Tomarchio Melegrana Pomegranate Soda: I had this pomegranate-flavored soft drink at an Italian restaurant in Vancouver. From a Sicily-based brand, this soda had a vibrant, acidic flavor and contained real fruit sediments at the bottom of the bottle, pointing to its freshness. I really liked how balanced it was, with just the right amount of sweetness. It's the type of drink I imagine pairing very well with all types of foods, but was especially welcome on a hot day. 4.5/5.0
exceptional drinks tomarchio melegrana pomegranate soda 4.5
Moshi Sparkling Honey Oolong Tea: Even though this drink has one of the more ordinary flavors (from a brand that typically incorporates tropical Asian fruits), it is one of the purest and best versions of honey tea that I've had. The honey has a uniquely rich, floral flavor without being overpowering. It's hard to imagine anyone not thoroughly enjoying this beverage. 4.5/5.0
exceptional drinks moshi sparkling honey oolong tea 4.5
Karma Drinks Cola: From New Zealand-based Karma Drinks, this Karma Cola is probably the best version of cola I've had. It has a much more robust flavor than your typical bottled cola due to its use of organic spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, coriander, and vanilla, and has a distinct citrus aftertaste. I purchased it in the UK and heard it was quite popular there – I wish it were readily available in the US because it is really fantastic. 4.5/5.0
exceptional drinks soda karmadrinks cola 4.5
Tea King Kiwi Fruit Tea: Tea King is my absolute favorite fruit tea shop in Seattle. Their kiwi fruit tea did not disappoint, with cubes of kiwi fruit with seeds adding their own texture, while the beverage had a refreshing, floral flavor. mixed with housemade kiwi fruit syrup. I got this drink with aloe, which were juicy, slightly crunchy; cut to a similar size as the kiwi fruit, the textures were really satisfying. 4.5/5.0
exceptional seattle drinks teaking kiwi fruit tea 4.5
Lolo Sparkling Pomelo Sage Hops: Lolo is a Pacific Northwest brand that makes non-alcoholic, low-calorie drinks. I typically don't like hops-based drinks (and generally don't enjoy the taste of beer), but this sparkling pomelo sage drink went way beyond my expectations. I really enjoyed how vibrant the citrus flavor was. It's sweetened just enough but also quite acidic and well balanced. And it has an herbal aftertaste from the addition of sage. Highly recommended. Purchased at Anchored Ship Coffee Bar in Ballard. 4.5/5.0
drinks exceptional lolo sparkling pomelo sage hops 4.5
Matutina Cinnamon Concha: Sadly, this post is solely for documentation as Matutina, a Mexican bakery in downtown Portland (about a 5 minute walk from Powell's), is now closed. I was able to try a concha fresh from the oven on the day before they shut their doors, and it was excellent. The bread itself was fluffy, yet had a slightly chewy texture, and the cinnamon crust was on the sweet side but had a lovely spiced flavor reminiscent of breakfast cereal. I hope they're able to open up elsewhere as these baked goods ... (read more) 4.5/5.0
exceptional portland pastry mexican matutina cinnamon concha 4.5