Beatbox Blue Razzberry

Beatbox Blue Razzberry is a ready-to-drink product from Esplanda. The name points to a blue raspberry flavor, a candy-leaning profile that is bright, sweet and a little tart. The details on file don't give an ABV, a base spirit or a flavor breakdown, so check the label for those. Drinks in this style usually pour a vivid electric blue and smell of raspberry-flavored sweets more than fresh berries. They tend to taste sweet up front and finish tart and clean, not dry. Serve it well chilled. A ready-to-drink in this style is built to be poured straight from the fridge, and it tastes best at fridge temperature or colder. Warmth makes the sweetness heavier and flattens the tartness. If you'd rather pour over ice, use plenty of it and a large enough glass that the ice doesn't melt quickly and dilute the drink. Because it's already balanced, it needs no mixing. If you want to adjust it, a squeeze of fresh lime or a splash of soda gives a tarter, lighter result. Another option is to use it as the base of a punch with extra citrus and a few frozen raspberries. Pour it into a highball or tall tumbler over ice, or into a stemless wine glass if you want more room for aroma. A chilled glass helps in either case. For food, expect it to work with salty, fried or spiced snacks such as wings, tortilla chips, pretzels, popcorn and nachos. The sweetness and acidity offset salt and heat, and a drink this sweet doesn't have the structure to stand up to delicate dishes.