Jones Soda has had some hits and misses with their holiday-themed offerings, but this year’s Candy Cane Soda gets two thumbs up from me. According to the reviews I’ve read, Candy Cane Soda was released last year as well, but it wasn’t available in stores around me. This year’s version looks significantly more brighter than last year’s version as well, though I don’t know how the taste compares.
Candy Cane Soda becomes the only Christmas flavor to return from a previous year. This year it joins Christmas Cocoa and Gingerbread Man Soda. Of the three, the Candy Cane flavor is hands down the best.
The color of the soda is highly reminiscent of the red licorice flavor from Halloween, although obviously it tastes much different. When I opened the bottle I was expecting more of a peppermint flavor, something that smelled like a peppermint candy. Instead I got a very low key peppermint scent, almost like smelling a brand new candy cane. Not expected, but not unpleasant either.
Knowing that the scent wasn’t as strong as some of the other flavors, I expected the flavor of the soda to be more subtle as well. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that I actually like this soda a lot, and I’m not even that big a fan of candy canes. Someone else who tried it stated that it tasted like melted candy canes, but I didn’t agree with that.
The flavor is hard to describe, but its very similar to a plain soda with a hint of peppermint oil. This one didn’t have the strong aftertaste or gritty texture associated with other flavors. It actually tasted very light, clean, and crisp. As soon as I had my first sip, I felt like I had just rinsed my mouth out with a very sweet tasting mouthwash. The taste is very light and clean, with no aftertaste. This was the only one of the three Christmas flavors from Jones Soda that I finished in one sitting, and the only one I can imagine drinking again.
The Candy Cane flavor from Jones Soda is something that would make an excellent mixed drink for adults at Christmas parties this year. I can easily see people adding vodka or gin to the soda to get in the holiday spirit. I already have plans to do that myself this year.
Of the three flavors released by Jones Soda this Christmas, the Candy Cane Soda is easily my favorite. Everything about it; the color, the scent, and the taste all remind me of Christmas.
To try it for yourself, a 4 pack of the soda is available from Target for $3.99. Just remember that it’s a limited flavor, and will only be around until the holidays.
