DRY Soda Co. Lavender Soda
I’ll admit it. When it comes to shopping, if the package is pretty, I’m interested. Call it being a victim to marketing or just liking cute things, either way it’s alright with me. Sometimes, a product’s design alone is reason enough to buy it. That’s basically the story behind this soda. I was browsing the drink cases at Jimmy’s Food Store (official Italian market of the little dish!) when this pretty shade of light purple caught my eye. The bottle is so charming, I was settled on buying it before I even read the label. Once I did though, there was no question. “Soda: Lavender. Soft lavender essence. Subtly sweet. All natural.” Of course, I’m sold!
The lavender soda was very refreshing, but I wished it was more along the lines of a sparkling water than a soda. It was a little too sweet and that sweetness overpowered the lively floral taste of the lavender. I liked it, but what it made me realize is that I want someone to invent a lavender sparkling water. San Pellegrino Lavender? Yes, please! If you like the idea of a sweeter beverage though, definitely try it. The all-natural soda comes from Seattle’s DRY Soda Co. They make four very fresh flavors of soda that you don’t see everyday: kumquat, lemongrass, rhubarb, and lavender. (All are sweetened with pure cane sugar, which is a plus.)
The most interesting part of these sodas is the pairing suggestions and drink recipes offered on the site. For the lavender soda, they suggested pairing it with cheese courses, pork, roast duck, and chocolate. It’s fun to think of pairing soda in the same terms you think of a wine. I’d like to try that. Also, the drink recipes sounded completely amazing.
Available at local retailers. Click here for more locations.
You might check out GUS (Grown Up Soda) if less sugar is what you’re looking for: http://donnacooks.wordpress.com/2008/04/03/soda-all-grown-up/
hey, donna… thanks for the suggestion! that looks like exactly what i’m craving!!
i’ll have to go to CM and find it.
I would have to agree… I was excited about this product but I thought the lavender essence was too subtle and the soda was too sweet. Give me more lavendar, less sugar, and more fizz, and I’m in.
I do highly recommend a lavender-based cocktail at Tillman’s Roadhouse. Here’s the drink recipe from their website:
87 WAYS
1 oz Tanqueray Ten Gin, 1 oz fresh L/L juice, 1 oz S/S, 1 oz apricot puree, 3 dashes of peach bitters and fresh lavender sprig. Sandwich the lavender and add all the ingredients. Shake. Served on the rocks in a collins glass. Garnish with lavender sprig.
my wife loves this one over ice with a slice of lime.
You know, part of what I like about these little reviews is that I often decide what not to try. I mean, why waste the money if I’ve already been clued into what I probably won’t like about it? I’m not really a soft drink person, basically, because they’re too sweet.
Its does not look very dry.
RL, thanks for the heads up about the lavender cocktail! i will definitely have to try.
also, Margie, you’re right! I love it when other bloggers can steer you towards or away from something. and speaking of that, i have you to thank for something! i bought the orange blossom beer the other day that you wrote about… delicious
I love that stuff, too! Glad you liked it!
Michelle, what kind of camera do you guys use? Your pictures are always so good!
Hey Margie, camera guy here.
Most of our photos are taken with a Canon 40D and a Canon 10-22mm EF-S lens or a 50mm EF Canon lens. I also do a lot of other photography besides food, which can be seen here.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/lopiccolo/
Email me if you want more info. I enjoy talking photography.
wow, it’s hard to believe I find nothing but good reviews for this. It’s awful. I read somewhere that you have to let it get to room temperature for “optimal” flavor, and it still tasted bad.
It tastes like metallic carbonated water and sugar, and not much else. The only thing good about it is the packaging. I find the design very attractive. I’ve made lemonade with lavender, so I don’t think you can blame it on the lavender, which doesn’t seem to actually be present in this.