Diabolo Mint Lemonade French Soda

It seems to me that even though multiple flavors of Diabolo sodas are still sold online and in stores, but the URL on the can seems like it may no longer be in use, so I'm not sure what the story is there. Diabolo is a term for a type of non-alcoholic mixed drink made with flavored syrup and soda water in France, but in this case is used here as a brand name.

It boasts no caffeine and has just 60 calories for a 16oz can, with 14g of sugar and 4g of something called erythritol. I was unfamiliar with erythritol but found that is a sugar alcohol used as a sugar substitute. It is made from corn using fermentation and enzymes to create a chemical similar to sugar with fewer calories. However, the FDA, advises caution regarding the intake of erythritol over concerns that it may cause nausea and digestive issues in some people and increased risk of cardiovascular issues or strokes. 

The drink carries a strong minty scent. The carbonation isn't strong here and I feel like the mint taste is far too strong for the beverage. This is more like a cold mint tea because it really masks almost any sense of lemon. All in all, this drink isn't my particular cup of tea but clearly someone out there feels differently. 

Orangina

I always associate Orangina with Europe, mostly because it's rare to see it around the states. I haven't had it in some time, so when I came across a bottle in an international grocer I had to grab it. The dates on its origination seem to vary depending on where you look. Some places mention 1933, others 1935, or 1936. The official site of Orangina says it was introduced in 1935 at the Marseille Trade Fair. It was created by Austin Trigo and originally named Naranjina... a slight adaptation of the Spanish word for orange, Naranja. Just like Coca-Cola, they have a distinctive bottle shape that helps you identify it even far away, and just like Coke, it's evolved over time. Leon Beton, a frenchman bought the recipe prior to WWII stifling the brand until the war ended. After the war, the drink spread throughout Europe and North Africa. In 2000, Orangina was nearly sold to Coca-Cola, but the sale was blocked and instead wound up under the Cadbury Schweppes group.

One of the interesting things about Orangina is that is contains some orange pulp. In fact, the make a point of making sure you shake it before drinking, but you'll notice it creating a little orange ring in the bottle neck prior to shaking. Orangina also has a very light amount of carbonation for a soda. It carries such a fresh aroma when you open it, a mix of orange and lemon. The mix of citrus flavors is very close to a grapefruit juice and provides a tartness like a glass of squeezed juice. It accompanies breakfast nicely. 

Diabolo Tangerine Pomegranate

Diabolo is the name of a drink popular in France made with lemonade and simple syrup that comes in many flavors. The Diabolo brand began in 2010 after the founder moved from France to the U.S. and wanted to bring the drink too. 

I am not certain if the original mixes from France are carbonated, but Diabolo provides carbonated, caffeine free versions of the drink in several flavors. Sadly, cracking open this can I don't get a fruity scent from it. As far as the taste goes, it's light but bitter. The pomegranate flavor is too light, while the tangerine is lost to a more lemon-like flavor. Someone who likes seltzers and flavored sparkling waters may like it more than myself. Strangely, the can reads "Natural Flavors", but the ingredients say "Contains No Juice" and reads like a list from a chemistry lab. I'd expected much different both in flavor, but also feel like the packaging is made to dupe you into thinking its a more natural beverage.