Bring on the 'Bucha: A Quick Review of Wild Tonic
Okay, if we are getting nit-picky, “Wild Tonic” isn’t strictly categorized as a mere kombucha. It’s actually a “jun kombucha” (think a touch less effervescent, a bit smoother and a bit healthier). Most of the time I appreciate the almost apple-cidery vinegar edge to regular kombuchas, but when my taste buds are feeling a bit more refined (or when I invite over a kombucha virgin and want them to experience this probiotic wonder-drink) then I reach for a Wild Tonic.
Also, I’m a sucker for collecting (and upcycling) glass bottles and Wild Tonic’s cobalt blue bottles are just lovely. I guess the blue better protects the drink’s probiotics from UV light so that’s an added plus.
Anyways, for Wild Tonic’s jun here’s what you can expect:
A less harsh taste (it’s sweetened with honey instead of white or raw sugar)
A Green tea base instead of black
A drink fermented for about half as long (about 3-5 days).
Wild Tonic’s uses 100% pure honey and organic grown (and often local to the AZ area) botanicals, herbs & spices. Wild Tonic’s green tea ingredient is also ethically and sustainably sourced.
When it comes to Wild Tonic favorite flavors, I’ve only tried their non-alcoholic flavors, it’s usually a tie between the Raspberry Goji Rose (it almost tastes a bit like watermelon juice) and the Lavender Love (it’s delish). I have yet to try the Tropical Turmeric and or their Cilantro Ginger Lime but it’s on my “to-do list.”
XOXO,
Lemon
Good for You - If you are going sugar-free, than Wild Tonic is where you want to be. Their honey-only sweetening adds a much gentler flavor. You get fewer probiotics than a regular kombucha (since it’s fermented for half as long) but for those who find kombucha tough to stomach, Wild Tonic’s jun offering is quite the upgrade.
Good for Others - Wild Tonic teas are ethically sourced. We'd love to learn a bit more about their business practices, fingers crossed more info is coming.
Good for Earth - Wild Tonic supports local hives and they also help and are members of Northern Arizona’s Organic Beekeepers Association. Wild Tonic also upgraded to a more efficient production facility which reduced their energy and water consumption. The company composts their left-over, sustainably sourced ingredients and they recycle their cardboard, paper products, cans, metal and plastic. All the sample cups used for Wild Tonic demos and events are compostable and the cleaning products they use in the workplace their are biodegradable and non-toxic. Neato!
C&C Review - If you love (or hate) kombucha, Wild Tonic is 100% worth a sip. The unique flavors stand out among the busy drink crowd and it’s a great alternative if you are trying to cut out sugary soft drinks. It does cost a bit more than other Kombucha's out there but it's worth the splurge.
