Fever Tree Naturally Light Indian Tonic Water

Made by: Fevertree Ltd

Origin: UK

Fevertree Naturally Light tonic water uses pure fructose (fruit sugar) as a sweetener, instead of sucrose, thereby delivering 45% fewer calories than the standard product (20.5 Kcal per 100ml in this case).

This version is clear and bright, with fine bubbles rising steadily. Fresh lemon icing on the nose, this is delicate, powdery and very attractive.

On the palate there follows a fresh lemon citrus attack, with a zesty flavour and good intensity. This drink has a very clean mouthfeel (no cloying, oily or salty notes), with a firm and bone-dry finish.

Verdict

We're not normally convinced by anything lighter or milder (read low calorie), but this one really works. The drink is well balanced and does not compromise on flavour. The key difference is that this version is drier on the finish compared to the regular ('Premium') version. All Fevertree drinks deliver on flavour and have a clean finish, which is really their signature.

Packaging claims: Lower in calories, Fever-Tree with 45% fewer calories, no artificial sweeteners, flavourings or preservatives, contains natural quinine

Ingredients: Spring Water, Pure Fructose (fruit sugar), Citric Acid, Natural Flavours, Natural Quinine

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

Fentimans Curiosity Cola

Made by: Fentimans Ltd

Origin: UK

Fentimans Cola is a dark chestnut brown colour, clear and carbonated with fine bubbles. In contrast to other Fentiman drinks, there was no visible sediment in this bottle.

The nose is fragrant with sweet confectionary: Cola bottles. There is plentiful vanilla and sweet spices (cinnamon, allspice), and baking aromas that suggest gingerbread, spice cake and empty icing bowls.

Adequately flavoured with sweet 'cola bottles' on the palate, with layers of vanilla and baking spices to follow. There is a syrupy sweetness in control (reminds me of a sodastream concentrate), before the acids take over, clean up and refresh. Soft finish, remaining sweet.

Packaging claims: Botanically brewed, fermented botanical drink with herbal extracts

Ingredients: Fermented ginger root extract, carbonated water, sugar, catuaba extract, guarana extract, caramel (E150), phosphoric acid (E338), cola flavour 9594 (flavouring), caffeine

Price: Should be about £1.00-£1.20 for a 275ml glass bottle, available from Waitrose, Booths, Health food stores, independent and specialist food stores nationwide

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

Fever-Tree Mixers Part 1

Made by: Fevertree Ltd

Origin: UK








We were thinking of making a few long drinks to combat the muggy weather, which had us hunting the shelves for a mixer or two... This brought us to Fevertree, a company that since 2000 sought to create an Indian Tonic mixer from all-natural ingredients, including quinine (the bark extract of the Cinchona tree, colloquially known as the 'Fever Tree').

They launched their Tonic Water in 2005, and have since managed to redefine the mixer category by eschewing the use of artificial ingredients (using only natural sweeteners and flavourings, and avoiding preservatives), taking instead a qualitative approach to drink formulation and packaging. They have since grown their product range, and success in new markets followed and continues apace...

Fever-Tree Premium Indian Tonic Water

Fever-Tree tonic water is a bright, clear liquid. It exhibits a lively carbonation, with noticeably small bubbles rising steadily when the drink settles in the glass.

An attractive, fresh, delicate aroma of lemon icing on the nose, with that familiar dusting of icing sugar...

On the palate, fresh lemon citrus, with some supple acids producing a gentle tang. There is excellent balance here between the elements, as a stimulating lemony bitterness develops and persists on the finish.

A quality mixer that speaks for itself, with a unique texture and flavour profile, that avoids the cloying, salty nature associated with artificial sweetener and preservative use.


Packaging claims: Contains natural quinine, no artificial sweeteners, flavourings or preservatives

Ingredients: Spring water, cane sugar, citric acid, natural flavours, 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 Lemonade

Fever-Tree lemonade is a colourless, bright liquid. After the initial rush of carbonation, much smaller bubbles can be observed rising slowly through the liquid in the glass.

