Layered Drinks 101: Get Clean Color Bands Every Time
Chasing that perfect sunset-in-a-glass? This Layered Drinks 101 guide shows you how to stack vibrant colors that stay put—from bubble tea and mocktails to sparkling fruit teas—without sugary sludge or muddy blends. You’ll learn the science (density, Brix, pH, viscosity) and the craft (pour rate, ice control, glassware) so every cup looks as good at the counter as it does on camera. Why layers work (and why they sometimes don’t) Layers hold because liquids with different densities don’t mix quickly—especially when you manage viscosity and temperature . Two issues usually ruin the effect: Similar Brix (sugar/solids) between layers, so they mingle on contact Aggressive pour over ice, which drags colors through each other and clouds the drink Nail those variables and you’ll get crisp stripes that survive a quick commute and a photo shoot. Layered Drinks 101: the four controllable dials 1) Brix (soluble solids) Use a refractometer if you have one; otherwise build by ...