Recently in Soft Drinks Category

For years I've been intimidated by the idea of making my own Simple Syrup--I think because it involved sugar and boiling water I assumed it was as complicated as candy making, with monitoring of temperatures and so on. Nothing could be farther from the truth, it turns out. You just put equal amounts of sugar and water in a saucepan and heat it until the water boils and the sugar dissolves completely. You don't even have to stir it (though, if you're like me, you'll give it the occasional stir just to feel like you're doing something). Then cool and store in some convenient container (I use an old port wine bottle with a cork). Store it in the fridge.

For determining what size container you'll need, know that 250 ml (1 cup) of water and sugar each makes 300 ml of syrup. Science! That's perfect for that little 375 ml port wine bottle.

Dirty Chai = (Soy) Chai + a shot of espresso.

I only heard of it recently from Sean Bonner, but they knew it by name at my local Starbucks. Turns out it's been around since at least July 2006.

It's not just the caffiene -- the espresso really lends to/intensifies the earthy flavors of the chai. It's a perfect winter drink.

(Originally posted on FuzzyCo, Jan 23, 2008: Dirty Chai)

Are we a test market for this stuff, or is it nationwide already? I see that they released it in France in January. Anyway it was 50% off at Dominick's and I'm a sucker for new soft drinks anyway.

It tastes exactly like coffee-flavored Coke. Which, I suppose, is what it is. Now, I love Coke, and I love coffee. But even I'm not sold on this odd little concoction. But I've got 3 more bottles to decide.

(Originally posted on the Chicago Metblog, Apr 11, 2006: Coke Blak)