RISE Kombucha – oddly delicious

By / Life / February 19th, 2019 / 12
RISE Kombucha

The Montreal-based RISE Kombucha company has been around for over 10 years. As Canada’s leading kombucha company, they’ve witnessed, first-hand, Canadian’s taste-shift towards fermented foods that pack a punch in the “good for you” column. For them, though, kombucha is more than just a trendy drink found in health-food stores; it’s a flavour-packed alternative to sugary beverages.

There’s a statement on their website that I really liked: “Think of every bottle of RISE as a Hawaiian lei made of Quebecois fleurs-de-lis – totally unique.” And you know what? It’s actually true, because these Kombuchas are good. I’ve tried several Kombucha beverages and RISE Kombucha is, hands down, my favourite.

The Ginger kombucha does smell a bit like floor cleaner, so you’ll have to get your mind passed that when you take your first sip. It has good flavour with soft bubbles that play on the tongue. It is very much like ginger ale, only a touch more gingery, than ale-y. It’s not sweet, but not tart, hitting that balanced spot right in the middle of the two. A sour note hits you on the finish, reminding you that this is a fermented beverage, not a soft drink.

The Hibiscus & Rose Hips kombucha has a lovely fruit aroma with soft floral notes. It is lightly sweet, with fuzzy bubbles that tickle your tongue and a pleasant aftertaste leaving you wanting more. It’s really refreshing. Also, this one is quite versatile; you can mix it with ginger ale or other ingredients to make something new and exciting.

In fact, RISE Kombucha has developed interesting cocktails and mocktails, which make for funky and tasty concoctions. I gave two a try; see the recipes and my thoughts below. I love that their recipes are made with all natural ingredients – makes for a flavour-filled glass.

RISE Kombucha / $8.99 per bottle

RISE Kombucha cocktail

Sip N’ Spice

Easy to make, this cocktail is essentially liquid apple pie. You’ve got apple, cinnamon and ginger working together, with the added kick from the rum making it oh so delicious.

2 cinnamon sticks
1.5 oz spiced rum
8.5 oz RISE Ginger kombucha
4.25 oz pressed apple juice
1 oz lemon juice
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
Ice cubes

Rim a mason jar with lemon juice followed by a mixture of brown sugar and cinnamon. Toss in a few ice cubes. Then add pressed apple juice, spiced rum and RISE Ginger kombucha. Stir, garnish with cinnamon sticks and see you tomorrow morning!

Feeling extra indulgent? Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream

RISE Kombucha Mocktail

Hibiscus Highball

This is a mocktail – and probably the best one I’ve had in a while. Floral and refreshing, it has a sharp kick at the end reminiscent of the alcohol bite you get with a regular cocktail… only, without alcohol.

Sprig of mint, smacked in your palm to release oils (breathe in the scent, save some for garnish)
1/4 gala apple, peeled and sliced, save an extra slice for garnish
0.5 oz lime juice
4 oz RISE Hibiscus & Rose Hips kombucha
Crushed ice

Muddle the gala apple at the bottom of a highball glass; add crushed ice. Top it with freshly squeezed lime juice and the sprig of mint. Pour in RISE Hibiscus & Rose Hips kombucha and stir. Finish it off with an apple slice for garnish.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

A freelance writer and editor, Lisa Hoekstra loves learning and trying new things. She can be found with her nose in a book or multiple tabs open on her browser as she researches the latest and greatest in the world of food, style and everything in between.

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