CideRoad Organic Switchel: Original

Made with a USDA Organic blend of water, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, cane syrup and ginger juice/puree, CideRoad’s switchel starts out with a pretty traditional formulation. It’s definitely not as strong as some of the other brands that we’ve sampled, but it does feel as though it’s something that’s geared towards the mainstream. The flavor is mild and sweet with just a tiny amount of apple cider vinegar twang to it. You can taste the maple syrup, but it quickly gives way to the spice of the ginger before finishing up with a light vinegar note. The product, which uses a tagline of “America’s Original Thirst Quencher,” is both refreshing and flavorful. At 70 calories and 17g of sugar per 8 oz. serving, it’s more or less in line with other full-calorie beverages that occupy the juice shelf. Visually, the company has done a really nice job with the packaging. We like the slim 14 oz. bottle, especially with the tire track pattern that’s molded into it. The black and white label is clean and appealing -- and it fits the part of a product that’s selling something that’s retro. Overall, a very nice tasting and looking product.