Now that the 12 days of Christmas with 12 drummers drumming are long gone, I was very excited to discover a new sparkling beverage on the market that advertises “from Noon to Midnight.” It sounds like something I need to taste now, during these days of the winter blues. By nature I am not a risk-taker or a risk-taster. But after I swallowed my first sip of “Twelve,” a sparkling blend of organic teas, fruit juices and exotic spices, my taste buds reminded me of a few promises made at the end of the holidays ”“ that sketchy list of new year”™s resolutions I hoped to tackle.
First on my 2008 list: Cut back on something unhealthy and replace it with something very healthy. With renewed hope, the real message on the frosty glass bottle became clear: Introduce my body to crushed organic black, green and white tea leaves over ice. Good idea.
Created by Joe Faso and his culinary friends of Rhinebeck, N.Y., Twelve is cool, refreshing and only 60 calories per 8-ounce serving. It has become the new beverage for consumers yearning for a hip sip that is alcohol-free.
“Our customers love it. It is sophisticated, unique and a nice alternative to the old Martinelli”™s Sparkling Cider,” said Alex Walsh, sales associate for Bedford Gourmet in Bedford, N.Y. “For Valentine”™s Day we are partnering Twelve with caviar platters, cheese platters and our romantic dinner-for-two menus.”
Walsh then added: “Hey, no hangovers in the morning when you drink Twelve!”
While Faso will boast about how wonderful Twelve is mixed with Grey Goose Vodka or shots of tequila, he was determined to introduce a non-alcoholic beverage that actually tastes good and keeps folks with those new year”™s promises away from the sauce and on the straight and narrow.
“Even when you”™re attending a black-tie gala or a private dinner party, there isn”™t anything for adults to drink. Maybe San Pellegrino?” said Faso.
At the famous Mayflower Inn and Spa in Washington, Conn., Twelve is served as part of its spa program. On the beverage menu, guests can order The Mayflower Mocktail ”“a pre-dinner drink mixed with your choice of pomegranate juice, raspberry puree or blackberry puree, served in a champagne flute.
Other locations where you can purchase and sample Twelve include: Jessica Reisman”™s Homespun Foods in Beacon, N.Y., and select Food Emporium stores in New York and Connecticut.
So remember. Pick up a bottle of Twelve and go from “Noon to Midnight.” Whether kicked up or straight up, it”™s the region”™s new hip sip.
