When soda stream became main stream over a decade ago it looked like it was going to be the greatest thing for the household since sliced bread, then the public became aware of how unhealthy it was to drink large amounts of soda and it fizzled. However, that technology was then implemented into coffee makers and Keurig had others had home run. Now the next gen of streaming is not only 5k for the home but mixed drinks and there are several companies that want to be your next service provider. We wanted to compare the best in breed and help you look like a rock star at your next house party.
The system with the biggest hype (and price tag) is Drinkworks by the same maker of the coffee machine Keurig. The price tag is $399 but you get all of the expertise and quality of one of the best in streaming technology that Keurig brings to the table, or the bar in this case. Four pods go for $15.99 or $4 per drink, much better than the $10-$12 you’ll pay at a bar for a mixed drink. They also have the widest variety of drinks ranging from classics to winebrews. It works just like the coffee ‘pods’ that have now become ubiquitous, you simple have to put them in, press a button, and you have your own “happy hour” bartender in your own home. Perfect for a small dinner party when a wide range of aperitifs might be in order. The style and shape of the Drinkworks machine is a little lack luster for an appliance that will surely be a big conversation piece, but it will also inconspicuously sit on the counter. Here are the standard drink choices with the Drinkworks machine:
From the Classics Category: Cosmopolitan, White Russian, Cuban Daiquiri, Old Fashioned, Whiskey Sour, Long Island Iced Tea, Moscow Mule
Paradise Category – Margarita, Mojito, Mai Tai, Margarita, Strawberry Margarita, Peach Sangria,
Refreshing Category – Vodka soda w/Lime, Gin & Tonic, Whiskey Cola, Vodka Lemonade, Rose Spritzer, Lemon Bubbly
Microbrews – Stella Artois Cidre, Beck’s Classic Flights, British Classic Flights
The Bartesian Premium Cocktail Machine retails for $349. The drink pods are a slightly better deal as well with six pods costing $14.99 or about $2.5. The quality is good and the Bartesian makes a strong case for the best value coming in $50 less and having lower unit cost. Although it doesn’t off the number of pod options as the Drinkworks machine, but it certainly offers a wider variety of specialty cocktails. The Bartesian does have the sleekest look the pod machines reviewed, resembling a hand-held drink shaker itself. It’s lightweight and easily transportable for indoor or outdoor use.
The Available drink pods include – Old Fashioned, Gin Martini, Margarita, Long Island, Cosmo, Rum Breeze, SOTB, Uptown Rocks, Whiskey Sour, Gimlet, Negroni, Sazerac, Mint Julep, Paper Plane, and spiced coffee.
next up…………………………Bibo