My Life & My Sonic Drink

Something New Everyday & a Vanilla Caramel Coke

2011-03-23T15:53:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I got lazy. And let me tell you what...it was awesome. I know that I am always on the run. Hanging out with different people, working, babysitting, meetings, airport runs, going to concerts...etc etc etc... So this past Saturday, I did nothing. I sat in my pj's all day and all night. I watched 5 movies and 4 episodes of Alias. (which was me finally finishing the Alias series and I throughly enjoyed it). Mixed in there was some quality roommate time, I did the dishes and vacuumed a bit, so I wasn't totally lazy, but you catch my drift. It was so refreshing.

Here is the realization I had during this down time... we are faced with something new to choose from everyday. So you know that....ok good. Im the only one who is behind the times in figuring this out. Thats cool. I guess I have always known this phenomenon of the ever changing and updating world around me, but lately I have been in this mode of things that have been a source of head knowledge finally seeping into my heart and becoming astounding truths.

Within one day...I watched a VHS tape (yeah, they do still exist) that was promoting the new era of the DVD that will make every movie clear with vibrant colors. Then on to a DVD that let me know of the dawn of the Digital/HD world that will make everything so much clearer with vibrant colors and better sound. Then let us round this out with the introduction of the BluRay, which as I am sure you have figured out, is the clearest and the greatest sounding movie you will ever see.

At what point will we have too much stimulation? I am not sure our bodies were created to handle it all. Recently I found myself feeling convicted of too much stuff...too much stimulation...in my life. It distracts me from the things that I want to accomplish. So I need to clean it all out. I started with all the notes and papers in my Bible. Then on to the clothes in my closet. The activities I will participate in. The tv shows I will watch. But don't worry...this blog is staying.

So how does all this chatter tie into a Vanilla Caramel Coke from Sonic? At first it was too much. Talk about over stimulation of the senses. Its sweet, so you may need to do some heavy Listerine rinses after it to protect yourself from tooth decay disaster. But then after a bit I figured out, that it just is what it is and I appreciated that. It tastes like those three flavors all at the same time. Not one overcompensated the other. There is nothing surprising about the drink. At the same time, I do not have a need to ever drink it again.

Next on my list for all of you, a challenge from an anonymus reader to try the simple Vanilla Coke. I look forward to this one and will let you know how it compares.

Until then everyone, happy Sonic Drinking.
~Kaley

The Influence of Friends with All Things Lime.

2011-02-18T13:36:00.000-08:00

I've mentioned before how much I love my friends. Whether or not you are my BFF or maybe I've known you for just a few days...I can't tell you how important you are to me and how much you impact my life in crazy ways.

All that being said, I have been on a lime kick at Sonic. Every drink I have had lately has had lime in it. Makes me think of my friend Ellie. Everything in her life is lime. Limes in her water or in her diet coke. Lime flavored sparkling water. Limes as decorations on her table. Lime colored shirts, handbags, and cellphone covers. Its all Lime...all the time.

So naturally when I went on my latest spree of Sonic drink orders, I thought of Ellie with each one I tried. Here is what I have been testing out: Vanilla Lime Coke, Cherry Lime Coke and Vanilla Lime Dr Pepper.

I love them all. For the two Coke drinks, I've had to ask for extra lime. The vanilla and cherry flavors cover up the lime tartness. Kind of like I just got a cherry coke...you know. Both of those drinks were basic. Good, refreshing, but not a wow factor for me. They are something I could get on a daily basis and not put much thought into them.

I will say though, that I was pleasantly surprised by the Vanilla Lime Dr. Pepper. I am not a Dr Pepper fan, but this was good. It reminded me of the sweet shop back home with all the different flavored soda drinks. I will most likely go get another right now. I'm starting to crave it just sitting here talking about it.

So now I am a Pepper I guess. Are you a Pepper? Go out and try it.
Until then, Love and Limes everyone!
~Kaley

CS Lewis and a cup of Cranberry Vanilla Coke

2011-02-03T09:13:00.000-08:00

I have decided that the true mark of a Christian is their ability to pull out a CS Lewis quote at any given moment to add spiritual wisdom to any situation. I must say...I am guilty of this trait. Although the only CS Lewis books I have read have been the Chronicles of Narnia. Oh and let's not forget about his twitter account. He may be the most retweeted dead guy out there in the twittersphere, but those quotes are still so applicable to our lives today.

So what does CS Lewis have to do with my Sonic Cranberry Vanilla Coke? Very simple "It's always winter with no Christmas".

Living in Nashville, I am graced with very short winters. Every few years we will get a viable snow, the city will shut down from lack of knowledge on how to handle the stuff, it melts the next day and then the spring comes. This year has been a little different. We have had snow day after snow day after snow day. And it has been coooollldddd. Talk about a never ending winter without a Christmas.

Last week I went to Sonic and got a flavor of drink that sounds crazy. (but that is what I do...) Cranberry Vanilla Coke. Not gonna lie, it tastes like Christmas. I don't know if your mom would do this, but mine would put a small pot of apple cider or apple juice in a pan with spices and cinnamon sticks on the back of the stove and turn it on low. It would cook and make the whole house smell warm and cozy and Christmasy. The cranberry vanilla coke tastes like that smell. I'm not sure if the taste is good or if I just kept drinking it because of the memories that came with it.

If you want a little bit of Christmas in this seemingly never ending winter...go ahead and get the Cranberry Vanilla Coke. Other than that, it's not one I would drink on a regular basis.

