opinionated alchemist

A couple of days ago, I have spotted the first time a Coca Cola Vanilla in the "normal" supermarket. Spinneys, Choithram and other specialty supermarket had it always... but usually for a much higher price. I don't really know, why I have taken a can with me - I am a big sucker for normal coke [and here in the ME, it is still produced with real sugar] and I do love Cherry Coke as well. But once upon a time I used to hate Vanilla Coke. Because it was totally overflavored with vanillin. Artificial headache vanilla flavor. Awful! They apparently redesigned the can - but not only this - they also [I don't know when] changed the formula. Gone is the vanillin, which was totally dominating. In is natural vanilla flavor which is not sticking out and is just a subtle note. The ingredient list says, only natural flavors - and after tasting it, I believe it. Unfortunately the can comes from the US - means HFCS country. But nevertheless it taste really good. Now on my g...

Yeah - another old post. We carbonated today the first time at the Yas Viceroy hotel Abu Dhabi some grapefruit soda as well as peach soda; means we didn't only used carbonated club water, but used an iSi container with a CO2 cartridge. Due to the increased CO2, the sodas became a bit more sour. Overall they were more than fantastic - really tasty. And housemade sodas become one part of my beverage strategy for the hotel. Following the old post: Let me tell you a secret: I am addicted to sugar and addicted to sweet sodas; first of all Coca Cola. Unfortunately Coca Cola is really inexpensive [and mineral water quite expensive] in Dubai, so it is very hard to break through this bad habit! Though there are very few sweet sodas, which taste great - good Tonic is great [especially if it has a good companion like gin], or Ginger Beer is great [but not so much as protagonist - ginger beer is another drink, which greatly benefits of a companion, which is now dar...