Natural Soda Taste Test Challenge #2: Fizzy Lizzy

When I saw today's headline that "energy drinks" are being linked to major health problems for adults and kids alike, I realized that this taste test challenge series is even more timely than I thought. Not only did a study released last week link diet sodas to higher risks of cardiovascular disease, energy drinks often contain four to five times more caffeine than soda, and some people drink several servings a day. The problems of overdosing has become so widespread that the American Association of Poison Control Centers "has adopted codes...to start tracking energy drink overdoses and side effects nationwide."What with all the hype about dangerous side effects from drinking regular soda, diet soda, and energy drinks (Did anyone really think it was ok to drink 4-5 times the regular amount of soda at once? Yikes!), I think it's time people started exploring to the natural soda selection available in many grocery and health food stores. Last week I test drove Zevia's stevia sweetened cans, and you can read my comments here.

This week I'm sharing my love for a local New York City soda:

Fizzy Lizzy!

Coming in several flavors including Grapefruit, Fuji Apple, Yakima Grape, Pineapple, Cranberry and Raspberry Lemon, Fizzy Lizzy comes in glass bottles and uses so few ingredients you might be tempted to recreate the recipes at home. (Which I often do, and I'll show you my recipe at the bottom of this page!)My personal favorites are the Pineapple and Fuji Apple. Pineapple has three - count 'em 3! - ingredients: carbonated water, pineapple juice and vitamin C. The Fuji Apple contains carbonated water, apple juice, lemon juice concentrate, natural fuji apple flavor, and vitamin C. Again, there are few ingredients, they're pronounceable, and I see no preservatives besides the vitamin C.This line was created by New York Citer dweller Liz Marlin, who loved mixing her own low-sugar drinks at home, but couldn't find anything available in the retail stores that offered good flavor and natural ingredients. These drinks are 70% juice and offer a light, refreshing taste for the "adult soda" market that offers a great option: maybe you don't drink alcohol or have guests over for dinner who are designated drivers.The flavors are hip, clean, and healthier than the traditional sodas of my youth. (sorry Dr. Pepper - I loved you so, but I can't do the acidity anymore!)You can find Fizzy Lizzy's in many stores across the country, and you can even make your own version at home!Here's my recipe for homemade sodas, a la Fizzy Lizzy:1 20 ounce glass (glass glass, of course - everything tastes better out of a glass glass, right?)4-5 ice cubes1 cup pineapple juice1 cup soda or seltzer water (I used to love tonic water, but then I read the label and realized it has high fructose corn syrup - curses! Vodka and soda water just ain't the same.)DIRECTIONS: Mix all together in a glass, drink, AHHHH! Enjoy!