2 Straws.
Happy Sonic Drinking,
~Kaley

Good to the Last Drop

2011-01-15T08:35:00.000-08:00

Last week I filled you in on the lack of coffee in the house I was babysitting in. When it comes to earthly necessities in my life, coffee takes the top spot. The fear that ripped through me at the realization of being snowed into a house with no coffee for who knows how long paralyzed me! And to make matters worse, there is a Starbucks just a couple miles away and no way to get there in the ice and snow, with three kids who just don't understand the importance of it all. It was just sitting there taunting me. So close, yet so far away.

So on Monday morning....God heard my plea. The heavens opened up, light streamed down from above and celestial beings sang a chorus of joy. I found coffee in the cupboard! It was off brand instant coffee that had been there for who knows how long, but it was coffee.

The moment I opened it, I thought of my dad. Growing up, every morning my dad would go downstairs, gets out his Folgers Instant Coffee. He puts a few heaping spoonfuls in his cup. Adds water and pops it into the microwave. Then he adds an ice cube. (why he doesn't heat for less time is beyond me, don't mess with a system that isn't broke I guess...) So there I was, like father like daughter. Heating up my instant coffee.

YUCK! I do not know how my dad does it, but it was nasty. Sort of grimy, you know? But I kept drinking it because I knew it was needed for my day. Before long I found creamers in the fridge, flavored ones, and added and added and added until I was pleasantly surprised by the taste. Not bad. Actually, not bad at all. It worked. The instant coffee got me through my day and kept me from the edge of insanity. (which was really for the good of mankind, or at least for the good of the three kids I was watching.)

Later in the day I read Colossians 3:14-17.

And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing songs, hymns & spiritual songs, with thankfulness in our hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Now even the coolest of Christians can get a little cheesy sometimes. And now here I go...

I couldn't help but think about that cup of nasty instant coffee. It wasn't until I put the creamer, the sweet rich stuff, into it that the coffee became something that I wanted. Before it was bitter and almost unbearable to think about. Isn't that the way I am?

I have my bad days. When I can get nasty and bitter towards people. I've seen glimpses of myself where I am not walking in light and I am definitely NOT acting according to God's will.

And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.

When I put on love, I am tolerable. When I let the peace of Christ rule in my heart, I am lovable. When I read and know and truly let the word of Christ dwell in my heart, I walk with wisdom and sincerity. Without these things...I am a gross cup of instant coffee. I need to keep adding and adding and adding the word to my daily life to create in me something that is truly good to the last drop.

A State of Emergency

2011-01-09T20:00:00.000-08:00

This week I am babysitting three wonderful kids while their parents are serving in Haiti. There's nothing like getting a hands on full week of the life of a mom. It's all starting off with a snow day tomorow for the kids & a sudden panic attack by myself tonight when I realized that this is a coffee free home. And now due to the "extreme weather conditions" I won't be able to make it the two miles down the road to the nearest Starbucks. I guess this is what parenthood is all about....Pray for me.

-KK

Friendly Reminders

2011-01-08T17:17:00.001-08:00

Last night I was reminded of how awesome my best friends truly are. I've always had great friends in my life, but this group of BEST friends can't be compared to any others. We are the most motley crew you will ever come across. I realized this morning just how special we are. We all spent the night at one house and played games until late in the evening.

This morning Ella (she is 5) came out of her room and climbed up on the couch with me. She asked who all spent the night. Me, Colleen, Rhen, and Steve. Her response "All my best friends spent the night? It's my first slumber party!" A very social 5 year old considers us her best friends. There are a few in our group that were missing, and Ella could tell you exactly who else she would want there. And NONE of us are anywhere near her age. We span a wide gap of people in completely different stages in our lives. Yet Ella holds each of us just as close as the next.

I started to think about just what it is about this group that makes them so important to me. Here is a not so complete and ever growing list:

* They would do anything for me, no questions asked, at the drop of dime.
* I can dance around them without being embarassed.
* I can talk in funny voices and they don't think I am weird...they just respond in thier own funny voice.
* I can mess up royaly and they will guide me through the trial.
* They share my joys and my sorrows.
* They put off their plans when I am in need.
* Simply put, I can be my absolute self around them with no worry of what they will think of me.

I love my friends. They are keepers.
~KK

You know what they say... "The roads are paved with good intentions"

2011-01-07T15:50:00.000-08:00

I don't know if there is any more to that little nugget of wisdom, but its true. In the past I have had good intentions of doing a myriad of things. You can pave the road with those good intentions, but you have to travel the road to bring those intentions to fruition. And as you can tell from this dormant blog....I traveled just a few feet and then stalled out.

So here I am again. I wouldn't say that I am a failed blogger, just a distracted one. My apologies for letting cubicle jobs, lack of personal internet, and all other sorts of crazy life happenings get in the way of keeping up. Please note: this renewal of blog time is not a New Year's Resolution. I have always thought that resolutions are to be made when you decide to make a life change and you are committed to it. They are not things that you say you are going to do and never accomplish.

No, not a resolution. I have been challenged to start this again by a dear friend. And I challenged her back. This is a commitment to grow together in this next year. To share our experiences no matter how trivial or grand. So maybe this time that I spend here at blogspot.com will not end up being so much about Sonic Drinks. (please know that I still love them and will write about them from time to time.) But this blog is more about the first thing in my title... My Life.

This is the life I live here on Earth to prepare for eternity. Loving my God, my family, my friends and my job. (oh yes, and Sonic Drinks) Maybe you will relate to it. And maybe you will make fun of me. Either way...its what I do and I love every minute of it.

So here we go. I hope you stick with me and grow with me.
Hugs and Love,
Kaley

Cherry Lime Coke

2009-08-17T11:52:00.001-07:00

Quite a few of my combinations are over the top, I know. They are more of a treat type of drink, than an everyday standard. They are fun to drink, but just a little too much to handle on an everyday basis.

