In this paper a visual demonstration of optical rotation is presented, with content appropriate for
use in a lecture demonstration as well as quantitative techniques suitable for an
undergraduate-laboratory experiment. Linearly polarised lasers of various wavelengths are propagated
through a glass tube containing corn syrup. The rotation of the plane of polarisation of the light
is visible with the naked eye, making the experiment dramatic and engaging and aiding understanding
of the phenomenon of optical rotation. In addition, we present a simple approach to quantitatively
analyse data using only equipment commonly found in undergraduate teaching laboratories.