Sparkling Lingonberry Apple Juice
The last 7 months have been interesting to say the least- not only does pregnancy make your body feel like it is no longer your own, but it also requires foregoing many of my favorite things. Espresso, green tea, alcohol, sushi, downhill skiing, hunting, jeans that fit; the list goes on and on. Yet, on the upside, having these limitations has introduced me to a whole new category of beverages which I previously overlooked.
Refusing to be content with water for 10+ months, I have made it my mission to seek out non-alcoholic beverages that actually pair well with food. This has not been an easy quest. The overwhelming majority of non-alcoholic beverages have a sweetness level similar to soda pop or juice boxes- ugh. A liquid pile of sugar does not compliment roast turkey, or herb rubbed roast beef. Then, a long road trip to IKEA, introduced me to Sparkling Lingonberry Apple Juice.
Bubbly, tart, with a blush of fruit and only a hint of apple it was an eye-opening find. I turned to Mr. B and exclaimed, “This tastes like a sparkling rosé!” It was the closest thing to a semi-dry wine that I had tasted in months. Paired with food, the sparkling lingonberry apple juice continued to impress. A dry acidity helped cut through rich foods while the lingonberry fruit (a relative of the cranberry) added a tart sweetness to balance the savory elements of each bite. If you have any pregnant or non-alcohol drinking guests this holiday season, sparkling lingonberry apple juice would be the perfect drink to have at the ready.
I found my bottle at IKEA, but they can also be purchased at Whole Foods, Kmart, or online for less than $5.00 a bottle. Kids may prefer a sparkling apple cider, but any soda pop averse adults will thank you for having a drink they can enjoy with food!
Alison said..
This is too funny! I am also pregnant and a lover of wine and have struggled with what to drink. You’re right a lot of these are too sweet and I have a few opened bottles in my fridge that I sampled – didn’t like – and now have gone flat. I was at Ikea with my husband just last weekend and they had the same sample station. I tied the pear and wasn’t too excited but will make a point in trying the Lingonberry next time. Up until now it’s been ginger ale but it would be nice to have a change.
December 10, 2010 @ 1:27 pm
admin said..
Alison- It is a challenge indeed! I also bought a bottle of the pear but did not really care for it with food (or by itself). The Izze sparkling pear is much better for a pear drink, though I always used to mix it with vodka…
December 10, 2010 @ 1:43 pm
kristin @ going country said..
Nice! I didn’t make so much of an effort to find something to substitute for alcohol. Too sweet, like you mentioned. I just went without. It was sad. But that first gin and tonic after the baby was born? HEAVEN.
December 10, 2010 @ 2:38 pm
admin said..
Kristin- It is sad. I’ve been craving an ice cold dirty martini for weeks now. The first one next year will be bliss!
December 10, 2010 @ 3:04 pm
TheKitchenWitch said..
Oh, do I understand the sacrifice! Meals just seemed so blah with water on the table. This sounds like a terrific alternative. Hugs to you and bun.
December 12, 2010 @ 9:46 am
Paula (Salad in a Jar) said..
We aren’t much for alcohol at our house but have just recently come to appreciate sparkling fruit juices while enjoying our hot tub so have been trying them all out. Hadn’t seen this one but will now be on the lookout because you make it sound great. Maybe we should even try it with a meal.
December 12, 2010 @ 4:25 pm
Christine @ Fresh Local and Best said..
I’ve been disappointed as well with the selection of cloying non-alcoholic beverages. I’ll have to look out for this bottle.
December 12, 2010 @ 10:14 pm
Alison said..
So nice to hear I’m not the only one missing wine while pregnant. By the way, I went to Ikea and they were all sold out! They had a lot left of the pear though. I’ll have to check Whole Foods next.
December 16, 2010 @ 2:50 pm