The Cherry Lime Coke, on the other hand, could very easily become a standard. The Cherry Coke is already something that you could drink day in and day out without getting too tired of it. But then add a Lime, and it creates a nice little zing to the flavor. Its not too much, but just enough to deviate from the traditional Cherry Coke.

This is a combination that I could very easily drink again and again. And I suggest that you do too.

4.5 out of 5 Straws.

Later.
~Kaley

Raspberry Pineapple Limeade

2009-08-13T11:52:00.000-07:00

Uuuggghhhh....chunks. So gross.

Michelle M. and I were out doing our Saturday morning errands. We pulled into Sonic and Michelle requested that I try anything with pineapple. So the Raspberry Pineapple Limeade was born.

In theory, the Raspberry Pineapple Limeade is tasty, but the chunks! The pineapple chunks just ruin it for me. I try really hard to look past them. I move my straw up slightly so that I don't suck up the chunks that are sitting on the bottom of the cup. That does not always work.

It's such a catch 22, because you need the pineapple chunks to get the full pineapple flavor, yet I can't handle them. Oh what to doooo??? I almost need a stainer straw. Maybe I can invent one and make loads of money. If anyone out there is an inventor and would like to invent a stainer straw so I don't have to deal with drinking chunks, I would appreciate it. Thanks.

3.5 out 5 Straws (the chunks ruin it every time)

Happy Monday,
~KK3

Chocolate Grape Cherry Coke

2009-08-13T11:45:00.000-07:00

On one of the many Sonic commercials, one of the guys orders a "Chocolate Grape Cherry Coke". It really gets his tastebuds going in the mornings. I really wanted to post the commercial on here, but due to my limited knowledge of how to do stuff like that...I did not. But I am sure you have seen the commercial at least once right? Well, pay attention to the commercials next time they come on, you might see it.

I was dared by Donna to try this crazy combo. And I did. Let me tell you what...it tastes exactly like a Cherry Tootsie Pop! NO JOKE. I have no idea what my expectations were of this drink. I knew it was going to be weird, but no idea it would be like this. Sometimes I could taste the grape. And then it would taste like a Grape Tootsie Pop. But the Cherry flavor really stood out.

If you love Cherry Tootsie Pops, DRINK THIS COMBO!!! The Chocolate Grape Cherry Coke.

4 out 5 Straws

Happy Drinking!
~KK3

Cherry Vanilla Diet Dr. Pepper

2009-08-06T11:36:00.000-07:00

A few years ago Dr. Pepper came out with their "Soda Shop" drinks. And the only one that I liked was the Cherry Vanilla Diet Dr. Pepper. I've said this before, but just to remind you, I am not a Dr. Pepper fan. I never have been. I can tolerate Diet Dr. Pepper, but I am not one of those rabid "must have Dr. Pepper five times a day" type of people.

But since I enjoy this particular Soda Shop creation in the can...I figured I would give the Sonic version a whirl.

The Cherry Vanilla Diet Dr. Pepper is better than the one Dr. Pepper produces. But I feel like this is to be expected. It really does have that "soda shop" feel that Dr. Pepper was trying recreate. I am not trying to say that Dr. Pepper missed the mark with theirs, its just that the fountain drink with the flavoring added is soooo much better. I almost hate to say more "real", but I think you would understand what I meant by that. The actual syrups and the fountain carbonation... maybe "fresh" is the word for it.

I really really enjoyed this drink. I would suggest it to anyone who is looking for that soda shop experience and loves a good Dr. Pepper.

4 out of 5 Straws.

~KK3

Grapple Limeade (Grape Apple Limeade)

2009-07-30T11:42:00.000-07:00

The Grapple. It's a combination of a grape and an apple. I actually saw one of these at Kroger the other day. But it cost like $4 for one! That is just silly. So I put this new invention into a Sonic drink combination. Grape Apple Limeade...or The Grapple Limeade.

They use apple juice and grape syrup flavor. I think the grape syrup is stronger than the apple juice. Every now and then I got a little taste of the apple-ness of the drink, but the grape outdoes the apple by a long shot. I think that a straight Grape Limeade would be stronger. The apple tames it down a little bit.

You can try if you like. But it's nothing to brag about.

3.5 out 5 Straws

~KK3

Vanilla Lemon Sprite

2009-07-29T11:51:00.000-07:00

So let us go back to my days as a lush. There is this shot called the Chocolate Cake Shot. The easy way to do it is lick the sugar, take the shot of vanilla vodka, and then suck on a lemon. I don't know what it is about that combination that the aftertaste is like a freshly baked, homemade, chocolate cake...but it is goooood.

In my exploration to try more Vanilla + Flavor + Sprite combinations, I wondered if a Vanilla Lemon Sprite would have the same effect as a Chocolate Cake Shot. I don't think I was too far off in this assumption, but the Sonic drink didn't quite hit the mark.

The Vanilla Lemon Sprite was good. It doesn't really taste like those three flavors just combined. But not the chocolate cake flavor like the shot either. I can't really pinpoint it. But I do suggest trying it. So to all of those out there reading this, help me out here. Go try the Vanilla Lemon Sprite and tell me what you think about it. What can I relate this drink to? I am stumped.

3 out of 5 Straws

Let me know what you think!
~Kaley

Happy 30th Post: Strawberry-Lemon Coke

2009-07-20T11:41:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone!!!! Today is my 30th post on this here Sonic Blog. And I am still having fun. I am a little saddened that I haven't been able to keep up with posting as much as I would like to. But until I am getting paid to do nothing but drink tasty Sonic beverages and blog about them, I will just have to squeeze in posts when I can.

Today's drink: Strawberry-Lemon Coke.