Fragrant, biscuity nose with sweet lemon. This is juicy, mouthwatering and with plenty of sun-warmed fruit.

A lemonade that is soft and round in the mouth, with warm, biscuity citrus flavours. Supple acids again producing a gentle tang on the short finish.


Packaging claims: Contains Sicilian lemons, no artificial sweeteners, flavourings or preservatives

Ingredients: Spring water, cane sugar, lemon juice 2.5%, citric acid, natural flavours

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


Fever-Tree Ginger Beer

Fever-Tree ginger beer is a cloudy, pale yellow colour that takes on a green hue when examined in the light. There is a fine sediment of ginger particles in suspension.

Instantly aromatic on the nose, with fresh ginger in abundance, and then some. There is an extraordinary scent here, earthy and distinctly spicy- cumin? Intoxicating stuff...

Be sure you're sitting down for this one! An intense rush on the palate, with a controlled explosion of deep, freshly grated ginger flavour, topped with lemon and black pepper seasoning. This is as peppery and fiery as you could want, with that entrancing and utterly unique spicy, earthy cumin note intact and almost musky now. Predictably long finish as the chilli and fire trail off, this remains clean and refreshing throughout.

A heady, entrancing experience; a one of a kind ginger beer that sets a stylish example.


Packaging claims: Contains natural gingers, contains natural sediment, no artificial sweeteners, flavourings or preservatives

Ingredients: Spring water, ginger extract, cane sugar, natural flavour, ascorbic acid

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

Attitude Natural Energy Drink

Made by: Energizer Brands Ltd

Origin: UK








This energy drink is a pale brown colour, slightly cloudy, translucent and with a warm pinkish hue to the colour. The colour fades to clear at the rim of the glass. When opened, the drink produces a creamy froth on the sufrace of the liquid caused by the small bubbles, and contains a fine sediment when poured out.

On the nose juicy aromas of barley sugar, soft strawberry candies (think of Chewit sweets) with plenty of vanilla. We also uncovered a fruit dessert theme: Ripe bananas, cream and brown sugar, with a top note of lemon citrus.

Light and fresh, the palate opens with fruity lemon flavours, moves through malty and grassy tones, followed by dried apple and vanilla. There are some spices giving a gentle pepper twist, a little citrus acidity and an unusual earthy flavour (reminds me of tea leaves).

This manages to take you on an interesting journey before the short finish...


Packaging claims: Turns you on naturally, rich in antioxidants, suitable for vegans, diebetic friendly, sweetened with low G.I. fruit, full of natural energy from active adaptogen (rhodiola rosea root 500mg), no caffeine, no taurine, no synthetic ingredients, no artificial flavours, sweeteners or preservatives, 50% of your vitamins RDA (Vitamin C, B1, B3, B5, B6, B9, B12)

Ingredients: Sparkling spring water, natural sweetness from fruits, lemon juice partially concentrated, natural fruit and yerba mate flavours, barley malt, ginger, lemongrass (all natural extracts)

Price: Should be about £1.00-£1.20 for a 330ml can, available from health food store chains and independents, and specialist food outlets nationwide

Power Horse Sugar Free Energy Drink

Made by: Power Horse Energy Drinks GmbH

Origin: Austria

Imported into the UK by: BTM International UK Ltd

For this review, we are pleased to welcome our guest reviewer Mr Matt Chambers. Matt, together with his wife Karen, is the esteemed founder of Whisky website and blog 'Whisky for Everyone', one of the preeminent influencers working in the world of Whisky today. Here is Matt's review:

