Fever-Tree Mixers Part 2

Made by: Fevertree Ltd

Origin: UK

Following on from the initial review (see below), we present the second series of classic mixers from the Fever-Tree portfolio: Soda Water, Bitter Lemon and Ginger Ale...

Fever-Tree Soda Water

Fever-Tree Soda Water is a bright, clear liquid. It is highly carbonated, with noticeably small bubbles rising steadily from various points in the glass when the drink settles.

There is a very light, powdery scent to this, like a well diluted Alka Seltzer or the spray of a vintage Soda Syphon.

Lively mouthfeel, with the Soda Bicarb pinging around the palate. Biscuity, with a creamy bite, like water biscuits covered in a thin layer of salted butter. A light bitterness precedes the short finish. A cleansing and refreshing mixer.

Packaging claims: Made with pure spring water

Ingredients: Natural spring water, bicarbonate of soda

Price: Should be about £0.75 for a 200ml glass bottle (£3.00 for a 4 x 200ml pack), widely available

Fever-Tree Bitter Lemon

A pale yellow colour, slightly cloudy and with a wide watery rim developing towards the edge of the glass. The lively carbonation soon settles, and the trademark small bubbles settle in and tick over steadily.

Concentrated lemon juice on the nose- Jif lemons. Warm, appetising and juicy. There are powdery notes too, recalling lemon sherbet. This is aquatic, breezy and altogether nostalgic.

A 'lemon grove' experience on the palate: Whole lemons, with pith, rind, oils, pips... Zesty and tangy, with good balance between the elements. Fresh and intense now with great clarity of flavour, leading to a bitter finale as the quinine comes through and adds length on the finish.

Packaging claims: No artificial sweeteners, flavourings, colours or preservatives

Ingredients: Spring water, cane sugar, Lemon juice 3.7%, citric acid, natural flavours containing natural quinine

Price: Should be about £0.75 for a 200ml glass bottle (£3.00 for a 4 x 200ml pack), widely available

Fever-Tree Ginger Ale

This is a mid lemon yellow colour. The liquid is clear and bright, and the inital burst of carbonation soon settles down in the glass to reveal the familiar small bubbles now rising steadily.

Warm aromas of honey, lemon and discreet, freshly grated ginger. There is a lovely purity and depth on show here.

Light yet satisfying flavours, as some subtle gingers tickle the palate with a trace of pepper spice. This is fresh, biscuity and clean. The ginger here never escapes the leash, always held in check by some more determined caramel notes. Within the light structure one finds an excellent balance, and a clean finish that are the hallmarks of these mixers.

Packaging claims: No artificial sweeteners, flavourings, colours or preservatives

Ingredients: Spring water, cane sugar, citric acid, natural gingers, natural flavours, natural caramel

Price: Should be about £0.75 for a 200ml glass bottle (£3.00 for a 4 x 200ml pack), widely available

Firefly Lemon, Lime & Ginger 'Detox'

Made by: Firefly Tonics

Origin: UK

This non-sparkling 'detox' drink is a pale, matt lemon yellow colour. The colour fades out to clear at the rim. The liquid is slighty cloudy and contains some fine particles floating in suspension.

On the nose light but immediately attractive aromas: Sultanas, baked apple, crumble topping, lemon butter, sweet spices (ginger, cinnamon)...altogether appetising.

Flavours on the palate are light also, but satisfying and without the dilute quality found in many flavoured waters. That moreish style is replicated here, with flavours of softbake cookies (oat & sultana), more apple crumble topping, and gingerbread.

There is a lovely, zingy thread of citrus acidity running through this, balancing the sweetness perfectly. The heat of the ginger spice comes through late on the finish, bringing with it a pleasant warmth that coats the mouth and lingers. An entirely refreshing experience.

Packaging claims: Natural energy, detox, absolutely nothing artificial

Ingredients: Still water, fruit juices from concentrate: white grape (22%), lemon (4%), lime (3%), apple juice extract, botanical extratcs (ginger, nettle, dandelion, burdock, rosemary) 1%, natural flavourings

Price: Should be about £1.50-£1.60 for a 330ml glass bottle. Available from Waitrose, Holland & Barrett, Department stores, healthfood stores, and specialist food and delicatessen outlets nationwide.