VINEGAR DRINKS

If you live in Italy it may not surprise you that the one drink craze comes from a bottle of vinegar drinks. They have recently become available here in the United States as Fairway Market has placed their name on a label. 

“The most delicious thing we have tasted in, like, forever” says Fairway Foodie, Hannah Howard.    “Highly addictive. A SWIG OF VINEGAR EVERY DAY KEEPS THE DOCTOR AWAY. This is common, homeopathic claptrap-style knowledge and lore. Absolute immaculate purity from our Modenese partners, the Cremonini family, whose acetaia (vinegar factory) near Modena in Emilia Romagna, the origin of balsamic vinegar, is one of the most famous in all of Italy. These bottles of Fairway’s exclusive Drink Vinegar contain high levels of mono- and biphenols, which are natural anti-oxidants, the enemy of free radicals.”

Dilute 5 to 1 with seltzer or any kind of water or tonic. The “Drink Vinegar” is a great mixer for spirits such as vodka, gin, rum, and tequila.  Each of these bottles is the equivalent of three liters of this delicious liquid.

“For thousands of years”, says Hannah, “ vinegar has been beloved for its powerful properties in aiding digestion, boosting energy, curing disease, clearing skin, assisting weight loss, and more. This great juice contains high levels of mono- and biphenols, which are natural anti-oxidants, the enemy of free radicals. We’re not making any lofty claims, but drinking vinegar is clearly many times more righteous than, say, swigging soda. And cooler, and tastier”.

At first I thought that this drink was a simple combination of balsamic vinegar and fruit juice.  I combined that 5 to 1 ratio using cold water and tasted.   I expected a high acid vinegar taste and was surprised at its sweetness.   I later read the ingredients.  Each of the flavors had: grape must, balsamic vinegar of Bodena, apple vinegar and natural juice of either blueberry, cherry, pomegranate, ginger or apple.  I got enough sweetness from the grapes and dilution to have the acidity of the vinegar overcome it.   I don’t know about taking a swig but it certainly tastes great sipping it with my meal. 

Fairway Market has several locations in the tri-state area.  And while you’re at it, check out their label on imported hazelnut spread from Italy.  www.fairwaymarket.com