Power Horse is an energy drink that is produced by the Austrian food and beverage giant S. Spitz Company. The company was at the forefront of the development of energy drinks in the early 1990s and the Power Horse brand first appeared in 1994. This makes Power Horse one of the first energy drinks on the market and it remains popular throughout mainland Europe. The S. Spitz Company was founded in 1857 and their headquarters are located in the city of Linz. The Power Horse energy drink range stimulates the drinker’s metabolism, responsiveness and is believed to enhance sporting performance. This is achieved by the inclusion of high levels of natural chemicals such as caffeine and taurine in the drinks

Another Austrian, named Dietrich Mateschitz, saw the potential of this genre of drinks and decided to develop his own energy drink. He based his new beverage on the Japanese caffeine based drink Lipovitan, which first appeared in the 1960s. Mateschitz named his new energy drink Red Bull and the rest is history, as they say. Red Bull has gone on to dominate the energy drink market since its launch in 1997, especially in the USA where it has almost 50% of the energy drink market share. The success of Red Bull and Power Horse has led to many copycat products appearing around the globe.

This drink is the SugarFree version of Power Horse. The colour is a vibrant golden yellow and the nose is sweet yet refreshing. There is a combination of vanilla, chewy fruit sweets and candy floss. Cutting through this is a distinct citrus note that is reminiscent of lemon zest and this helps balance the more obvious sweeter element.

On the palate, this is light, juicy and refreshing. There is an initial saltiness (think of brine or sweat), and while this may sound unappetising it is actually to the contrary. This characteristic combines with the zingy citrus zest from the nose to give a crisp, sharp and refreshing drink. The sweeter elements then begin to appear, especially those fruity chewy sweets (think of bubblegum or fruit pastilles) and the candy floss.

The palate ends with a feeling reminiscent to something like a cream soda. The finish is short yet refreshing with the fruitiness and citrus zing again prominent, although the citrus becomes a little more sour. At all points the elements remain slightly understated.

Whilst not being fully aware of the medical or scientific benefits or claims of this Power Horse SugarFree drink, all that can be said is that it is a clean, refreshing and crisp beverage. It is very pleasant and easy to drink and not as obviously sugary as some of its competitors. You can imagine drinking a can of this on a hot day or after doing some exercise.

Packaging claims: Low energy, sugar free special drink containing taurine and caffeine, with sweetening agents, contains 80mg of caffeine, not suitable for children, pregnant women, and people sensitive to caffeine, suitable for diabetics, do not mix with alcohol, high caffeine content (32mg/100ml), pasteurised

Ingredients: Water, acid (citric acid, sodium citrate), carbon dioxide, taurine 0.4%, glucuronolactone, colours (plain caramel, riboflavin), sweeteners Acesulfame K, Aspartame), flavouring, caffeine, inositol, vitamins (niacin, pantothenic acid, vitamin B6, vitamin B12)

Price: Should be about £0.70 for a 250ml can, available from larger branches of Tesco (world foods section)

Bundaberg Root Beer

Made by: Bundaberg Brewed Drinks P/L

Origin: Australia

Imported into the UK by: Bundaberg Brewed Drinks UK Pty Ltd

Root beer originates in Philadelphia, USA, where it was first developed as a herbal tea formula and then as a soft drink marketed to miners and the mining community, from where it's popularity grew. Root beer is still strongly associated with North America, however related drinks made using roots, tree barks, herbs and spices exist in many countries (examples being Ginger beer and Dandelion & Burdock in the UK). The original flavouring components of this drink were Sassafras tree root bark, together with Acacia bark. As health concerns gradually surfaced with the use of Sassafras, Sarsaparilla and other complementary herbs, spices and fruits were introduced to flavour the brew.

Bundaberg Root Beer is a dark chocolate brown colour, fading slightly at the rim of the glass. The drink is sparkling and as with other Bundaberg drinks, the bubbles here are very small and rise gradually to the surface from specific points in the glass (as with a fine sparkling wine). There are some small particles floating in suspension.

On the nose a reminder of the medicine cabinet, with a creamy menthol scent: Muscle rub ('Deep Heat' cream), plus notes of vanilla, treacle and malt extract.

