COOL Concoctions
What to sip to beat the summer heat
Most New Mexicans know the summertime struggle of enduring the arid, oppressive heat during which temperatures can climb into the 80s as early as 8 a.m. But here’s the good news: When you want to combat the sweat and sun — be it post-workout, driving after the car has been in the sun for hours or spending time in a buildSanta ing where the air conditioning isn’t quite enough — Fe has lots of unique soda, shake and slushie options. Here’s a sampling:
1. Sonic’s pickle slushie
This pickle slushie garnered a lot of attention when Sonic introduced it to its menu — and rightfully so. At first, the “pickle” aspect of the drink is almost unnoticeable, drowned out by the tangy lemon-sugar. As you sip more of this drink, however, the pickle (or more appropriately, dill) aspect of the slushie makes itself known. This slushie is best consumed slowly, as the overwhelming flavors may leave one feeling nauseous. However, at 75 cents (for the small size, which we recommend the first time around), the pickle slushie is worth that challenge.
2. Shake Foundation’s lavender shake
The Shake Foundation’s lavender shake is reminiscent of a liquidy mix of floral wallpaper, grandma’s perfume and a visit to the spa. Even the soft purple hue of the shake radiates an aura of calming relaxation, making it the perfect “kick-back” drink. The flavor tastes exactly like the smell of lavender. It will set you back about $6, and while you might want to share the cost with a friend, you may not want to share the shake.
3. Taco Bell’s Freezes
Taco Bell has three Freezes (each $2.39) out right now: the Strawberry Skittles Freeze, the Mountain Dew Baja Blast Freeze and the Watermelon Freeze. The watermelon basically tastes like watermelon and also has seeds in it, which is odd. Skittles was super sweet, and the Mountain Dew was just what you would expect, and the best of the lot.
4. Ramune sodas
Ramune sodas are a Japanese brand where the neck of the bottle has a glass marble lodged in it that you pop out in order to open the drink. They also come in a lot of flavors, including the original, which was so clear it was hard to tell what it was going to taste like (it tastes like bubblegum). Hello Kitty Strawberry, blueberry and grape tasted just like the flavors you would expect, and we liked them all. World Market sells them for $1.99 each.
5. Thai iced tea
Commonly served in Asian restaurants, Thai iced tea is basically iced tea mixed with condensed milk and sugar. Cost Plus World Market sells it in a can, which seems like it could be gross but actually tastes just fine. If you’re a fan of sweet tea, try this.
6. Tamarind-flavored Jarritos
This popular soda is a product of Mexico that is available in most stores in Santa Fe for $1 to $2 and comes in many different flavors, such as mandarin and lime. The sourish-sweet flavor of the tamarind flavor makes for a quick energizer or pick-me-up on days when your pep has dissipated.
7. Loux Gazoza
This unusual soda is a product of Greece and can be found at World Market for about a dollar. With an unusual name and a small blurb of text proclaiming, “With water from Kefalovriso Spring,” it gives off a taste similar to Sprite but with less sugar and more of a lemon-lime sparkling water burst.
8. Baskin-Robbins Rainbow Sherbet and Sprite shake
This Baskin-Robbins shake is created by taking scoops of Rainbow Sherbet (or any of the other available ices) and blending it with Sprite. The taste is surprisingly pleasant, with the Sprite almost unnoticeable and the ice itself giving the shake a fruity and creamy taste well worth $5. This is a type of shake one wants to keep on drinking with the hopes that the cup never runs empty.
Niveditha Bala will be a sophomore at the Mandela International Magnet School. Contact her at niveditha.bala@ mandelainternationalschool.us.
Natalia Payne will be a sophomore at Santa Fe High School. Contact her at nataliapayne@icloud.com.