Tasty and Unique Snacks and Drinks to Try
Whether you’re seeking a different way to get your protein or a fruity liqueur to add to your bar cart, there are loads of unique and tasty items available on the market. I tested out some food and drink items, and compiled the ones that stood out in terms of taste and intrigue. Here are some of my recommendations!
Sweety Ice Cream
Enjoy the chewy goodness of mochi with Sweety Ice Cream. This AAPI-owned mom-and-pop shop has been making mochi ice cream since 1978 and has a range of flavors from ube to Vietnamese coffee. Thaw them for a couple of minutes to get that springy mochi texture; it’s a fantastic juxtaposition to the creaminess of the ice cream. I loved the mango and the coffee flavors. These are refreshing for summer but make tasty treats all year round. I may be the odd one out, but I love ice cream on a cold day.
Casa Lumbre
Casa Lumbre has a wide portfolio of Mexican spirits, including Alma Finca orange liqueur, Las Californias, Nocheluna Sotol, and others. The Alma Finca is everything you’d want in an orange-flavored liqueur. The taste and scent come in strong with ingredients like oranges harvested from the Yucatán Peninsula, Persian limes, citrus blossoms, and a bit of spice. It’s a beautiful, well-made liqueur. Try it in a margarita for a bright twist on a classic.
Mikuna
I’ve tried a lot of protein powders and supplements over the years, and Mikuna brings something new to the protein landscape. This plant protein is made with chocho, a lupin that’s found in the Andes Mountains. Mikuna sources its chocho from Indigenous farmers and communities using regenerative practices. It’s gluten-free, vegan, and keto to fit a range of dietary needs. It contains fiber, all 9 essential amino acids, calcium, and other nutrients. You can get the pure chocho or try cacao, vanilla, or horchata flavors. Find them on the Mikuna website, on Amazon, Erewhon, or Whole Foods.
Imperia Caviar
Celebrate life’s little moments with caviar. Imperia Caviar offers a luxurious experience with hand-sorted sturgeon eggs sourced from sustainable farms. The brand offers two varieties: the nutty Royal Ossetra or the fruity, floral Kaluga Hybrid Reserve. They’re briny and soft with a melt-in-your-mouth quality. Caviar is a tasty gift when you want to splurge, whether you want to commemorate a big milestone or enjoy a date night at home.
A.1. Steakhouse Butter
A.1. is a condiment staple for steaks and meats but now it arrives in a butter form. The A.1. Steakhouse Butter comes in 3.5-ounce tubs that allow you to easily serve and use it. I found myself working with this quite frequently, whether I wanted to swiftly incorporate flavor to chicken or sautéed broccoli. It’s delightfully savory with ingredients such as tomato puree, raisin paste, dried garlic, chives, oregano, and more. Right now you can find it online at Epicurean Butter, but soon it’ll be available at other retailers.
Cutwater
Cutwater offers a variety of spirits and canned cocktails like the Peppermint White Russian, Long Island Iced Tea, or the Vodka Mule. I’m partial to the canned iterations because they’re a quick option when you don’t want to craft, pour, and mix a cocktail from scratch. Cutwater’s Tasting Room and Kitchen will transform into a wintery Cutwater Lodge until December 31st—located at 9750 Distribution Ave. San Diego, CA 92121. Just make sure to check that they’re open before you go. They’re closed for a couple of days in December in addition to holiday closures.
Whether you want an easy-to-use butter or a luxurious caviar, there are plenty of bold flavors and comforting experiences to discover. There’s a bit of everything for all kinds of taste buds. Which of these would you add to your gift wish list?
Disclosure: I received these items as samples. I only included brands or products that stand out. Not all items that I receive make the cut! All opinions expressed are my own.
