The Drinks of Summer.

Despite what the crazy Michigan weather may have to say on the matter we are by all rights in the grip of Summer. Yes, our least favorite season here at CosmicSparky is just about in full swing but the aim is to make this one stand out for more reasons than mosquito bites and allergies. Of course striking out to find adventure and gainful employment requires plentiful amounts of hydration and energy. Lucky for all of us there are a bevy of new drinks to quench our thirst during these long days. A few of them like the one picture above don't even come in bottles or cans, forcing us instead to fill-up large cups from the gas station to later pair with Godzilla movies and old video games. The spread within the first photo nearly provides a perfect lazy Saturday save for the absence of American Gladiators reruns and cheese balls. Due to the odd nature of a few of these drinks we will forgo the traditional rating systems, you'll soon find out why.

Mtn. Dew Cyclone

That deep red slurry within the header photo is a new Mtn. Dew flavor exclusive to Speedway convenience stores. This particular item requires a certain personal disclosure on my part as I should explain that I don't care for fountain soda. The perfectionist within me demands the consistent results of canned or bottled drinks over fountains that can totally screw up the ratios. Never the kind to miss out on some new Dew I swallowed my pride and grabbed a forty-odd ounce cup.

Cyclone is described as a citrus punch which is sort of a cop-out when you think about how many citrus fruits there are, is this Buddha's palm flavored? Actually that's still something of a mystery to me as there's something mysterious to this concoction. From scent to flavor nothing truly stands out other than this being red and fruity. Only there's a little dankness to it that provides a sort of cough-syrup vibe which should be disgusting only it's still pretty good. I started to share the drink in order to get some other opinions, and confirm I wasn't losing my mind. The standard reaction was yummy with a hint of Robitussin. My older brother spat it out claiming it reminding him of Rock & Rye which he hates for some twisted reason.

Cyclone is why I decided to skip a rating system since I have no clue what sort of rating it possibly deserves. On one hand I found it kind of icky yet that didn't stop me from consuming massive quantities. Without a doubt this is an experience above anything else and that's what should inform your decision about getting it. I'd advise gathering a few people before getting a giant cup to pass around.

Mtn. Dew Liberty Brew

Not content to rest on one special flavor Mtn. Dew has also released Liberty Brew, a patriotic salute to these united states. Believe it or not there's a third new Dew out there as KFC has an exclusive as well, though I've yet to get some.

The novelty pitch for Liberty Brew is that it has fifty flavors crammed into a single drink, a claim likely to raise eyebrows in disbelief. Upon opening a bottle you'll find a scent that supports this multi-flavor concept in that it's not easily identifiable. The smell exists in the same realm as lighter Dews like White Out or Voltage and has a real refreshing pop to it.

So how about those fifty flavors? Well that's where things get iffy. With each drink you can discern a variety of different tastes, some sweet, some fresh, even a little bit of spice, but whether or not there are really fifty is a matter of discussion. What matters most is whether the notable flavors are any good and to that I say yes with one issue. Usually when you're thirsty you want something specific, be it a cola or fruit juice, but when you make a drink where the flavor is a little bit of everything it doesn't fully satisfy.

For me personally I have an extra criteria for this drink. As my birthday is the fourth of July Liberty Brew inadvertently finds itself marked as a potential celebratory drink for yours truly. Possibly the biggest recommendation or condemnation I could give it is whether or not it would be present at my birthday BBQ. On that front I'd say probably, yea. It's not the best item to come from this brand but I'd still take it over a few other offerings since it's fun and refreshing. Plus I'm guessing there are some real mixed drink opportunities.

Dr Pepper Dark Berry

Speaking of my birthday; it looks like I'll be treated to some fine pop-culture with the combo of Stranger Things and Spider-Man, the latter of which has inspired Dr. Pepper to bring out a new formula called Dark Berry.

This one's gonna be short and sweet because there's honestly not much to say about Dark Berry because it's not all that different from regular Dr. Pepper. No doubt there's an added level of berry to the mix and it's quite pleasant but no way is this going to stay around as a permanent addition to the brand. Gross as it may sound to some the berry flavor seems more pronounced when the drink is warm, just a further example of how low-key the flavor is. Don't mistake that as a denouncement however as I really do enjoy Dark Berry, much the same as I enjoy normal Dr. Pepper, just don't go in expecting a game-changer.

Red Bull Summer Edition Beach Breeze

When putting this article together I nearly forgot about Beach Breeze, which should probably serve as a review in itself. Longtime readers know I'm not huge on Red Bull save for the occasional stroke of inspiration like that pomegranate holiday blend. Sadly this new Summer flavor just doesn't inspire much admiration. From the scent to the taste it's just a slightly more perky and sunny take on regular Red Bull formula. For brand fanatics that may be enough but for me it was simply in one end and out the other.

Pepsi Berry

The good Doctor isn't the only one hopping on the berry bandwagon as Pepsi has released a berry blend of its own. Unlike the more subdued nature of our previous drink this one is undeniably drenched in berry flavor, particularly my favorite, the blueberry.

Something really interesting about this and the other two new Pepsi flavors is how the company is using actual juice, not artificial flavoring, while standing by corn-syrup for the sweetener which makes for this weird meeting ground of food theories. The result is much stronger than the usual fruity colas which I imagine could be a turn-off for some as the blueberry brings a tart punch to the experience.

Overall this is very fruity, flavorful, and would earn higher marks from me if it where to use actual sugar like that delicious peach coke. What also doesn't help matters is that Pepsi launched something so much better right alongside this.

Pepsi Mango

In the entire realm of fruit three flavors vie for my absolute dedication. We've already mentioned two of them being blueberry and peach but Pepsi corp saw fit to bring the third into the mix with Pepsi Mango.

Much of the same analysis regarding the berry edition applies here. The company once again uses actual juice to add flavor which means the mango is loud and proud. From the instant you open a can there is no doubt about what you're drinking. I suppose if you're one of those strange folk who doesn't enjoy mango than this isn't for you but for those of us who aren't pod people this is a fantastic cola.

More than any other drink in this entry I think Pepsi Mango is the one most deserving of being instated to full-time. It's unique, incredibly sweet, and wonderful on so many levels with the only drawback being the usage of corn-syrup. In a wave of largely outstanding new drinks it takes the crown.

And with that I'd say we're nicely caught up with the drinks of Summer. Granted there are more out there along with another wave of snack foods and breakfast cereals, 2019 really is the year of breakfast. What I'm saying is keep an eye out for more snack reviews in the coming weeks. As for you Sentai recap readers, that should be the next post as I've been fiddling with the format. Got a few other topics backlogged as well so expect some variety this Summer rather than my usual allergy riddled ravings.