Moving to the palate, the initial taste is of a herbal cola, with vanilla and creamy menthol, followed by dark sugary flavours (molasses, treacle, malt..). A refreshing bite evolves towards the finish, bringing grassy, salted caramel and leaving a trace of liquorice in the aftertaste.

There is a lovely restrained balance at work here, with supple, round flavours loaded with nuance, and just the right amount of bite to cleanse the palate.

As with other Bundaberg drinks, this is a real 'thinking man's' soft drink, whereby the quality of ingredients used allied to traditional production methods produce a captivating experience.

Packaging claims: Naturally brewed to be better, traditionally brewed, plus tbc

Ingredients: Carbonated water, cane sugar, sasparilla root, vanilla bean, ginger root, liquorice root, molasses, sasparilla flavour, caramel, acid (citric acid), yeast, preservatives (E211, E202), Antioxidant (E300)

Price: Should be about £1.40-£1.50 for a 340ml glass bottle, available from Waitrose and selected supermarkets, and specialist retailers

San Pellegrino l'Aranciata Amara

Made by: San Pellegrino SpA

Origin: Italy

Imported into the UK by: Nestle Waters UK Ltd





The San Pellegrino spring is located in the town of San Pellegrino Terme, North of Bergamo, in the province of Lombardy, Italy. The official spring water bottling company was formed in 1899, and diversified into sparkling soft drinks as early as 1932. An Amara or bitter version of the orangeade was launched in 1949, to mark the company's 50th Anniversary.

The Amara is an intense, matt orange colour with yellow highlights, fading out to a clear watery rim at the very edge of the glass. There is a fine sediment of orange fruit in suspension, and the drink is steadily sparkling when poured out.

The primary aromas on the nose are warm and juicy; here we have freshly sliced Navel oranges with a drop or two or Grand Marnier. As the drink opens up in the glass the impression is much fuller, one of whole oranges: Zest, flesh, pips, even leaves...a whole orange grove. A sharper note suggests grapefruit.

'Amara' translates as 'bitter', and on the palate this really delivers. From an initial burst of mouthfilling, ripe orange flavour with a fresh acidity, there follows a long, controlled transformation to bitterness. The zesty bitter taste sensation, derived in part from Quinine (Chinona tree bark extract), is similar to the experience of eating Kumquats.

There is a lovely flavour concentration here, entirely refreshing and helped no doubt by the high juice content at 15.6%.

Amara is a uniquely invigorating, enlivening drink, and leaves a mouthwatering sensation behind. Within the overall balance, the palate is both stimulated by the acidity levels (felt on the sides of the tongue), and by the extraordinary bitterness (felt at the back of the tongue). The long finish is to be savoured.

Packaging claims: New formula with 30% more orange juice, no preservatives, no artificial colourings

Ingredients: Water, orange juice (15.6%), glucose-fructose syrup, sugar, carbon dioxide, acidity regulator citric acid, natural aromas, Chinona extract

Price: Should be about £0.80-£0.90 for a 330ml can, available from Italian delicatessens, specialist retailers and online

Bundaberg Ginger Beer

Made by: Bundaberg Brewed Drinks P/L

Origin: Australia

Imported into the UK by: Bundaberg Brewed Drinks UK Pty Ltd





Bundaberg Brewed Drinks have been making traditional soft drinks using natural ingredients since 1960. They are based in the town of Bundaberg, Queensland, Australia. Due to overwhelming popular demand we present our review of perhaps their most well known product, the Bundaberg Ginger Beer...

This is a pale, cloudy off white colour. When poured out the drink is gently sparkling, translucent and with a light yellow tint to the colour.

The aroma is fresh, up front and citrussy at first, with a distinct lemon barley theme. The warmth of ginger follows some way behind. This is quite subtle and restrained for a ginger based drink, appetising and with a moist gingercake sweetness.

