This video illustrates the rich phenomena that can arise in certain kind of three-liquid mixtures. In this particular case, we use anethole (anise oil), ethanol, and water. The situation can be humorously compared to a "love triangle" enacted by fluids: anethole and ethanol are miscible (they "love" each other) and so are water and ethanol; however water and anethole are only sparingly soluble (they "hate" each other). Put the three together...
The best-known example of this type of mix is termed "Ouzo effect" and is seen upon adding water to anise-based alcoholic drinks (Ouzo, Pastis, Raki, Anís, Arak, Absinthe...), which triggers the emulsification of anise oil, giving these drinks their characteristic milky aspect. However, this is not only interesting for enjoying drinks, but also in exploring spontaneous solvent separation processes, formation of nano-droplets, micro-emulsions, and more.
The accompanying music is a free improvisation with three instruments, each representing an element of the mix, played while watching the video.
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