The drinking landscape has changed quite a bit even during my adult lifetime. I’ve watched the growth of breweries, seen some of that momentum slow a bit since the pandemic, and watched wineries in the Willamette Valley continue to grow.
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At the same time, attitudes toward drinking have changed with newer generations, and non-alcoholic options have become increasingly popular. It’s now pretty common to see breweries and wineries offering non-alcoholic versions of their beverages to cater to this growing crowd.
I still enjoy a good alcoholic beverage. Given the place that beer and wine have in our local culture, I don’t see that changing anytime soon. But I’m also getting older and realizing that I don’t really need alcohol every time I want a good drink.
That shift has opened the door for companies like Mixly Beverage Company, which offer another option for enjoying interesting drinks without the alcohol.
Dirty Soda Mixers
I’ll admit, I don’t drink a ton of soda on a daily basis, but every once in a while, it’s fun to indulge a little. Dirty sodas have become a growing trend (my kids are obsessed with places like FloSo), and Mixly sent over its Dirty Soda Mixers in Coconut Lime and Cherry Vanilla to give them a try.
While these are fun to have at home when you want to shake up your usual beverage routine, I can also see a potential use for them in the running world.
If you’ve ever spent time around ultra-running aid stations, you’ve probably seen soda offered as a way to help runners get through the next stretch of their journey. If traditional soda isn’t quite your thing, these mixers could be a fun addition to a crew bag, giving you a way to add a little variety to your drink of choice during those long days on the trails.
And even if you aren’t running 50 miles anytime soon, they’re an easy way to change things up at home.
Pink & Citrusy Paloma Mixer
The other Mixly product I received was a Paloma mixer, and this one caught my attention for a pretty simple reason: I’m a sucker for grapefruit. Whether it’s a cocktail, beer, or juice, if grapefruit is involved, I’m probably going to give it a shot.
The Paloma mixer can be used for traditional cocktails or mocktails, which fits nicely with the growing interest in non-alcoholic options. For a simple post-run treat, mix a few ounces of the mixer with club soda at a 1:1 ratio for a refreshing grapefruit-forward drink without the need for alcohol. Mixly also notes that its mixers are made with flavoring and pure cane sugar, without artificial preservatives or flavors.
It’s a nice option to have around when you want something a little more interesting than your usual glass of water but aren’t necessarily looking to crack open a beer or mix up a cocktail.