I love Lemon Coke. And I have yet to try just Strawberry Coke, but I thought "Hhhmmmm...why not try Strawberry-Lemon Coke. I wonder what that will taste like?"

The lemon portion is just sliced lemons squeezed into the drink. The strawberries are the thick, syrupy, strewn strawberries like you would see on top of a strawberry sundae. So since they use the actual fruit and not just flavoring, the acidic content of the fruit is high. It kind of trumped the Coke. I couldn't taste the Coke at all. It was if the Coke was just the liquid base to get the strawberry-lemon flavor into my mouth.

The Strawberry-Lemon Coke is not a bad drink, but it was kind of hard to finish. Just weird.

2.5 out of 5 Straws.

Thanks for putting up with me for 30 posts everybody. I look forward to the next 30.
~KK3

Comparing Apples & Oranges: The Green Apple Orange Coke

2009-07-16T11:39:00.000-07:00

Sorry I have been away for a bit.... but here we go.

It doesn't sound good. It doesn't look good. And it really really doesn't taste good. I don't know why or how I thought of this combination, but I did, and it was silly of me. I can't even tell you what the taste compares to. It's just bad.

But. If I had to choose between this and the Hi-C Powerade... this would win by a long shot. At least I could finish drinking it without gagging.

DON'T DO IT!!!!

1 out of 5 Straws.

I have a road trip tonight, so we will see what I come up with for tomorrow.

~KK3

Vanilla Strawberry Sprite

2009-07-09T11:26:00.000-07:00

I have mentioned before how I have issues with chunks of stuff in my drinks. There are only two flavors on Sonic's list that have chunks, pineapple and strawberry. Last night I got the Vanilla Strawberry Sprite knowing that I was going to deal with the chunks. Fortunately, there was minimal chunkage in this particular cup. So I was able to look past the texture issue and focus on the actual flavor.

The Vanilla Strawberry Sprite tastes exactly as you would think it would. It was good. But nothing really stood out to me. Three year old Ella kept stealing drinks. At one point, she actually distracted me just so she could sneak a drink. She is too cute for her own good.

If Ella were giving the rating on this, I am sure it would be a 5 out of 5 Straws. But my ruling is a liiittttlllleeee different:

3 out 5 Straws.

Happy Friday!
~KK3

Vanilla Green Apple Sprite

2009-07-08T11:11:00.000-07:00

Up until now, there has not been a Vanilla+Flavor+Sprite combination that has rivaled the Vanilla Grape Sprite. None has even gotten close. But like I just said, up until now.

The Vanilla Green Apple Sprite was Fantastic! It completely surprised me. I basically ordered it because I wasn't really feeling creative and I needed to try another flavor with the vanilla sprite. Green Apple popped out at me on the menu. So I thought, ok, why not.

NO IDEEEEAAAAA it would be so good. I thought it would be slightly blah like the cranberry one. But it was full of flavor. It was tart, yet sweet at the same time. Way better than a green apple jolly rancher (which they always make my mouth go numb, not sure why. but that might be a personal problem).

I highly recommend this drink.

5 out of 5 Straws.

~KK3

NRF Youth Pick of the Week: Orange Chocolate Coke

2009-07-07T19:50:00.000-07:00

There is something about the combination of orange and chocolate that makes me think about Christmas. There are those chocolate oranges. Do you know what I am talking about? They are chocolates that are in the shape of an orange and they break apart in sections like an orange. And they are wrapped in orange foil to make them look like oranges. I only see them at Christmas, I don't know why. But that is what comes to mind with this drink combination.

Orange Chocolate Coke tastes exactly like the above referenced candy. The orange chocolates aren't my favorite Christmas-time treats, and I kind of feel the same way about this drink. It's good. I will drink it without complaint. I may even be in the mood to try it again someday. Who knows.

If you like the chocolate oranges, then you will like this drink.

4 out of 5 Straws.

Merry Christmas in July.
~KK3

Vanilla Cranberry Sprite

2009-07-06T19:48:00.000-07:00

Jonny G. informed me that Vanilla Cranberry Sprite was "Yum...etc". But I think he put a lemon slice in it.

So off to Sonic I go to try it out. "Yum...etc" is a good way to describe it. As much as I LOVE the Cranberry Limeade, the Vanilla Cranberry Sprite kind of falls short of fantastic. I had high hopes, but they were dashed. It was good, buuuuutttttt.... I don't know. It just lacked the pizzazz that I was wanting and expecting.

3 out of 5 Sad Sad Straws.

Hopefully next one is better.
~KK3

Vanilla Raspberry Coke

2009-07-05T13:22:00.000-07:00

Yup, I said it. Vanilla Raspberry Coke. And it is quite tasty.

My friend Donna never tries any of my crazy combos. She sticks to her Coke with Lemon. But this one intrigued her. She actually tried it. I believe her words were "Not bad". I will have to agree. My other friend in the car was Sarah. She tasted it also, but couldn't really pick out the raspberry. But this is why you always need to stir before you drink. I think she just got a big shot of the vanilla.

I liked it. But it's not really a drink that leaves a lasting impression. You should check it out though.
3.5 out of 5 Straws.

Happy Sunday Everyone.
~KK3

4th of July Showdown

2009-07-04T13:47:00.000-07:00

Sonic has a new treat....the Chiller. The Chiller is the classic limeade version of the cream slush. So I decided to do a little showdown. Classic Cherry Limeade vs. Cherry Cream Slush vs. the new Cherry Limeade Chiller.

All three are very tasty. And here is my breakdown.

Cherry Limeade ~ you can't go wrong with it. Classic, sweet, and tasty.

