I first learned of this young and evolving business back in 2010 while watching a short segment on…read moreLXTV called "Working Class Foodies" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XigyAjaWC9U). The host briefly described the company as a couple living in Brooklyn who started experimenting with homemade soda by carbonating fresh juices and herbs made from local and seasonal ingredients blended together in imaginative combinations. They went on to sell their inventive creations at markets around New York City which has thus far been met with encouraging feedback and amassing success. I was naturally very impressed with the couple's entrepreneurship and looked forward to trying their offerings in the future. However, soon after watching the segment, I completely forgot. (Note to self: write things down more often!)
Fortunately, about two years later, my wife planned an outing for us to have a picnic at The High Line with food and refreshments purchased from a nearby eatery called Café Grind. As we picked our selection of picnic items, I noticed a sign that advertised Brooklyn Soda Works. It took me a second, but my brain was indeed timely enough to retrieve the little nugget of information which stored and recalled the name with recognition. I thought, "Oh yeah, I remember them and COOL, they are selling to shops now, good for them!" Without hesitation I decided to seize the moment. Apple & Ginger or Grapefruit, Jalapeño & Honey were my choices. I ordered the Grapefruit, Jalapeño & Honey because it sounded the more interesting of the two, but they were sold out at the time. It must be good! By default I went with Apple & Ginger. I imagined I'd be given a bottle of soda but what I soon discovered was that the soda was being dispensed from a keg! In fact, the company doesn't normally bottle, at least not on a large scale, according their website. Instead, they typically use "cornelius kegs" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cornelius_keg) in their wholesale distribution to provide soda on tap to different restaurants/eateries or markets. Very cool!
Back to the soda. The very first sip of the Apple & Ginger soda made my taste buds instantly charged with the revitalizing zing of ginger that was seamlessly cut and well balanced with the subtle sweetness of fresh apple juice. The added tingle of carbonation made the whole experience wonderfully refreshing. I literally had to exhale from the unexpected punch it carried and even followed that up with a "WOOOOOO mmmhhhhmmmm, yeah that's good!!!!" No exaggeration here.
Since I liked the soda so much I was inspired to research the company in order to find out when and where I could try other flavors. I found that twelve restaurants mostly in Brooklyn but also in Manhattan currently carry their soda on tap. However, I'm under the impression that the list on their website was not exhaustive because the aforementioned Café Grind wasn't included. The website may need updating...an easy fix. They also routinely self-represent at different markets (how they got their start) including Brooklyn Flea, Smorgasburg, and New Amsterdam Market, none of which have I been to yet, though I plan to check out. Their soda menu is also remarkably diverse. Some of the standout offerings include Red Current & Shiso...Cucumber, Lime, & Sea Salt...Strawberry, Hops, & Pink Peppercorn...and no doubt...Cardamom Cream Soda! I would be more than thrilled to try any of these. Of course, I do believe they rotate the available flavors seasonally depending on what ingredients are fresh and can be locally sourced. As far as pricing goes, at Brooklyn Flea I believe a cup goes for about $4 and at Café Grind it was $3.50 or so, if memory serves. The modest disparity in price may be attributed to the size of the cup which could vary from place to place. I find the pricing to be fair considering the quality of the product.
As a result of what I know about the company and coupled with my one great experience with the Apple & Ginger soda, I am to delighted to call myself a fan and supporter of Brooklyn Soda Works. I've always loved a good soda every now and then but mostly refrain because like many would agree, soda is full of unhealthy ingredients that can deteriorate our bodies from the inside out. Heavy in added sugar, high fructose corn syrup (HFCP), often caramel coloring, and aspartame (in diet sodas) are just a few, but with Brooklyn Soda Works, you have the opportunity to enjoy a carbonated beverage that is all natural, fresh, low in added sugar, and to boot...available in a wide variety of flavors that are far more innovative than anything you'll find at your local supermarket.
With everything said, it gives me great pleasure to recommend this company and I look forward to my next all-natural and locally made soda experience! I'm also now inspired to make my own soda at home! Wish me luck folks! Cheers!
