Last year, the Jones Soda Co., the Seattle-based purveyor of offbeat fizzy water, decided it was shelving its Thanksgiving flavors to produce limited-edition theme packs for Christmas and Chanukah.
The Christmas pack has changed significantly, but the Happy Chanukah Pack is back intact. The flavors are jelly doughnut, applesauce, chocolate coins and latke.
“All sodas as Star-K certified kosher and caffeine-free with a dreidel included,” a Jones press release noted. “The perfect way to top off Chanukah celebrations.”
Last year’s Christmas pack featured sugar plum, Christmas tree, egg nog and Christmas ham flavors; this year’s Yuletide choices are a little more mainstream: candy cane, pear tree and mele kalikimaka (a pineapple and coconut combo).
A press release noted some “suggested food pairings” for the Chanukah pack ($5.95, www.jonesoda.com). For the latke soda, one is advised to drink it with brisket or matzah ball soup. For the jelly doughnut flavor, Jones suggested a pairing with coconut macaroons or blintzes.
The press release also included the following “Jewish mixology” tips: “Combine latke and apple sauce [sodas] to mimic the favorite combo” and “Latke vodka? Jelly doughnut rum? Endless kosher cocktail possibilities.”
Jones’ products feature original label art and frequently odd flavors. The 2006 seasonal pack featured Thanksgiving-themed sodas: green pea, sweet potato, dinner roll, turkey and gravy — and antacid!
This year, there was a Halloween pack that included a candy corn flavor. Jones also makes more sedate flavors, including root beer, cherry and strawberry sodas. — ap