Cherry Limeade Chiller ~ basically they make a cherry limeade and then mix in vanilla soft serve ice cream. My first thought was that it was going to be like a float because of the Sprite that is in a Limeade, but it's not. Well, it kind of is, but not really. It doesn't have as much pop in it as a float does. So this drink leans more towards the milk shake side of things. And it is tangy. Not too sweet. It's different and good.

Cherry Cream Slush ~ once you have a Cherry Limeade Chiller, you are not going to want a Cherry Cream Slush. It's good. But kind of bland after you try the tangy awesomeness of the Chiller. It's not bursting with flavor by any means. Just Cherry, Vanilla Soft Serve, and Ice. Blah.

Overall...
Cherry Limeade gets a 4 out of 5 Straws
Cherry Limeade Chiller gets a 4.5 out of 5 Straws
Cherry Cream Slush gets a 2.5 out of 5 Straws

Showdown winner goes to the Cherry Limeade Chiller. TRY IT!!!

Happy Independence Day everyone!
~KK3

I'm back with a Mango Dr. Pepper

2009-07-03T14:43:00.000-07:00

First of all I would like to apologize for my absence. It has been the craziest week ever! Including road trips to St. Louis to hang with family, saying good bye to my friends' dog (bye Lexi), road trip to the ATL to see my buddy Brando and meeting his new gf (Hi Libby!), oh and getting to see Beyonce in concert (ALlllll the single ladies, put your hands up!). This week has flown by.

I will say this, I was a little lost without my Sonic. I haven't had any this week. It's been weird.

On to today's drink.

So "Anonymous" posted a nice comment on the Mango Cool Breeze letting me know exactly what in the world was in it. Pineapple, Mango, Cherry, and Sprite. Thank you. They also posted that their co-workers like to put mango in their Dr. Pepper or Coke. So I thought that sounded interesting. And I tried it.

I am not a Dr. Pepper girl. But I really enjoyed it. Mango is one of the sweeter of the flavorings. So it kind of outdoes the Dr. Peppery-ness of the drink. I won't know for sure until I try it but I think that because the Mango is so strong, that if I put it in Coke, it will taste the same as the Mango Dr. Pepper. I will let you know. Overall it's not an over the top amazing drink. But it's good.

3.5 out 5 Straws.

~KK3

Watermelon Lemonade

2009-06-27T13:31:00.000-07:00

This is the first drink that I have tried that had a tartness to it. I kind of liked it.

Just like any other of the drinks that I try with the watermelon flavor, I have to let the ice melt a little to like it. I am not a huge watermelon flavor fan. But once it is tamed down slightly, I am all good.

This one is a little tart, due to the lemonade I am sure. But good. Its very different.

I say try it.

4 out of 5 straws.

~KK3

Vanilla Root Beer

2009-06-25T11:30:00.000-07:00

My friend Jody asked me to try the Vanilla Root Beer to see if it would be comparable to a Root Beer Float. (you know, the way the Vanilla Orange Sprite was reminiscent of a Dreamsicle)

Sorry Jody, but I don't think it does. The Vanilla Root Beer is good. But it doesn't quite capture the flavor of a Root Beer Float. I don't think the vanilla flavoring is strong enough to make a noticeable difference in the root beer. It tasted just like root beer.

I think I will try this again but do a double shot of the vanilla. That might help.

If you like plain root beer, you will like this. If you are looking for something different to try, please refer to any of my previous posts.

2.5 out of 5 Straws

~KK3

Double Vanilla Cherry Sprite & Guest Blogger Klarisa

2009-06-24T11:19:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone! Today I have a special treat for you. One of my lovely sisters, Klarisa, made a road trip to find the nearest Sonic to her. And she tried her first Sonic Drink Combination. Double Vanilla Cherry Sprite. The following is Klarisa's review of her Sonic Drink experience.

I would like to start off this blog post by saying how honored I am to be making a guest appearance on Kaley's wonderful blog. THANKS KALEY!!

After my roommate, Lesley, told me that there were several Sonics within 50 miles of us, I told her we had to make the drive just to get a drink from one!! Don't worry, I'll be making more road trips just to get a wonderful drink!

Let's flash back to my high school and college days for a minute please. There is a sweet shop in a small town here in Central Illinois that has wonderful drinks with great pellet ice (just like Sonic has). And at one point someone had me try a Double Vanilla Cherry Sprite, and I LOVED it. That was the only drink that I would get from the sweet shop. Even though I didn't live in that town, and it was usually out of the way for me to go there, I would try to think of any reason to head up north just so I could stop in for a drink. I haven't had one in a very long time, but when we decided to go to Sonic, I had cravings for it.

For those of you that are reading this and know me, know that I don't really like cherries or cherry flavoring at all. But I just had to try the Sonic version.

So we are sitting at Sonic, trying to decide what to get. I was talking to Kaley on the phone and asked her if Sonic had vanilla flavoring. And she didn't know at that time if they did. I asked, and of course they do. (Your welcome Kaley for finding out, now you have found your new flavor!) So I had to try the Double Cherry Vanilla Sprite so I could compare it to the sweet shop's.

Kaley was right, you HAVE to stir up your Sonic drink before you take your first drink. I thought I did, but I guess not enough. At first, i didn't like it at all, way too much cherry flavor. Then after more stirring, it did taste a little better, but still way too sweet. I was unable to finish my drink. If you like cherry, you will like this drink. I just wouldn't get a double shot because it was too sweet.

Because I was unable to finish my drink, and the fact that I probably won't be ordering this same drink again, I'm giving it 1.5 out of 5 straws. But like I said, if you like cherry, you may like it.

Thank you Klarisa for being my first guest blogger. Good luck with future drinks.

