The package arrived attentioned to ‘Raspberries & Cream for Cream Magazine’. Well, well, welly well, we thought, what’s this handsome looking four-pack of cans labelled ‘Smooch’? It all looks pretty intriguing, beautifully packaged, dubbed ‘Blush Rush: Raspberries & Cream Social Soda’, and instantly inviting. It’s the weekend, so the cans have been dropped into the freezer for an insta-chill’; 10 minutes later a can popped open and a bubbly looking elixer is being poured over ice.
During that li’l chilling period, I read the press release. “Smooch is Australia’s first aphrodisiac soda,” it says. “Smooch launches following research revealing 87% of Aussies have experienced a dip in desire,” it says. “Smooch is betting that intimacy could be the next wellness frontier,” it says.
Could this be for reals? Or is it a Shakespearean-like case of ‘Smooch Ado About Nothing’? Let’s give this bevvy a try…
Three sips later and Smooch definitely passes the taste test. Sweet but not too sweet. A zesty raspberry hit but with a cream soda-like after-texture on the tongue. Yes, I’m feeling somewhat calmer. You could say a little more focused. But what about that aphrodisiac bit?
Reading on, I learn that this new, non-alcoholic drink falls under a category of ‘functional sodas’ and that it contains a blend of five active ingredients designed to mimic aphrodisiac effects by reducing anxiety and increasing circulation and ‘desire support’. I’m not sure what the support part means exactly but it’s definitely got a soothing, calming effect this drink does.
More research. Those five key ingredients are actually damiana (a traditional aphrodisiac aimed at supporting sensory feelings and arousal); maca root (reportedly boosts vitality, libido and overall mood); ginkgo biloba (promotes blood flow); L-theanine (promotes relaxation and quietens the mental chatter – needing that); and citric acid (which the folks at Smooch playfully note “helps triple saliva output”).
After one and a half glasses, I am feeling nice and relaxed, and just wanting to do something. Luckily I have this review to finish.
I can certainly see how this drink is being posited as an alternative relaxant, and it’s pretty much timely in its release since October is when our stress levels start to pick up pre-Christmas.
Speaking of which, I think I’ll try this drink as a mixer and so now I’m going to pour it over ice and a nip of gin. Yep, nice.
But what about trying it with vodka? Yep, also very nice.
And, what the heck, how about I go full cocktail with it. I pick a recipe out of Cream contributor Jane Rocca’s great little book ‘The Cocktail’ – the Couture Fizz it’s called – and things are already looking messier. But the taste of the drink is actually even better.
For those wanting to know, a Couture Fizz consists of 5ml of Campari, 10ml of raspberry liqueur, a dash of lemon juice, 130ml of Champagne (Lanson, thank you) and – in place of Jane’s suggested dash of sugar syrup and three real raspberries, I’ve poured in a third of a can of Smooch Blush Rush. The result?
Over-the-top and overflowing and yes, that little bit messy, but one sip and I’m all good with the mess. In fact, this might be the kind of drink you want to see the silly season in. Just don’t get too carried away in case its aphrodesiac qualities prove too potent.
Back to serious mode, with this notion of ‘functional drinks’ sure to be trending soon – bevvies available that target sleep, focus and energy – like that press release said, I’m betting intimacy could next be on the wellness frontier.
In sum, I found Smooch to be a bit of a cross between a tonic and an energy drink. It’s nice to sip on its own if you’re wanting a traditional-type soda, and decent as a sweet mixer to counter-balance a quality hard spirit or good champagne.
