Skip navigation

IT'S A WINE NO, WAIT, IT'S A SODA

SEATTLE - It has a lush, fruity bouquet whose high acid content pairs nicely with prime rib, hamburgers and veal.The hot new syrah from Washington state? Nope. It's Dry Soda, the newest entry in the adult soda category.Unlike Jones Soda, another Seattle soda creation that for the most part comes in conventional flavors, Dry is aiming at adult consumers who are looking for the experience of wine in

SEATTLE - It has a lush, fruity bouquet whose high acid content pairs nicely with prime rib, hamburgers and veal.

The hot new syrah from Washington state? Nope. It's Dry Soda, the newest entry in the adult soda category.

Unlike Jones Soda, another Seattle soda creation that for the most part comes in conventional flavors, Dry is aiming at adult consumers who are looking for the experience of wine in a soda. Made with natural ingredients, it comes lightly sweetened in lavender, lemongrass, rhubarb and kumquat flavors, and packs just 50 to 70 calories per 12-ounce bottle.

The soda was introduced six months ago at area restaurants, which are serving the noncaffeinated soda in classic stemware, before being brought to supermarkets the first weekend of December.

Larry's Markets, Metropolitan Market and Kroger's QFC units here initially placed Dry Soda in their wine departments. Larry's and QFC units offered tastings over a weekend to introduce consumers to the concept of an adult soda. Freestanding merchandisers showcased Dry in single-flavor four-packs and individual bottles.

After a week-long introduction at QFC's flagship University Village store, Dry was moved to the 12-foot ready-to-drink refrigerated section, where it had four facings. The soda, which retailed for just under $2 per bottle, was placed next to single-serve waters.

Similarly, at Larry's Markets' Queen Anne unit, Dry joined other specialty soft drinks such as Jones Soda in the grab-and-go refrigerated case following an introductory period.