1.5 out of 5 Straws.
Later,
~KK3

Hi-C with a shot of Powerade & My Rules

2009-06-24T10:54:00.000-07:00

So at the beginning of this whole thing, I set some ground rules for myself.
1) I will accept any challenge when given a drink combination.
2) I have to order at least a medium size drink to get the full effect of the combination
3) I have to drink the majority of the beverage.
4) No drink is off limits.

I broke some of these rules last night and I apologize to you for it.

I pulled up to Sonic. I didn't know what I wanted to try. I have been in the rut of the Vanilla drinks lately and I wanted to mix it up for you. I pressed the button and asked the guy what his favorite drink was. He was a little taken aback by the question, but "Hi-C with a shot of Powerade" was the drink. So I ordered it.

HUGE mistake.

I wanted to spew from the very first sip. It was soooo gross. First of all, I have a massive revulsion to anything "Fruit Punch" or "Hawaiian Punch" esque. I think I actually did throw up Hawaiian Punch when I was younger. That kind of memory just kind of sticks with you and you don't really get over it. This was almost a reoccurance of that.

But I knew my rules and decided to keep trying. But with every sip I would gag with dry heaves. I can still smell it as I think about it. I couldn't get anywhere near drinking even 1/4 of it.

New rules:
1) I will accept any challenge EXCEPT when it involves Fruit Punch Hi-C.
2) I have to order at least a medium size drink to get the full effect of the combination unless it contains Fruit Punch Hi-C in which case I will order NOTHING.
3) I have to drink the majority of the beverage when it doesn't include Fruit Punch Hi-C
4) No drink is off limits EXCEPT ones that contain Fruit Punch Hi-C.

0 out of 5 Straws.

Excuse me while I go wash my mouth out with soap.
~KK3

Vanilla Peach Sprite

2009-06-23T11:18:00.000-07:00

Did you know that there is not a synonym for "refreshing"? At least there isn't according to merriam-webster.com's thesaurus. I just looked it up. I try not use the same adjectives over and over in these posts. I like to keep on my toes when it comes to rhetoric. I don't want to bore you with the same thing over and over. "This drink was refreshing!" But that is the only word for it. I am going to make up a word. I don't know what that word is yet, but I will inform you once I know. I mean if Hanson can make up the word "MMMMBop", I figure I can make up a synonym for refreshing. Plus ANY cold drink in this hot Tennessee weather is refreshing. You can't fault me on that....

Please share with me your suggestions for a synonym. Thanks.

Moving on to my latest refreshing drink... Vanilla Peach Sprite. Hopefully you aren't getting bored with my Vanilla + Flavor + Sprite combinations, but I am enamored by them. And every time a try something new, a whole new world opens up for me.

Let's see if I can figure out what this drink reminds me of.... I am not sure. I was not a huge peach-flavored fanatic when I was little. Only recently have I really started to enjoy it. Peach flavoring kind of has a kick to it. It's not sweet, but not bitter either. I think the vanilla flavoring makes the drink sweet. I am going to try it sometime with just peach. I will let you know what the difference is.

And if you are of age, definitely add vodka. (I know, I know what you are thinking..."what happened to the rum?" But I have to switch up my alcohol just like I need to switch up my Sonic)

Over all...I loved it!

4.5 out of 5 Straws.

Have a refreshing day!
~KK3

Vanilla Raspberry Sprite

2009-06-22T07:30:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was a day filled with fun and excitement. Our friend Ben was in home visiting from Texas. We went mini golfing, go carting, and then out to eat. It was a fabulous time. Especially when I lapped all the guys on the go carts various times. On more than one occasion. And continued to come in first place. Because I am that awesome. Benny, our world just isn't the same with you gone.

So what drink gave me the extra boost? Vanilla Raspberry Sprite. It is yet another mix in my quest to find out which Vanilla + Flavor + Sprite combination is the best.

Most of my cohorts sampled the tasty drink and we all came to the conclusion that it is "Yummy". I enjoyed it. Maybe even more than the Vanilla Orange Sprite. It kind of reminded me those candies, Mambas. The raspberry Mambas were always my favorite. It was refreshing for the extremely hot afternoon trip.

Beware though... shooting the Vanilla Raspberry Sprite through the nose is very painful. (I may or may not have done this and may or may not know from experience.)

4.5 out of 5 straws!

Party on Speed Racer!
~KK3

Orange Cream Slush

2009-06-21T13:47:00.000-07:00

The "Cream Slush" concept is very different to me. It's not a slush, and it's not a milkshake. It's a combination of the two. So you take slushy ice and soft serve ice cream, add a flavor, mix it all together, and there you go. I was a little scared of them at first, but not bad. Pretty tasty.

My sister Klarisa has been wanting me to try the Orange Cream Slush so I can compare it to the Vanilla Orange Sprite to determine which one is more like a Dreamsicle. And I think I now have a winner.

Obviously the Orange Cream Slush is going to have an advantage in this comparison due to the ice cream content. Dreamsicles are creamy. The Vanilla Orange Sprite is not. So yes, the Orange Cream Slush is the most like a Dreamsicle that you can possibly get without eating the actual Dreamsicle. It is very good too.

So here is my solution for those of you who cannot decide which one to try. If you are lactose intolerant, or you are allergic to milk products, or you are one of those weird people who don't eat any sort of animal bi product at all, get the Orange Vanilla Sprite. It tastes just as awesome. But if you are in the mood for a milkshakey, slushy, Dreamsicley type of something.... the Orange Cream Slush is the way to go.

I highly recommend this drink...

4.5 out of 5 straws.

