DRY Sparkling: sparkling botanical beverages and mixology

Sharelle Klaus saw a need for sparkling beverages that were more than just seltzer or mineral water to pair with a gourmet meal and to use as a mixer for classy cocktails. She experimented with herbs and fruits that she loved using in her own kitchen. In 2005, Sharelle crafted the first batches of DRY with guidance from some of the Pacific Northwest’s leading chefs using real, fresh botanicals. DRY Sparkling beverages are gluten-free, OU certified kosher, caffeine-free, sodium-free, and contain only 45-70 calories and 11-19 grams of sugar per 12 oz. serving.

Let’s take a look at some of the flavors:

Cucumber ($7.99/4-pack bottles) contains purified carbonated water, pure cane sugar, natural flavor, and phosphoric acid. A 12 oz. serving is 45 calories with 11 grams of sugar. Tasting notes: light, refreshing cucumber flavor. This would pair well with ceviche, ramen, smoked salmon, paella, and tikka masala. It would mix well with citrus vodka, gin, tequila, and clear rum. Rating: 4/5

Rainier Cherry ($5.99/4-pack cans) contains purified carbonated water, pure cane sugar, natural flavor, and phosphoric acid. A 12 oz. serving is 60 calories with 15 grams of sugar. Tasting notes: beautiful cherry aroma; crisp, refreshing cherry flavor. This would pair well with beef bourguignon, pork sliders, dark chocolate ganache, Korean barbeque, and poutine. It would mix well with brandy, rye whiskey, vodka, light rum, and amaretto liqueur. Rating: 4.3/5

A recipe to try is Some Beach. It contains Rainier Cherry DRY, bourbon, sweet vermouth, orange juice, and ice. It has a mild fruity flavor with a definite punch from the bourbon. It also has a slightly bitter bite. Increasing the orange juice measurement will counteract the bitterness. Rating: 3.5/5

Vanilla Bean ($7.99/4-pack bottles) contains purified carbonated water, pure cane sugar, natural flavor, and phosphoric acid. A 12 oz. serving is 60 calories with 16 grams of sugar. Tasting notes: vanilla aroma; light and refreshing with subtle vanilla bean flavor. This would pair well with roasted chicken, summer salad, fish & chips, shortbread, and pickled vegetables. It would mix well with spiced rum, vanilla vodka, coffee liqueur, and cognac. Rating: 4/5

A recipe to try is Bourbonbon. It contains Vanilla Bean DRY, bourbon, and ice. The bourbon brings the vanilla bean flavor forward. It has a clean, crisp taste on the front with a lingering aftertaste. It’s a strong drink that doesn’t look like one. It’s a manly drink that women can enjoy too! Rating: 4.1/5

Blood Orange ($7.99/4-pack bottles) contains purified carbonated water, pure cane sugar, natural flavor, and phosphoric acid. A 12 oz. serving is 50 calories with 14 grams of sugar. Tasting notes: quite refreshing; tastes sweeter than the others; bold blood orange flavor. This would pair well with falafel, seared scallops, fresh oysters, olives, tacos, and crème brûlée. It would mix well with citron vodka, triple sec, tequila, and rum. Rating: 4.8/5

For more information:
DRY Sparkling

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