Issue #398 Looking for Something Different to Sip This Summer?

There are hot days and then there are July hot days. The kind where the steering wheel feels like it's fresh out of the oven, your sunglasses fog up the second you step outside, and even your dog gives you that look that says, "We're staying inside today." When the temperatures climb, most of us instinctively reach for something cold. Iced tea. Lemonade. Sparkling water. Maybe a soda every once in a while. But what if there was something a little different? Recently, we discovered the Borjomi Sparkling Lemonade collection from Georgia, and it's been one of the most enjoyable summer finds we've come across. These aren't your typical neon-colored soft drinks. Instead, they're lightly sparkling beverages inspired by traditional Georgian flavors, made with Borjomi's famous naturally mineralized water and real fruit or botanical flavors. They're refreshing, a little unexpected, and honestly just fun.Let's take a tour through all four flavors.

If summer had an official flavor, Citrus would probably be it. The Citrus variety is bright, crisp, and refreshing without feeling overly sweet. It has that familiar lemon-and-orange character that instantly makes you think of picnics, backyard lunches, and afternoons spent by the pool. The gentle carbonation gives it a lively sparkle, while the mineral water underneath adds a clean finish that's noticeably different from an ordinary soft drink. This is the flavor you pull out of the refrigerator after mowing the lawn, spending an afternoon gardening, or finishing a long walk in the sunshine. Try serving it ice cold with a slice of lemon or orange for an easy afternoon refresher.

If Citrus is sunshine, Mandarin feels like golden hour. Mandarin oranges naturally have a softer sweetness than regular oranges, and that comes through beautifully here. The flavor is smooth, juicy, and slightly floral, making it incredibly easy to sip. nearly everyone enjoys mandarin oranges. Kids tend to love it, while adults appreciate that it doesn't overwhelm your palate with sugar. Pair it with grilled chicken, summer salads, fresh seafood, or simply enjoy it on its own while relaxing on the porch. Sometimes simple really is best.

Pear might surprise you. It's probably the least common flavor most people reach for, yet it may end up becoming a favorite. The pear flavor is delicate rather than overpowering. Instead of tasting like candy, it reminds you of biting into a perfectly ripe pear that's sweet, crisp, and incredibly refreshing. Combined with the gentle bubbles, it becomes something that feels elegant without trying too hard. This is the bottle we'd open during brunch or alongside a cheese board filled with mild cheeses, nuts, and fresh fruit. If you've never tried pear in a sparkling beverage before, this is a wonderful introduction.

Now for the conversation starter. Tarkhun is unlike anything most Americans have ever tasted. The name comes from the Georgian word for tarragon, the aromatic herb often used in cooking. While that might sound unusual for a beverage, don't let it scare you away. This drink has been enjoyed throughout Georgia and much of Eastern Europe for generations. The flavor is herbal, slightly sweet, refreshing, and wonderfully unique. Some people notice hints of vanilla. Others pick up subtle notes similar to anise or fresh garden herbs.

The first sip often catches people off guard in the best possible way. Then something interesting happens. You find yourself taking another sip. And another. Before long, you're wondering why this flavor isn't more common. If you're someone who enjoys trying foods and drinks from around the world, Tarkhun is easily the most adventurous member of the Borjomi family. It's the bottle you'll be talking about long after the picnic is over.

Part of what makes these beverages stand out is the water itself. Borjomi has been bottled from naturally flowing volcanic springs in the country of Georgia for well over a century. The mineral water is naturally carbonated underground and is recognized around the world for its distinctive mineral profile. Using that famous mineral water as the foundation gives these lemonades a different character than beverages made with ordinary carbonated water. The bubbles feel softer.The finish is cleaner. The whole experience feels just a little more refined.

 Summer doesn't always need another sports drink or another sugary soda.

Sometimes it's fun to try something you've never had before.

The Borjomi Sparkling Lemonade collection offers four completely different experiences:

• Citrus is bright, lively, and classic.

• Mandarin is smooth, sunny, and crowd-pleasing.

• Pear is delicate, crisp, and unexpectedly elegant.

• Tarkhun is adventurous, herbal, and unforgettable.

Each one brings its own personality, which makes opening a different bottle every few days feel like a little summer tasting adventure. Who says staying cool has to be boring? So the next time the July heat starts to wear you down, skip the ordinary for something with a little more character. Grab one of these sparkling lemonades, pour it over plenty of ice, find a shady spot outside, and enjoy a refreshing taste of Georgia. You might discover a new favorite flavor or four. After all, summer is the perfect time to try something new.