What’s Sumatra with You?

Wonderous Potions

Yawn.

I know - recovery and energy drinks are flooding the beverage markets and come in manifold colourful variations that promise everything from hydration to performance enhancement.

I hardly ever feel the urge to use them, if not for the occasional can of wings as a last resort when needed.

Numerous trips to Asia have acquainted me with the little vitamin laden shots that have become omnipresent in the Eastern regions of said continent, which were seemingly a major inspiration for Shojo Tonic: Etymologically named after a spirit of the seas dedicated to the celebration of life, Shojo is a functional drink that brings the merit of their Asian equivalents to the Western market.

Touted as a “wellness drink”, Shojo has become one my go-tos --  no matter if I need a pick me up after an extended workout session or after a night out indulging in less savoury pleasures. Packed with turmeric and its essence curcumin, a barrage of vitamins Shojo does a fine job combatting fatigue and confining inflammation as well as effects that harm the liver.

In essence, Shojo takes what has been refined traditional Asian medicinal practises and in Japan over the last thirty years and infused it with their own flavour.

While Shojo is doing its job, I would not miss my beloved coffee for anything else.

When I heard of carbonated coffee it intrigued me – naturally because I do love all things sparkling and I adore coffee, so I had to test drive it.

After a bit of trial and error I came across the first Australian variant, that goes under the guide of Strange Brew, which comes in three flavours, i.e. Original, Ginger and Blood Orange.

While “mixing sparkling water and cold drip coffee that has been steeped for four to eight hours” sounds straight forward, there is a “je ne sais quoi” x-factor component that makes it an interesting concoction that is not quite like any other caffeinated drink.

I would not go as far as claiming that Strange Brew is the equivalent of caffeinated champagne, but it for sure makes for a refreshing pick-me-up that quenches thirst as well.

Read previous insallments of What’s Sumatra with You?.

---

Lead photo by T, others provided