product review: Jarritos Mexican Soda

"More than sixty years ago, Jarritos was introduced as Mexico’s first national soft drink. Today, Jarritos is the leading brand in the US in the Mexican soft drink category and has become a Mexican cultural icon. Whether it is the distinctive glass bottle or the 11 unique and great fruit flavors, Jarritos can be found throughout the US in major and independent grocery stores, Mexican restaurants, taquerias, catering trucks and convenience stores. Jarritos flavors are a reflection of Mexico in its array of traditional Mexican flavors made with 100% natural sugar including: Tamarind, Mandarin, Fruit Punch, Jamaica, Lime, Toronja, Guava, Pineapple, Strawberry, Mango, and Mexican Cola."  ~Jarritos

I have a little obsession with Mexican soda.  A cold, sweaty bottle is the perfect thing to wash down a big plate of Mexican food on a hot summer's day.  Okay, any day...but the bright colors just seem "right" under the heat of the sun.  They make me happy to look at and are quickly gulped down by everybody at a party.  The best thing about Jarritos?  Their diversity.  If you can't find a flavor you like, then I...well, I...I don't have the words.  I have my favorites....everybody does. 

Of the eleven varieties, my personal top 5 are:

1. Tamarindo (Tamarind)

2. Toronja (Grapefruit)

3. Jamaica

4. Mango

5. Lime

My kids favorites are:

1. Lime

2. Tuti Fruti (Fruit Punch)

3. Fresa (Strawberry)

4. Mandarina (Mandarin)

5. Toronja

Mexi's faves:

1. Tamarindo

2. Jamaica

3. Toronja

4. Guava

5. Piña (Pineapple)

The only one I haven't mentioned is Cola.  What can I say...it's cola.  I enjoyed it, as well.  I wouldn't turn it down if offered, but I already have a favorite "cola" that I'd choose first in any cola taste test at any time.  And how much of a kick do we get out of saying. I like Mexican cola.  Dirty.  But hilarious all the same. (cola=tail ...so, I like Mexican tail.  Mexican butt.  Childish, huh?  And funny.)

I prefer just drinking these as-is.  Like I said, ice-cold...washing down a plate of Mexican food.  But, you could use them as mixers in cocktails or as a marinade or make an ice cream float.  Oh, actually a float sounds really good.  Made with real sugar, they are one of the sodas I choose when I feel the urge (because I don't drink soda often).  Natural sugar sodas all the way in my book.

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*I received a sample-pack of Jarritos for free, to review should I choose.  All opinions stated in this post are 100% my own.

For more Jarritos fun, check out My Luchador's Dream....