Say No to Liquid Nitrogen Cocktails

By Malika Dalamal

It's London Cocktail Week, and aside from the usual precautions (don't drink and drive; don't accept drinks from strangers; make sure you eat something before you start drinking tequila shots) today we have another very serious warning: stay away from cocktails made with liquid nitrogen.

For those of you unfamiliar with this toxic chemical, it is the ingredient mixologists add to create a dramatic smoke in your drink. A great special effect especially around Halloween but also potentially deadly. The Guardian has reported that last week an 18-year-old student was admitted to hospital to have her stomach pumped after the icy liquid corroded her insides.

You're be warned. Drink responsibly.