Freshies Cocktail Mixers offer the classics as well as hot new cocktails like the Pomegranate Mojito. Photos by B.A. Van Sise.

MENU

Cocktails & Spirits Category Main Page Articles & Reviews     Main Nibbles Main Page Articles & Reviews Of Foods From A To Z

May 2007

Product Reviews / Main Nibbles / Cocktails

Freshies Gourmet Cocktail Mixers

Better Cocktail Mixers Based On Fresh Juice

CAPSULE REPORT: Americans consume about half of the world’s cocktail mixers, to the tune of more than $375 million per year at retail. While some of the products on the shelf are so artificial they could drive a food-lover to drink, Freshies is a line of better cocktail mixers made of  fresh ingredients. The all-natural line has a flavor profile that emphasizes fresh-squeezed juice and real granulated sugar or agave nectar—no corn syrup. The mixers not only make delicious cocktails, but most flavors can double as a non-alcoholic cocktail. In a previous review, the Bloody Mary mix got our “best Bloody Mary mix” nod: a true compliment given how much we love our homemade mix.

• Freshies Overview
• Freshies Mixers Flavors
• Shopping Information

The Freshies line began in Telluride, Colorado in 1994, when chef Ian Gustin and bartender Colin Wells created a Bloody Mary mix* that became very popular throughout the ski towns of Colorado; they began bottling it for sale in liquor stores and specialty shops.

*Originally called Bridal Veil Bloody Mary Mix after the waterfall at the end of Telluride’s Box Canyon, the name was changed to Freshies, which originally referred to skiing fresh powder turns but today represents the fresh ingredients upon which the line is based.

Flavors

In developing the line, pains were taking to avoid mixers that were syrupy-sweet. Fresh lime juice, lemon juice and a splash of orange juice are used to round out each of the flavors. As a result, some of the flavors are “juicier” in profile than one might find in a classic bar version, but that’s the Freshies stamp. The company uses only granulated sugar or pure agave nectar to sweeten, and no preservatives (there’s no green Appletini mix because there is no FDA-approved natural green coloring for liquids). Savory flavors are made with fresh herbs and spices: Freshies chefs actually peel and chop fresh garlic, horseradish and onions for the recipes. How meaningful is this? Compare the labels:

The most popular mixes reflect, not surprisingly, what sells best in the category as a whole: Margarita (Fresh Lime), Bloody Mary (Original), Mojito and Sweet-n-Sour. Last fall, Cosmopolitan, Pomegranate Mojito and Tangerita joined the line.

Bloody Mary Mixes Whether you like them traditional, spicy or hot, there’s a Freshies mix for your Bloody Marys. Original Our pick for best Bloody Mary mix, you can tell why it’s so good: fresh dill, garlic, horseradish, lemon juice and onion. Habañero Hot The Original recipe with more heat from fresh habañeros. First Place Winner in the Fiery Foods Challenge, 2001. Smooth-n-Mild For those who don’t like it hot, a very traditional mix with no horseradish, no habañero and a smooth consistency.

Our favorite Bloody Mary mix.

Read the origin of the Bloody Mary, a drink that began quite simply (and, we think, has been much improved upon over the years).

Margarita Mixes Celebrate Cinco de Mayo—or any other day of the year—with a margarita party (combine it with a salsa bar and a selection of gourmet tortilla chips). What bar or restaurant offers this depth of choices, including a Lite version for carb-counters? Margarita ~ Fresh Lime Fresh lime and lemon juices with a splash of orange juice make a very citrusy margarita. Margarita Lite Dieters will be happy to find this mixer: the Margarita ~ Fresh Lime recipe without the added sugar has only two net carbs. Peach-Mango The preponderance of fresh citrus juices and sun-ripened peaches make this more of a peacharita—the mango notes are in the background. Try this mixer with rum for an island flair.

Two fruity Margarita mixes—Peach Mango and Tangerita—with the popular Mojito.

• Strawberry-Kiwi
  Fresh lime juice, strawberries, and a hint of kiwi make this a specialty margarita or daiquiri mixer. But it is also an especially delicious juice drink for those who want something without alcohol.
• Tangerita
  A sunny variation; if deciding between Tangerita and Peach-Mango, we’d opt for Tangerita because the flavor is more clearly articulated.

Because of the high quality of the ingredients and the simplicity of the recipes, Freshies are essentially intense fruit juices with a lot of citrus accent. If you dilute them with water (or club soda), you have a non-alcoholic juice-based beverage—perfect for those who have reached their limit, who don’t drink alcohol in the first place, or who feel like passing on it on a scorching hot day. Add a sprig of fresh mint and you’re all set. If you hide the bottle, you might even convince guests that you’ve been working hard in the kitchen, squeezing lemons and limes.

If you’re ready for a party, Freshies are ready to oblige. You can order a mixed case of Freshies and a mixed case of vodka, rum and bourbon, and let guests mix their own. It’s that easy!

FRESHIES COCKTAIL MIXERS Bloody Mary Habañero Hot, Bloody Mary Original, Bloody Mary Smooth-n-Mild, Cosmopolitan, Margarita ~ Fresh Lime, Margarita Lite, Mojito, Peach-Mango, Pomegranate Mojito, Strawberry-Kiwi, Sweet-n-Sour, Tangerita 32-Ounce Bottle $6.25 Gift Set Three 32-Ounce Bottles 1 Rimmer Tin $35.95 Mix-N-Match Case Twelve 32-Ounce Bottles $80.00 Six Bottles $45.00 Shipping included Mix-N-Match Case Six 64-Ounce Bottles $70.00 (Shipping Included) Purchase online at Freshies.com

Ready for a party: a rainbow of Freshies.

Also available at stores nationwide. Prices and flavor availability verified at publication but are subject to change.