maven&meddler

I normally don’t drink carbonated beverages, since I don’t care for the cloying sweetness, harsh carbonation or chemicals that are found in so many. While cruising Whole Foods the other day, however, I saw Ooba with Hibiscus and Lime. Those are two flavors that I actually like, so I had to grab a couple to sample. Oh, the things I’ll do for my readers.

I really, really liked it. Ooba is what I would call a ‘soft’ drink. It went down oh-so smoothly, with a light, fresh taste and no nasty chemical overtones. It reminded me of soft drinks and aqua fresca I’ve had in Mexico.

According to the Ooba website:

Ooba is 100% All Natural, Refreshing Beverage that infuses the pure extracts from the Incredible Hibiscus Flower. For thousands of years in Ancient Egypt, China, India, Mexico and South America, this Flower has been used for its healing properties. From the Egyptian Pharaohs to the Mayan Kings of South America, the Hibiscus Flower has been considered a source of health and wellbeing. We created OOBA with the intention of bridging the gap between the refreshingly crisp feel of a sparkling soda and a 100% All Natural, truly good for you beverage. We use only the best natural raw materials to bring you the ultimate fusion of health and taste that helps maintain cardiovascular function. “Hibiscus with an Attitude!”

They must be fairly enlightened at Ooba, since they also provide some rather tasty sounding ways of mixing Ooba with spirits, designed by Master Mixologist, Manny H:

OOBA Margarita, version 1
Cazadores Blanco or any other good Blanco tequila 2 0Z
Fresh lime 2 slices (muddle)
Fresh Lemon 2 slices (muddle)
Fresh orange 1 slice (muddle)
Agave nectar 1 0Z
OOBA With Attitude - 3 0Z
In a mixing glass muddle fruit, add tequila, agave nectar, ice and shake about 10 to 12 times pour in a rocks glass and pour on top OOBA with Attitude, garnish with a lime or orange….

Mixed or not, I suggest you give Ooba a try.

maven