On to the palate, where citrus flavours (lemon and orange) and the light-medium body make a fresh, fluid impression. The ginger notes arrive in fine understated style, with a controlled force, and without the raw burn or aggression found in some ginger beers.

There is a long finish to this, with rolling ginger now and a subdued pepper bite, recalling more sweet fruit than fiery spice. As with its stablemate, this is a soft drink that clearly demonstrates what can be done with a dedication to quality ingredients and deft handling.

Packaging claims: Naturally brewed to be better, always cloudy, full of real ginger pieces, traditionally brewed, the natural flavours of ginger

Ingredients: Carbonated water, cane sugar, ginger root, natural flavours, acid (citric acid), yeast, preservatives (E211, E202), antioxidant (E300)

Price: Should be about £1.40-£1.50 for a 340ml glass bottle, available from Waitrose and selected supermarkets, and specialist retailers

Bundaberg Lemon Lime & Bitters

Made by: Bundaberg Brewed Drinks P/L

Origin: Australia

Imported into the UK by: Bundaberg Brewed Drinks UK Pty Ltd

This sparkling soft drink is a pale pink colour, clear and bright, with fine bubbles that rise steadily to the surface from various points in the glass.

On the nose a deep lime aroma: Key lime pie, dusted with allspice, plus notes of ginger and quinine. This is very appetising. As with many lemon & lime drinks, the lemon struggles to compete with its more delicate freshness.

On the palate a juicy and nicely concentrated lime flavour, followed by soft cinnamon. Persistent, mouthwatering and with a lovely tart balance...this is refreshing stuff. The bitters flavours add a spicy dimension: Cloved orange, ginger and quinine. They bring a light bitterness with them, perfectly balanced between the sugar and citrus. The cinnamon note that made an early appearance now lingers on the finish.

Packaging claims: Naturally brewed to be better, crafted from real lemons and limes, [naturally brewed] from real herbs and tropical spices

Ingredients: Carbonated water, cane sugar, lime juice from concentrate (6.3%), bitters brew (4.8%) (water, cane sugar, tropical spices, gentian root, yeast), lemon juice from concentrate (0.8%), acid (citric acid), antioxidant (E300), flavour, colour (E120), preservatives (E211, E220)

Price: Should be about £1.40-£1.50 for a 340ml glass bottle, available from Waitrose and selected supermarkets, and specialist retailers

San Pellegrino Chino

Made by: San Pellegrino SpA

Origin: Italy

Imported into the UK by: Nestle Waters UK Ltd

Chinotto is a sparkling Italian soft drink named after the small, bitter citrus fruit of the Myrtle-leaved orange tree. The tree is believed to have originated in China, hence the name. Today Chinotto fruit is mostly cultivated in Italy, where the peel extract is an essential ingredient in Italian Bitters ('Amari'); alcoholic liqueurs drunk either as a digestif or an aperitif. San Pellegrino claim to have formulated the first Chinotto soft drink in 1932, today marketed under the brand name of Chino.

Sparkling Chino is a dark chestnut brown colour, clear and intense. When poured out, fine pinhead bubbles can be observed rising from various points in the glass.

On the nose this is sweetly spiced and strikingly aromatic: Allspice, cloved orange, with rooty and woody scents all combining to create a spice cake impression.

Opening with a fruity caramel, cola flavour on the palate, a long and controlled progression of sweet to bitter follows. Flavours of spice cake and ginger at first, cassia and clove, then black cherry, fig and toffee. Subtle notes of liquorice and menthol emerge to add further points of interest along the gently bitter, persistent finish.

Chino is an absorbing taste experience, and a soft drink to really savour. If you like this or think this sounds appealing then look up our review of Bitter KAS.

