So&So (Soda & Sorrel), Ontario, Canada (Alcohol 0%) Website $65 (Case of 24 cans)
It probably speaks volumes about me that I often judge non-alcoholic drinks on their relative merits as hangover cures. With this in mind, I can say with considerable authority that this new So&So drink is one of the best hangover remedies I have tried in quite some time.
After interviewing the man behind S0&So, Zach Kellum, just the other week, I had promised that I would get around to giving the stuff a little review.
Sorrel is the name this style of drink goes under in the Caribbean, with the intense burgundy-coloured hibiscus flower being the main ingredient—Hibiscus sabdariffa rather than Rumex acetosa, a species that shares the common name sorrel, the green leaf sorrel that most Canadians would think of.
Traditionally, a sorrel drink would contain an astonishing amount of sugar, enough to make a grifter dentist rub their hands with glee. I’m not really one for sweet soda or pop, but thankfully I found So&So just on the drier side of sweet, the gorgeous bitterness of the hibiscus really balancing out the palate, making for a much more rounded mouthful. The carbonation is moderate plus, so there’s a fair bit of fizz in there, but it’s by no means aggresive like an overcharged SodaStream drink.
The flavourings coming through on both the vibrant nose and palate bring to mind Oddfellows sweets and mulled wine, so think baking spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger alongside a pleasant citrus hit and hint of bay leaf. I’m sure the recipe is a closely guarded secret, just like Angostura bitters, although I’m not absolutely certain if there’s any gentian root in there. Perhaps I was just imagining it?
There’s a (uniquely?) Canadian thing regarding using Ginger Ale to settle one’s stomach, but I can assure you that So&So does a vastly superior job in this department. It performs best well-chilled and is sure to be a staple in our fridge over the festive season and beyond.
A terrific discovery.
(Four and a half out of a possible five apples)
