Sophisticated soda

DRY Soda is the first culinary soda in a line of all-natural, lightly sweetened beverages designed for those wanting a sophisticated non-alcoholic option to accompany a meal. The soda is currently being sold in four flavors: kumquat, rhubarb, lemongrass and lavender. All natural, non-caffeinated, flavored with fruit and herb extracts and sweetened with pure cane sugar, each bottle of DRY soda contains just 50-70 calories. Less sweet and more sophisticated than Coke or Pepsi, DRY soda is specifically designed to be paired with food; each flavor accentuating certain types of food. The website offers descriptions of each of the four flavors in much the same way as a good wine. Descriptions include the soda’s characteristics, suggested food pairings and even a mixer idea if consumers wish to mix the soda with their wine or use it as a base for cocktails. Lavender, for example, is a great accompaniment to cheese, pork and chocolate, whereas lemongrass works well with Asian dishes. The concept was dreamt up by Seattle based entrepreneur Sharelle Klaus who, when pregnant, was frustrated with the lack of non-alcoholic options on the market. Seems like a good niche addition to a growing market for ‘adult sodas’. DRY Soda is currently only available in the US, distributed like a wine rather than a soft drink, and it’s on the menu at a select number of upmarket restaurants. Worldwide interest is growing, so it’s a good time to get involved!