Packaging claims: None

Ingredients: Water, glucose-fructose syrup, sugar, carbon dioxide, colour E150d, aromas, acidifier citric acid, chinotto extract, acidity regulator sodium citrate, salt, antioxidant L-ascorbic acid

Price: Should be about £1.00 for a 330ml can, available from specialist outlets like italian foodstores and delicatessens

Organic Sparkling Lemonade

Made by: Whole Earth Foods

Origin: UK








The second drink in the Whole Earth series is a sparkling lemonade. This is a pale, bright lemon yellow colour. It is slightly cloudy (translucent) and gently carbonated, with the bubbles rising steadily when the drink is poured out.

The nose carries the sweet aroma of fresh, ripe lemons: juicy and direct. There is also a more concentrated note of lemon oil, and a sprinkling of powdered sugar.

Flavours on the palate are light by comparison (read well diluted), with a touch of sugar and lime adding to the lemons to create a sherbetty appeal. The overall impression is understated and pleasant, easy drinking and well balanced, without the citrus tang found elsewhere. Short finish.

Packaging claims: Soil Association Organic, no artificial colours, preservatives or flavours, suitable for Vegetarians and Vegans, Vegetarian Society Approved, produced to strict organic standards, as this drink is made from natural ingredients it may contains a slight sediment

Ingredients: Sparkling water, organic apple juice from concentrate (15%), organic agave syrup, organic lemon juice from concentrate (4%), natural lemon flavouring

Price: Should be about £0.80 for a 330ml can, from branches of Asda, health and wholefood stores and specialist cafes

Organic Sparkling Cranberry

Made by: Whole Earth Foods

Origin: UK








This organic juice drink is a clear, pale salmon pink colour. When poured out, a series of fine pinhead bubbles rise steadily from various points in the glass.

There is a striking floral nose to this, quite unexpected but enticing with aromas of rose petal and carnations. A sweeter, more concentrated layer of wine gums and turkish delight lies beneath.

The delicate, balanced flavours on the palate are a delight. The impression is light but satisfying, not dilute. The appetising sour-sweet duet of the cranberry has acquired a distinctive blackcurrant twist here, with a drop of cordial coming through. We also detected an interesting grassy pepper note that may hint at the agave syrup used (the drink's sweetener). Fruit gums appear on the finish: Altogether a very refreshing experience.

Packaging claims: Soil Association Organic, no artificial colours, preservatives or flavours, suitable for Vegetarians and Vegans, Vegetarian Society Approved, produced to strict organic standards, as this drink is made from natural ingredients it may contains a slight sediment

Ingredients: Sparkling water, organic agave syrup, organic cranberry juice from concentrate (4%), organic lemon juice from concentrate (1%), natural flavourings

Price: Should be about £0.80 for a 330ml can, from branches of Asda, health and wholefood stores and specialist cafes

Vimto

Made by: Nichols plc (under licence)

Origin: UK








Vimto is a fruit flavoured soft drink that originated in Manchester in 1908. It was formulated by a spice and medicine merchant under the name of 'Vim Tonic', and sold as a health tonic.

Sparkling Vimto is an intense crimson red colour, clear and bright. There is a purple hue that develops towards the rim of the glass.

The nose is aromatic and laden with fruit syrups (strawberry, cherry and blackcurrant). These are smothered in a rich vanilla essence (think of cream soda), and there is a suggestion of Parma Violet sweets. An odd note catches briefly in the throat, not unlike ammonia.

The light, sweet flavours on the palate are broadly consistent with the nose: Red and black fruit syrups, vanilla cream and Parma Violets again. Vimto has a short, sweet finish that echoes of vanilla in the aftertaste.

Packaging claims: Mixed fruit juice drink made with the delicious secret Vimto flavour, a tantalising mix of secret herbs and spices, for the most amazing taste experience you'll ever have

Ingredients: Carbonated water, sucrose, mixed fruit juices from concentrate 3% (grape, blackberry, raspberry), Vimto flavour (including natural extracts of fruits, herbs, barley malt and spices), citric acid, colour (anthocyanins), preservatives (potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate, antioxidant (ascorbic acid)

Price: Should be about £0.70-£0.80 for a 330ml can, widely available

Orangina

Made by: Schweppes International Ltd (under licence)

Origin: UK







Orangina was formulated in 1933 by a Spanish chemist from Valencia. It's original name was 'Naranjina', and it became famous for the iconic design of its 25cl/250ml glass bottles. These are teardrop shaped, and have a mottled texture that resembles the surface of citrus fruit.

