Polar Dance Plum Fairy

Dance Plum Fairy is a Polar flavored sparkling beverage filed under mixers, and the name points to plum as the lead flavor. The listing doesn't give a flavor description, sweetness level, or ingredient list, so treat what follows as what plum-flavored seltzers and juice sodas typically do. Expect a soft, slightly tart stone-fruit character with a jammy edge, carried by carbonation that is lively but not harsh. Check the can for sweetener and juice content, since that decides how much sugar it adds to a drink. Served on its own, it works best well chilled, around refrigerator temperature, and poured over plenty of ice into a highball or tall tumbler. Cold keeps the carbonation tight and the plum from turning cloying. A wedge of lemon or lime sharpens the fruit, and a strip of orange peel adds a warmer aromatic note. As a mixer, plum flavors suit spirits with their own fruit, spice, or oak. Try it with bourbon or rye in a tall highball, where the grain's vanilla and spice sit against the fruit. It also suits aged rum, brandy or cognac, and vodka or gin if you want a cleaner, lighter drink. Start with one part spirit to three parts mixer, then adjust to taste. Because it is already flavored, skip extra sweet modifiers like simple syrup or sweet liqueurs. Bitters, a squeeze of citrus, or a splash of dry vermouth are better ways to add depth. It also makes a good non-alcoholic spritzer with cranberry or pomegranate juice, or with a sprig of rosemary or thyme. For food, plum flavors suit salty and savory dishes. Cured meats, sharp cheddar, roast pork or duck, and glazed or barbecued dishes are the classic matches. For serving, use a highball or Collins glass filled with ice, and open the can or bottle just before pouring to keep the fizz.