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 4.5Trader Joe's Sparkling Cranberry Ginger Beverage: This holiday drink is definitely better suited for being a mixer than for consuming on its own because It's both quite sweet and has a sharp acidic cranberry flavor. I think if it were mixed with a little bit of ginger ale, or even diluted with some tonic water, the overall balance would improve. 3.0/5.0
drinks traderjoes sparkling cranberry ginger beverage 3.0Trader Joe's Sparkling Black Tea with Peach Juice: This is a light refreshing soda alternative that essentially tastes of cold brew peach tea with a little bit of carbonation. It's low calories (15 calories a can with 2 g of sugar), which I found to be sweet enough. Purchased in a 4 pack from Trader Joe's. 3.5/5.0
recommended drinks tea traderjoes sparkling black peach juice 3.5Trader Joe's Organic Sparkling Lemon and Strawberry Apple Cider Vinegar Drink: I really enjoyed the ginger and lemon apple cider vinegar beverage I previously purchased from Trader Joe's, which is a fairly classic flavor combination as far as shrubs go. This strawberry lemon version is a little more unique and was equally refreshing – the berry flavor is tart and sweet, and overall the drink is well balanced. I was very sad to see that these drinks may now be out of season at TJs but I hope you get to try it if you come across it on the shelves. 4.0/5.0
recommended drinks traderjoes organic sparkling lemon strawberry apple cider vinegar drink 4.0Trader Joe's Organic Sparkling Ginger and Lemon Apple Cider Vinegar Drink: I really like the acidity of shrubs, so I was excited to find some apple cider vinegar drinks at Trader Joe's. This one combines two of my favorite flavors: ginger and lemon. I wish it had a little bit more spicy ginger flavor but otherwise was very good - you get the tanginess of the vinegar combined with the acidity of the lemon, without being overly sweet. 4.0/5.0
recommended drinks traderjoes organic sparkling ginger lemon apple cider vinegar drink 4.0Trader Joe's Sparkling Coconut Water with Yuzu: A surprisingly good take on coconut water, this sweetened, carbonated beverage tastes mostly of coconut but does have a refreshing citrus aftertaste. I usually don't like flavored coconut water, but I found the creamy coconut + tangy yuzu to be well balanced and easy to pair with any other snack. 3.5/5.0
recommended drinks traderjoes coconut water yuzu 3.5 sparkling