Can You Safely Drink Liquors Containing Gold Flakes?

Yes, you can safely consume liquors containing small flakes of real gold floating within them. Goldschläger, Goldwasser, and other gold-infused alcohols rely on gold for visual brilliance, but the precious metal itself is biologically inert and passes through the body when ingested. Consuming moderate amounts of gold flakes is not considered hazardous, though they provide no health or nutritional benefits. Let‘s explore the lavish history, alluring properties, and true value of drinking liquors decorated with glimmering gold.

Edible gold dates back over 5,000 years to ancient Egyptian royalty sipping drinks laden with gold dust, aiming to increase longevity and health. Chinese emperors and Indian Ayurvedic traditions held similar beliefs in the healing magic of ingesting gold. Through the Middle Ages and Renaissance, nobles continued the practice as a sign of privilege, believing gold balances energies within the body.

Today, gold remains a fixture in the culinary world – gracing foods from sushi to desserts to craft cocktails. But besides the allure of decadence and luxury, is there any point to the precious gilding? And are those shiny flecks worth their weight in gold? Let‘s uncover the science and value behind the timeless tradition of consuming gold.

Why Gold Flakes Are Safe to Ingest

Gold‘s unique chemical structure makes the metal ideal for consumption compared to other metals like lead or nickel that are highly toxic. Here‘s a breakdown of gold‘s properties:

• Atomic Number 79 – Gold has high density, with atoms packed tightly together. This gives gold its characteristic heaviness and resistance to tarnish.

• Malleability – Gold can be hammered into extremely thin sheets without shattering. This flexibility allows gold to be made into delicate edible flakes.

• Non-Reactivity – Gold will not react with oxygen or corrode, keeping flakes intact inside the body. Acids cannot dissolve gold either.

• Inertness – Gold is biologically inactive and does not engage with enzymes during digestion, preventing any metabolism or absorption into the bloodstream.

So whileReal Gold Cocktail heartier metals like iron get incorporated into the body, gold‘s density and chemical incompatibility with biological processes allow it to simply pass through the digestive tract untouched before being excreted.

While the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves of gold as a food additive, they warn that regularly overindulging on gold flakes may lead to a buildup in organs over time. But an occasional gold spirit or gilded dessert is considered non-toxic and safe.

Legendary Liquors Infused with Edible Gold

While no health claims can be made, gold‘s allure and safe ingestion properties make it a perfect attention-grabbing addition to liquors. Here are some of the most famous gold-infused alcohols gracing bars and cocktail lounges today:

Goldschläger – This Swiss cinnamon schnapps contains 0.3 grams of 23-karat gold flakes per 750 ml bottle, along with signature sweet yet spicy flavors and a smooth 43.5% ABV. According to legend, Goldschläger was originally created by Swiss monk David Kirsch and could cure illness.

Goldwasser – One of the earliest gold leaf liquors made for 500 years in Gdańsk, Poland, Goldwasser combines herbs, spices, and 22-karat gold flakes suspended within the distillate. The recipe is secret but some detect notes of cinnamon, clove, citrus.

DeKuyper Liqueur – Boldly bringing gold flakes to the US market, DeKuyper‘s gold-flecked liqueur comes in delicious flavors like chocolate mint, cappuccino, and vanilla cinna.

Patron Tequila – The ultra-premium brand Patron launched a collector‘s edition Extra Añejo tequila featuring gold flakes to celebrate Mexican independence.

The Glenlivet – This luxury scotch whisky brand debuted a rare 1967 vintage aged whiskey with 23-karat gold ornamentation fit for a royal toast.

Veuve Clicquot Champagne – For over 200 years, Veuve Clicquot has produced prestige cuvée and vintages decorated with edible gold for spectacular presentation.

Dan Murphy’s Gold Gin – Australia‘s Dan Murphy liquor chain launched a limited edition gin with 23-karat gold leaf highlights, even recommending tasting the gold flakes.

Gold Flake Wines – Some vineyards like Crown Valley infuse gold particles into their grape juice before fermentation, producing a sparkling wine with golden elegance.

Beyond liquors, edible gold also elegantly adorns chocolates, cakes, coffee drinks, and cuisine from haute restaurants around the world. But is the lavishness more style than substance when it comes to gold?

Determining the True Value of Gold Flakes in Liquor

Given the tiny amount of gold flakes present, much of the value in gold liquors is for appearance only. Let‘s break down the math:

• Goldschläger contains around 0.3 grams of gold flakes per 750 ml bottle.

• With gold selling for around $70 per gram, that equals $21 worth of gold flakes.

• For a $30 bottle of Goldschläger, the actual gold represents only 10-15% of the product cost.

The production of edible gold itself also drives down the unit price. Through mass efficient methods, gold leaf can be made for just a few cents per sheet. This makes gold affordable for decorative purposes versus its meltdown commodity rate.

Additionally, the "carat" or purity of edible gold leaf is less than pure bullion. Spirits like Goldwasser use 22-karat gold, or 22/24 parts gold mixed with silver and copper. This further decreases the intrinsic value.

But the true worth is in the luxurious feeling gold evokes and the brilliant aesthetic it lends to liquor. The glamor and shine are priceless, even if the flecks themselves are not.

Tips for Incorporating Gold Flakes in Your Own Cocktails

Want to become an alchemist mixing potable gold in your own cocktails? Here are my pro tips after years behind the bar:

• Add flakes at the end as garnish – shaking and dilution can damage the delicate gold. Use tweezers for careful placement.

• Allow gold to fully disperse and suspend before drinking for the best optical effect.

• Pair gold with ingredients that enhance its decadence – chocolate, coffee, caramel, berries are perfect partners.

• For custom gold ice cubes, add flakes to water when freezing trays. Looks amazing in a rocks glass!

• Consider alternating gold with other shimmery edibles like mica, silver leaf, beet powder, butterfly pea tea.

• Dust gold directly onto fruit slices like pineapple, lemon, grapefruit if you don‘t have flakes.

• Rim half the glass with edible gold powder using agave nectar for a striking look.

• Add a dash of vodka when adhering gold to surfaces – it helps the flakes stick.

• Look for gold liqueurs on sale to reduce cost. A little goes a long way for decoration.

• Always handle gold carefully with clean tools – oils from hands can ruin the brilliance.

Gold may not make cocktails any more nutritious, but it certainly makes them Instagram-worthy. Mesmerize guests with your mixological Midas touch using edible gold! Just be sure to drink responsibly and enjoy the gilded glamor.

Cheers!
Jason