Molecular mixology is really shaking things up these days (zing!). Given the opportunity to try a freestanding gel-cocktail, I’m in. Deconstructed margarita? Sure, why not? Liquid nitrogen mixed with Jaeger? …How many drinks have I had already?
After hearing Gaby Scanlon’s story, however, it’s obvious that my answer should be a firm “no.” In 2012, on Scanlon’s 18th birthday, she strolled into Oscar’s Wine Bar and Bistro in Lancaster, England to celebrate with some friends. Early in the night she was treated to the small bubbling Jaeger concoction by the bar (it normally cost £3.95 ($7.50)). Within four seconds she began to “feel ill, become breathless and developed severe stomach pain.” After smoke was seen “billowing” from the birthday girl’s nose and mouth the decision was made to rush Gaby to the hospital.
Immediately after arriving at the hospital the decision was made to remove Gaby’s stomach. Lancashire police weighed in by saying, “Medical opinion was that this would have proved fatal had the operation not been carried out urgently.” Hospital staff noted the “explosion” in Gaby’s stomach. Immediately following the event, the bar ceased all sales of any liquid nitrogen infused beverages, as fun much as that novelty seems to be.
Now, almost three years later, Gaby has a new stomach, has been laying off the liquid nitro-sauce, and from the looks of it is doing alright. The bar on the other hand? They’re in a rough patch. After reportedly paying £120,000 ($190,000) in court fees and fines and apologizing profusely to Gaby and her family, the truth has slowly been trickling out about the warnings they neglected. According to judge Pamela Bradley, “The investigation in this case uncovered serious systemic failings by this company and director.”
As if serving liquid nitrogen-infused shots wasn’t a systemic failing in and of itself, Bradley went on to say: “No risk assessment had ever been carried out. There was a failure to heed warnings and advice from a senior health and safety officer.” Meanwhile, the bar staff described the training notes with regards to the substance as “loose.”
Molecular mixology has its place, but chemistry is chemistry. Stick to the Jello shots.
