not all about the booze. There will be food, non-alcoholic drinks and other scientific demonstrations as well. All of the proceeds will go towards new exhibits and will benefit families in the community.

"We use it (the funds) to offset costs for camps, memberships and field trips," says Turner.

Chemistry of the Cocktail is Friday, November 14th, from 6-10 p.m, at the Discovery Museum on Center Street. Turner says they are almost at capacity for the event, but may be selling a few tickets at the door. It costs $75 to get in.

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Chemistry of the Cocktail