Orangina is a pale, matt yellow colour with a deeper orange hue that develops towards the rim of the glass. It contains a small amount of orange fruit pulp, and the lively carbonation soon settles down when the drink is poured into the glass.

On the nose the aroma of sweet, dilute fresh orange juice is quickly lost in a tangle of other citrus notes, with grapefruit and lemon just about distinguishable.

For a brief moment on the palate the light orange flavour is tangy and refreshing. But the balance is swiftly hijacked by the sharper flavours of grapefruit and lemon. The bitterness of orange zest adds an unexpected hollow quality (reminds me of soda water), before a short finish disperses to leave a metallic note in the aftertaste.

Packaging claims: No added artificial flavourings, colours or sweeteners, with real orange pieces, shake it to wake it, natural and authentic taste of oranges with real fruit pieces, if spilt this product may stain

Ingredients: Carbonated water, orange juice and other citrus juices from concentrate 12% (orange 10%, lemon, grapefruit, mandarin), sugar, orange pulp (2%), orange zest extract, natural flavourings

Price: Should be about £0.70-£0.80 for a 330ml can, widely available

Sabor Tropical

Made by: Baloru SA (under licence)

Origin: Ecuador

Imported into the UK: (tbc- sample bought in Spain)





This sparkling drink from Ecuador is a vibrant pink colour. It is clear and bright, and there is a purple hue that develops towards the rim of the glass.

The nose brings together an unusual combination of aromas: Parma Violet sweets and cream soda (a blend of strawberry syrup and vanilla essence). The combined effect is uncannily familiar: Vimto, along with cherry-flavoured 'Tunes' cough sweets.

There is undoubted sweet-toothed appeal on the palate, where candied flavours of cream soda and bubblegum provide the entertainment. A blackcurrant note (think of dilute Ribena) finds its way in there, before the drink ends in a short, sweet finish.

Packaging claims: Flavour of Ecuador, pure National flavour, the original since 1952, carbonated soft drink with extracts

Ingredients: Water, sugar, citric acid (E330), preservative: Sodium benzoate (E211), flavours 0.21% (tropical and strawberry), colour (E129)

Price: Should be about €0.80/ £0.70 for a 330ml can. Availability in the UK tbc

San Pellegrino L'Aranciata Dolce

Made by: San Pellegrino SpA

Origin: Italy

Imported into the UK: Nestle Waters UK Ltd





This variant from the San Pellegrino stable is produced for the Italian market. An impressive deep pink in colour, it is lightly sparkling, with the colour fading to a salmon pink at the edge of the glass.

The nose opens with a scent of fresh navel oranges. The addition of 'squeezed' orange peel adds a few drops of zest. There is a tangy quailty here, with a combination of sweet (ripe) and sour or potentially bitter notes, that's altogether mouthwatering.

The palate is lighter and softer however, following the nose with a flavour of sweet, fresh navel oranges. This then develops in a candied strawberry direction (think of soft 'Chewit' sweets). There is a drop of lemony sherbet to add a gentle tang, before a short, clean finish.

Packaging claims: New with +30% more orange juice, no preservatives

Ingredients: Water, orange juice (15.6%), sugar, carbon dioxide, flavourings, acidity regulator: citric acid, antioxidant: L-ascorbic acid, colourings: E110, E122

Price: Should be about £0.70 for a 330ml can, from specialist retailers

Rodeo Energy Drink

Made by: Menken Drinks BV

Origin: Holland

Imported into the UK: (tbc- sample bought in Spain)





Rodeo is a golden yellow coloured, lightly sparkling energy drink. There is an unusal green tint to the colour when the drink is poured out and examined in the light.

