Pronounced Kin-i, Kinnie is Malta's #famous and very well loved amber coloured, bitter-sweet soft drink with an #orange and aromatic herb flavouring.
It's a versatile little drink, it can be served simply over ice with a slice (of orange of course!) or mixed with your favourite spirit, or even added into your favourite #cocktail. 🍹
The drinks tagline is "The Mediterranean classic since 1952" and the #recipe has always been kept top #secret although the drinks own website does give a little hint as to its unique ingredients,
“Kinnie owes its bitter-sweet taste to the blend of Maltese Mediterranean chinotto bitter oranges, combined with an infusion from a dozen different aromatic herbs and spices such as anise, ginseng, vanilla, rhubarb and liquorice. One major advantage Kinnie has over a majority of other soft drinks is that only natural ingredients are used”
Notable moments in Kinnie's history
Launched by #Farsons in 1952 as direct competition to the #cocacola market. The late Anthony 'Sur-Nini' Miceli Farrugia, of Farsons wanted to create a drink which would be distinctly #Mediterranean in taste.
Diet Kinnie launched in 1984
In 2007 Farsons launched Kinnie Zest, a one-calorie variant with an enhanced orange flavour and zero sugar.
In 2018 a new brand identity was launched, focusing on the core key values of the brand and enhancing its positioning as "The Mediterranean Classic Since 1952."
Sound #yummy? 🤔
Well, for me the jury has always been out! I find it a very acquired taste, and I always compare it to #Marmite, you're either going to love it or hate it!
It's strange really, as I actually adore bitter drinks! I'm a huge fan of #Campari and I always love to indulge in a Campari and orange or three 😆 whilst on #holiday in Malta.
I've spent a lot of time in the #US over the past few years and they are absolutely besotted with hard #seltzer drinks, (alcoholic sparkling water) I refer to it as seltzer #fever, everywhere you go there are huge advertising billboards and sizeable seltzer displays in #supermarkets.
It's an already massive market, and one which continues to grow at a rapid pace.
Sales of hard seltzer are set to triple by the year 2023!! Currently this alcohol category sells circa 82 million cases (9 litres to a case) per annum! By 2023 its set to reach a staggering 280 million cases!! I told you it was a fever! 😅
Now our beloved Farsons brewery have rather cleverly I feel, had the foresight to throw their hat into the hard seltzer ring, and launch their very own version.
Welcome Kinnie Spritz!
Launched in 2021 - building on Kinnie’s inherent mixability and #versatility, Farsons is seeking to tap into the ‘Ready to Drink’ segment and #global spritz #phenomenon (seltzer fever 😆)
The drink is described as,
" a refreshingly light alcoholic #aperitivo, with a 4% abv content, ready to be enjoyed anywhere"
I'm really intrigued to try this, as,
its alcoholic 😃
it comprises 16% white wine 🙌
its main ingredient is carbonated water which will keep us all importantly hydrated in the hot, hot, Maltese sun! ☀
AND it sits at only 170 kcal per 250ml bottle. (equivalent to a large glass of vino)
I'm going to overcome my past tasting judgement of virgin Kinnie and sample a drop on my next visit.
is to convert me! 😆
The proof my lovelies will indeed be in the tasting, and if you get to try this before I do, please do let me know your thoughts!
Before I go, here is a fab link to some #cool Kinnie food and drink recipes to try at #home. Yes you did read that right, apparently you can cook with Kinnie too, who knew eh!!
Again if anyone tries any of these recipes out, please do #share, I'd love to see your efforts, either tag #mimosamermaid1 in your social media, or you can also add into the comments on this travel blog.
I guess all that's left to say is cheers my dears, and until my very own taste test, this post is set to be continued.........................
Take care and speak soon
Tracy 😘