Sarah Buchholtz
Features Editor
On Thursday, April 9, the College’s Chem Club hosted a Mocktail Night in Severance Hall. The event ran from 7–8:30 p.m. and was open to students, staff and faculty. As students entered, they were prompted to sign in virtually and were welcomed by members of the Chem Club. Two tables were set up, each featuring a mocktail beverage that was both flavorful and connected to a concept in chemistry.
One table featured the Polarity Sunrise, made with grenadine, passionfruit juice and soda water, while the other offered a Butterfly Pea Tea indicator mocktail, made with butterfly pea tea, lemonade and soda water. Both drinks demonstrated scientific principles while giving attendees a colorful and refreshing treat.
Chem Club President Abby Haywood ’27 explained that the idea behind the event was to make chemistry more approachable through interactive experiences.
“The mocktails came about as a fun way to get people interested in chemistry through drinks, because who doesn’t love a good drink?” Haywood said. “We came up with drinks that had a science concept in them, but were also fun for people to look at and drink.”
The Polarity Sunrise demonstrated density, with heavier grenadine settling at the bottom while lighter liquids layered above it.
“The grenadine is denser than the juice, which is denser than the water, so they sit at different levels and make a nice color gradient,” Haywood said.
Students attending the event appreciated the opportunity to enjoy socializing while learning something new. Elizabeth Theobald ’28 said she decided to attend because she had free time and was looking for something enjoyable to do. “I had time and I wanted to get a fun drink,” she said.
Aside from letting attendees observe the drink preparation process, Chem Club also provided science-themed coloring pages and art supplies. The relaxed setup allowed students to socialize, work on homework or simply unwind.
Paige Nicely ’27 said the welcoming and low-pressure environment made the event especially appealing. “I love that anyone is able to come to [this event] which makes it even more fun — it’s open to all, not just chemistry majors,” Nicely said.
The Butterfly Pea Tea mocktail showcased acid-base chemistry, changing color when the tea interacted with lemonade. Haywood explained that this visual reaction was one of the most exciting elements of the event.
“It’s an acidic indicator, and when the lemonade makes it acidic, it turns a really cool purple-blue color,” Haywood said.
For many attendees, choosing between the drinks became part of the fun. Theobald said comparing the two options was one of her favorite moments of the night.
“My favorite part was deciding which one I liked more,” Theobald said. “I decided I liked the Polarity Sunrise more than the Butterfly Pea Tea indicator.”
Events like Mocktail Night also create opportunities for connection across majors and interests. Theobald emphasized that gatherings like this help create an open, social environment outside of academic settings.
“It gives a place for scientists and other people to get together that is not entirely engaged around academics,” Theobald said. “It gives a possibility for mingling.”
Nicely added that the combination of activities and science made the experience memorable beyond the drinks.
“There’s drinks, but there’s also coloring, and that’s the best of both worlds,” Nicely said.
Haywood noted that creating engaging and accessible science experiences is central to the club’s mission.
“We just want people to enjoy science,” Haywood said. “Our main goal is to get people into chemistry and teach it in a way that’s fun and easy to interpret for anybody in any major. You can see it in action — and then you get to drink it. It’s also just a good environment if [attendees] want to come and do their homework, and they get to have a fun drink while they do it. ”
Nicely said the event also introduced her to new ways of thinking about science in everyday life.
“I learned about the science behind drinks –– I normally never think about that application,” Nicely said.
This event is one of many hosted by Chem Club that aims to bring together students from different majors to enjoy something fun and free while learning about chemistry in an accessible way. By combining creativity, refreshments and hands-on learning, Mocktail Night created an engaging atmosphere that allowed attendees to experience science outside of the classroom.