DRY Soda: Lavender

Lavender is one of those flavors that can be really tricky to pull off. Too much, and it's like drinking (or eating) fabric softener. Too little, and it tastes vaguely musty to me. But when it's done right it's clean and refreshing, and shouldn't remind you of doing body shots off the Snuggle Bear (which, if numerous internet rumors are true, is voiced by Mickey Dolenz, formerly of The Monkees...which seems somehow tragic. This is not listed in Mickey's official website or IMDB credits, so it may just be urban legend).

So how did the DRY soda lavender flavor come off?

In terms of scent, the lavender is very subtle. I took that as a good sign. You can tell what it is, but it doesn't come off like air freshener or an old lady's purse.



What I have liked about all the DRY sodas I've tried so far is that the carbonation is just bubbly enough to give a little zap, and the flavor seems to come more as an aftertaste than something that hits you at first sip. That may not sound like a good thing, but it really is. The subtlety is fascinating.

This flavor is no exception. It almost tastes like semi-flat lemon-lime soda at first...and then, just as you're beginning to think "this is boring as hell," a sweet herbal taste kicks in and changes everything. Try to imagine drinking a lavender lollipop. (Again, one of those things that sounds sort of wrong but tastes really good.) It was super easy to guzzle this...which I'm sure is not the delicate, ladylike image that DRY might have been going for.



DRY is meant to be sipped on its own or used as a mixer. So once again, being the giver that I am, I forced myself to make a little cocktail of vodka and the DRY lavender. Really, is there no end to the lengths I will go to for you guys?



Just as with the other DRY sodas I have sampled, it is even better with a little spike. While the lavender flavor seems to appear as an aftertaste with the soda alone, the admixture of vodka really brings out the floral notes. I think this could be a really great cocktail done with a sugared rim and a little pineapple juice.

Score another win for DRY.



PURCHASED FROM:
Sample from company

CALORIES:
70 calories per 12-ounce bottle.

ADDITIONAL INFO:
Fat free, sodium free.

OFFICIAL WEBSITE:
drysoda.com