Introduction: Flavor Mixing Straw
Instantly create custom beverages with the Flavor Mixing Straw! With around $10 in parts from the hardware store, you can turn three drinks into nine (correction: SEVEN. see comments) by turning a few valves.
Step 1: Parts & Tools
PARTS
1. 1/4" OD vinyl tubing (about 3' in length)
2. 3X 1/4" OD plastic quick-connect MIP straight valve
3. 1X 1/4" OD plastic quick-connect tee
3. 1X 1/4" X 1/8" plastic quick-connect C X MPT adaptor
TOOLS
1. Hand Drill
2. Scissors
Step 2: 3-Way Splitter
I couldn't find a 3-way splitter at the hardware store for 1/4" tubing, so I made my own. First, pick a drill bit that's slightly smaller in diameter than the threads of the adaptor and drill a hole in the top of the tee. Screw the adaptor into the hole using even pressure making sure to keep the adaptor level, and you should get a tight seal without having to tap threads in the hole.
Step 3: Measure & Cut Tubing
The bottle measures 9", so I cut the tubing that goes into the bottle at 11" to account for some wiggle room. The tubes connecting the valves to the tee are 2" long, and the straw end is 8" long.
Step 4: Assemble and Mix
To assemble, just push the tubing in until it stops. Now it's time to crack open some bottles and start mixing- with 3 drinks you get 9 possible combinations of flavors!
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15 Comments
6 years ago on Introduction
great now i'm thirsty
6 years ago on Introduction
great now i'm thirsty
7 years ago on Introduction
the amount of murica is to d*mn high
7 years ago
this is SO awesome
7 years ago on Introduction
The valves are basically ball valves, so there is some control of how much flow you have, though they're intended for off/on usage. If you really wanted to get fancy, you could make little paper dials to fit under the valve handles with percentages on them. Another cool thing you could add to this project is some kind of bottle holding caddy.
7 years ago on Introduction
How are there 9 flavors?
If each valve can only be fully on or fully off, there are two possibilities for each (on, off), so 2^3 = 8 combinations, but since one of them is all straws off, there are really 7 possible flavors.
If each valve can be partially on/off, there are many more, only limited by the smallest amount each valve can be adjusted.
Reply 7 years ago on Introduction
To extrapolate, these would be the combinations:
A+B+C
A+B
A+C
B+C
A
B
C
The last 3 aren't really combinations though, just the original drinks by themselves.
Reply 7 years ago on Introduction
Ha! Thanks for the correction guys. I didn't expect a project this simple to be scrutinized so carefully. Next time I'll do the math before I make such outrageous claims.
Reply 7 years ago on Introduction
but which is it? Can the valves be adjusted in small increments to find the best combination of flavors? If not, maybe it'd be a nice enhancement for the future.
7 years ago on Introduction
Ok... that's original... love it!
7 years ago on Introduction
This is so silly - and I love it! Definitely a must build.
7 years ago on Introduction
MMMMMM flavor mixing......
Reply 7 years ago on Introduction
You know this!
7 years ago on Introduction
Awesome idea! Multiple straws/split straws is nothing new - but the valves are - and that makes all the difference. Lovely update to an existing idea. Kudos!
Reply 7 years ago on Introduction
Thanks xGrape! It's a fun 10 minute project to keep around for parties.