The nose is enticing and rich, with a combination of vanilla essence and strawberry bubblegum (think of a cream soda), plus a warmer orangey herb note. It suggests sweetness but isn't cloying or heavy.

The palate is almost salty sweet at the outset, with attractive flavours like elderflower and apple making a juicy, positive impact. These give way slowly to the 'cream soda' combination of strawberries and vanilla.

For all its suggested sweetness, Rodeo maintains a good acidity and balanced feel in the mouth, with intense flavours that linger on the finish. It manages to be both mouthwatering and toothsome at the same time.

Packaging claims: Contains taurine; caffeinated drink; fortified with vitamins

Ingredients: Water, sugar, dextrose-fructose syrup, food acid: citric acid, taurine (0.4%), acidity regulator: sodium citrate, glucuronolactone (0.24%), flavouring, colouring: caramel (E150b), caffeine (0.032%), inositol, vitamins (B3, B5, B6, B2, B12)

Price: Should be about €0.35/£0.30 per 250ml can. Availability in the UK tbc

Fanta Orange

Made by: Coca Cola Co

Origin: UK








The name Fanta derives from the German word 'Fantasie' meaning fantasy or imagination. It was created in Germany in 1940 during World War II, as a result of the fact that Coca Cola Co was unable to import Coke syrup due to the Allied blockade. Fanta was the first drink created by Coca Cola, after the original product.

Fanta is a rich yellow colour, sparkling and bright, with orange highlights at the rim of the glass. The nose is light and combines aromas of orange squash and concentrated orange juice. There is a distinct powdery style to this (think of barley water or crushed Disprin tablet).

On the palate it's brisk and lively, with the sweetness of concentrated orange juice nicely countered by an 'orange peel' bitterness. There is also a pleasant tang of acidity along the sides of the tongue. The overall effect is well balanced and satisfying, with plenty of orangey character, however it leaves behind a peculiar salty, metallic note in the aftertaste (possibly an effect of the sweeteners).

Packaging claims: Made with real fruit; No artificial flavours or colours; Tongue tingling sparkling orange fruit drink with sugar and sweeteners; made in GB

Ingredients: Carbonated water, sugar (from beet and/or cane), orange fruit from concentrate (5%), citric acid, vegetable concentrates (carrot, pumpkin), preservative (potassium sorbate), natural flavourings, sweeteners (sodium saccharin, aspartame), antioxidant (ascorbic acid), acidity regulator (sodium citrate), stabiliser (guar gum)

Price: Should be about £0.50-£0.60 for a 330ml can, widely available

Pony Malt

Made by: Bavaria S.A.

Origin: Colombia

Imported into the UK: (tbc- sample bought in Spain)





This sparkling malt drink is a dark chocolate brown colour. The fine bubbles create a light 'head' on the drink, like a stout. The colour fades at the rim of the glass and takes on a greenish hue.

The aroma on the nose is pure malt extract, and there is a lovely scent of caramel. To add to this there is a treacly sweetness akin to a dark porter ale. As the drink warms up the aroma changes shape and becomes much drier, like cereal husks, and we detected more savoury notes of instant coffee granules and Marmite.

On the palate this drink starts dry, light and with a pronounced cereal husk flavour (think of a hay barn). Malt soon takes over, adding a little richness, with the taste of caramel, burnt sugar and a roasty note (reminds me of stout). A fresh, acidic quality now emerges to add a sense of balance, before the ride ends in a short finish.

Packaging claims: Nutritious and refreshing energy; refreshing drink of extracts

Ingredients: Water, Sugar, barley malt, carbon dioxide, colour caramel E150c, citric acid E330, flavourings, Niacin, Riboflavin and Thiamine

Price: Should be about €0.80/£0.70 for a 330ml glass bottle. Availability in the UK tbc