Stay cool,

~KK3

Blue Coconut Pineapple Sprite

2009-06-19T12:16:00.000-07:00

Some days I wonder what my life would have been like if I had been in a sorority. Would I have more friends if I would have paid them to be so? Would I have gone to cooler parties if I had paid the money to do so? Would I look way more awesome if I had paid the money to wear shirts with meaningless Greek letters on them? Maybe. Maybe not. I haven't really thought about it since college really. I am quite happy with my life and the raging parties that I have attended on a semi-yearly basis.

As I drink the Blue Coconut Pineapple Sprite, my mind wonders down that path once again. This time I am off the in a far away enchanted land of the Vandy Bubble. There I am stumbling around at a Hawaiian themed party for Commodore Homecoming Week. Wearing a too short jean mini skirt, too tight of a Hawaiian shirt that is precariously tied in a knot showing off my flashy belly-button piercing, 6 inch wooden wedge sandals, my hair teased and sprayed in an immovable French twist updo, and lei's. Lots of lei's. I would be yelling "Hey everybody! Look how many times I got lei'd! I am awesome!!!!!"

All the time I am chugging on the greatest soroity party drink concoction ever. And I love it! I have no idea what is in it. I mean, I have never even had an alcoholic beverage before as it is forbidden back on the homestead. Some hot guy for Phi Beta Theta Gamma Gamma Alpha Phi handed it to me. I told him I was underage and didn't want to get in trouble. He just smiles at me and says that there isn't enough rum in it to even taste. I don't know what rum is at this point, but I believe him. He is a senior pre-med student after all. And oh so dreamy too.

Because I know that they can do me no harm, I stick to the fruity drink all night long, feeling absolutely fine the whole time. I am not sure when it happens, but suddenly I wake up on the front lawn of my dorm in a toga. Not sure when Hawaiian Day ended and Greek Day began, but apparently I am all about it.

Wooooaaahhhh... Ok, so back to the blog and reality. Maybe I did miss out on something by not being in a sorority. Whatever.

The Blue Coconut Pineapple SPrite has pineapple chunks in the bottom of it. So watch out for those. Other than that, it's pretty good. Fruity, island-y. Add rum to it. It's better with rum.

3.5 out of 5 straws.

Party On.
~KK3

Issues...

2009-06-18T14:20:00.000-07:00

I am having some issues with today's post. I have retyped it several times and it is not being accepted. I am sorry to say, but I think that you may have to wait until tomorrow to read all about the Blue Coconut Pineapple Sprite.

I have to go back to "work" now. Sorry everyone.

Tomorrow...I promise.

~KK3

Vanilla Orange Sprite and Ella is Cute

2009-06-17T17:26:00.000-07:00

I think I have found the perfect combination of drink.

Vanilla + One Flavor = Awesome

Ok, so I have only tried out this theory twice. But so far I have not gone wrong.

The first sip of the Vanilla Orange Sprite took me back to the days of the Dreamsicle or even better, orange push-ups from the Schwan man. I can remember being sent down to the basement to get vegtables out of the freezer for dinner and sneakaly eating an orange push-up and dumping the evidence. Then mom would yell down the stairs to find out why it was taking me so long. I would yell back something about not being able to find the bag of peas. But really I was sneaking an orange push-up before dinner. Then she would yell that they were right in front of my face. Which they were. Then I magically found them. And off I went. I don't know if my mom ever caught on, but now she knows. Unforgettable.

Its all the scrumptious-ness of that tasty creamy popsicle without the melty sticky mess.

Downside, I don't think I can drink all of my large. Its a little sweet for me to drink too much. But dude! If you are looking for a Dreamsicle in a cup accompanied by little pellet ice cubes...this is the drink for you.

Now to Ella's cuteness...She just informed me that she "Loves hanging out with her best friend Kaley". I think I will keep her.

4.5 out of 5 straws.
~KK3

Vanilla Grape Sprite and the Answer to the World's Problems

2009-06-16T07:13:00.000-07:00

Holy pellet ice cubes Batman! I have found the next greatest drink EVER!!!

My dear sister, Klarisa, and her roommate, Lesley, took a little road trip this past weekend to find a Sonic. While they were chillin' in their car eating their goodies, they each came up with a drink that they wanted me to try. Lesley's pick....Vanilla Grape Sprite.

Did any of you ever watch M*A*S*H*? Most people would sit down and solve their problems over a beer. But not adorable Radar. Everything could be solved with a Grape NeHi. I feel the world's problems could all be solved if we all just sat down with a Sonic Vanilla Grape Sprite. It's that good. All the leaders could relax and put what really needs to be done into prespective. No more war, hunger, hatred.... just good times and Sonic. That is all.

As a kid you would drink grape pop and it would turn your entire mouth purple. And it was the coolest thing ever! I had a craving for one not too long ago, but it was too sweet and I could not finish it. Not what I remembered at all. But this....the Vanilla Grape Sprite is FANTASTIC! It really brings you back to when you were a kid, sitting in your yard on a hot summer afternoon drinking grape pop and making mini ice cream sandwiches out of Nilla Waffers with Schwan's Vanilla Ice Cream. Ok, maybe that was just me. But you should all try it. I am going to have a hard time going to Sonic and ordering something different. I kind of want one right now as I am writiing this blog.

Everyone stop what you are doing and go get a Vanilla Grape Sprite.

This is only my second time to do this, but.... 5 out of 5 straws.

DO IT!
~KK3

Megan's Watermelon Sprite

2009-06-15T11:15:00.000-07:00

One of my youth girls and I got the chance to hang out on Saturday night before our youth event. Naturally, we went to Sonic. Little did I know, Megan has never been to Sonic. So Megan, thank you for letting me be a part of your first Sonic experience. I hope we have more.

In honor of Megan's first Sonic trip, I let her choose my drink. Watermelon Sprite.

