Original New York Seltzer Root Beer Soda

Confused, I stare at a tiny bottle of clear “root beer soda”.  It’s made by Original New York Seltzer so I’m going to assume that it’s seltzer water flavored with root beer.  Even if that’s true I’m still looking at this bottle with a tilted head... because I’m confused and because the ingredients are written sideways.  Carbonated water, cane sugar, citric acid, and natural flavors are what make up this 10oz bottle of mystery.  

Original New York Orange Hippo

Flavored seltzer water is usually on the bitter side, but this one has 33 grams of sugar in it so I’m hoping it’ll be quite sweet.  The bottle cap states that “The choice is clear” and that’s enough for me to already love this beverage.

Ok, so Original New York Seltzer Root Beer Soda smells like a root beer, but it’s a thin aroma so I’m not sure how rich the taste is going to be.  I suppose I shouldn’t assume a rich taste because this isn’t a root beer… it’s root beer flavored seltzer.  New things are so much fun to try.

That’s so very odd.  The powerful fizz of seltzer paired with the taste of root beer barrel candy.  Each sip starts off crisp and refreshing before introducing the root beer flavoring and then eventually fading away somewhat.  As far as aftertaste goes it’s fairly honest to the original flavor, but holds on longer than I appreciate.

I’m not sure how to say this, but it’s definitely not root beer… yet it’s root beer flavored.  On the sugar front it’s quite the sweet soda.  Only a the smallest amount of bitter taste is created by the seltzer, but the crisp mouthfeel is still present.  

Such an odd combination yet it works.  It’s not going to replace root beer or anything crazy, but at least now I can look fancy whilest enjoying a tiny clear soda.  This coupled with a short ingredient list will assure I pick up another bottle or two next time I see them.

~A

This was purchased at World Market