Please note that a Watermelon Sprite is different than a Watermelon Limeade. Limeade's are so much more than just Sprite. They have lime wedges in them. Its a whole different ball game.

The Watermelon Sprite was just what you would expect it to be. Sprite that tastes like watermelon. Miss Megan tried it and her reaction was "Hmmm... not bad. Really good." I would have to second her opinion.

If you like watermelon flavoring, then you will love this drink. If you do not like watermelon flavoring, stay far away from this drink. It was light and crisp. Not too sweet. However, it's not my favorite drink.

I give it a 3.5 out of 5 straws.

Keep your eyes peeled for a very special Sonic Blog coming up later this week.
Later,
~KK3

Orange Cranberry Limeade and a Shout Out to my Carhop

2009-06-13T09:11:00.000-07:00

This morning I ordered an Orange Cranberry Limeade. When my carhop brought me my drink she did something that no carhop has done before...she questioned what I had just ordered. And this one is actually quite normal compared to others . I explained to Charity the Carhop, who I might add is a very cheery person, my mission to try as many Sonic combinations as possible. She thought it was "awesome". Thank you to Charity the Carhop for your support. I will be back to see you again soon.

On to my drink...Orange Cranberry Limeade. In my brain, it seemed awesome. But in reality, not so much. I think I was expecting the orange to be orange juice not orange flavored juice. Does that make sense? It was good. Drinkable. But not what I had built up in my mind as the greatest drink ever.

You can drink it if you want. But there are better things out there to try.

3 out of 5 straws.
~KK3

Cranberry Juice Slush

2009-06-12T10:44:00.000-07:00

In yesterday's blog I referenced the amazing Ella. She is three but is wise beyond her years. Ella's favorite drink is the Cranberry Juice Slush. The way she says it in her little 3-year-old voice is too cute. Makes it kind of hard to refuse her when she asks for one.

So as a throwback to my childhood summer days filled with Casey's Slushies, and as a shout out to Ella, I am going to venture into the world of The Sonic Slush.

Today's pick....Cranberry Juice Slush. In all my slushy drinking days, I had never heard of a Cranberry Juice Slush. Who would of thought that pouring cranberry juice over shaved iced would be so awesome. Usually the flavoring on a slush is nothing by sugary syrup and flavoring and some dye that changes your mouth, teeth, and tongue various colors. But actual juice? So smart! It is refreshing and tasty. And not too sugary. Just enough sweet to satisfy you.

But be careful. Nothing will give you a brain freeze like a Sonic Slush. The worst I have ever had!

In the realm of Slushes... this one gets a 4.5 out of 5 straws.

Happy Slushing!
KK3

Blue Coconut Coke

2009-06-11T11:40:00.000-07:00

I would like to start off by thanking Reynold for being awesome and working on the layout of this blog. Thank you Thank you Thank you.

Reynold suggested that I try a Blue Coke. So I did.

It's not bad. But it's not good. I think the over sweetness of the Coke trumped the flavor of the Blue Coconut. And the Blue Coconut brought the sweetness of the Coke down a notch. Ella enjoyed the fact that it turned my tongue blue. (to clarify, she is 3)

I didn't really care for it either way. That is until I put a little Haitian Rhum in it! Now we are talkin'. That is the only way I would drink it again.

Blue Coconut Coke gets a 2 out of 5 straws.

Blue Coconut Coke with Haitian Rhum gets a 12 out of 5 straws.

Enjoy!
~KK3

NRF Youth Pick of the Week: Cherry Vanilla Chocolate Dr Pepper

2009-06-10T11:17:00.000-07:00

Part of this blog is to come up with creative and crazy combinations of Sonic drinks. And who better to come up with a crazy combination than a group of teenagers? That is why I enlisted the help of the youth group I work with. I present to you the New River Fellowship Youth Pick of the Week. Every Tuesday night at youth group I will have the kids decide what my next drink should be.

This week's pick: Cherry Vanilla Chocolate Dr. Pepper.

Putting your favorite things together doesn't always work, but this is one exception.

Have you ever seen the episode of Friends where Rachel tries to cook? She accidentally combines two totally different recipes, one a main dish and the other a dessert. Joey comes in and starts eating it. They all look on in disbelief as he explains himself "Potatoes...good. Peas...good. Meat...good. Pudding....gggoooooooddddd." (so those might not be the actual words that he says, but something like that.)

That is the way I felt about this drink. Cherry...good. Vanilla...good. Chocolate....reallll gooooodddd. Dr. Pepper...eh. Not a huge fan. Put it all together. Uh-Maze-Zing!

Downfall to the drink is the same as if you were mixing chocolate syrup into your milk, you have to continue to stir or else it will all settle in the bottom of the cup. Then when drink out of the straw you get alllll chocolate syrup. Which is fine. I like chocolate. But to get the full affect of the drink, continue to stir before each sip.

This drink will fill you up. It is really sweet and tasty. (I kind of felt like I needed to brush my teeth when I was finished with it.) The comibation of the cherry vanilla chocolate made the Dr. Pepper bearable for me.

This one gets: 4 out of 5 straws.

Until Next Time,
KK3

For the Beginners... Cranberry Limeade

2009-06-09T14:24:00.000-07:00

Oh my dear Lester. Welcome to the Sonic Club. I know you have only been once, but now that you know how close one actually is to you, your world is about to change.

For all of you who do not have a Sonic nearby, or have just stumbled upon your first, let's start you off slowly into the vast world of Sonic Drinks. My all time favorite and standard drink...the Cranberry Limeade.

It's basic, and you can't go wrong with it. Simply Sprite, cranberry juice, and some fresh squeezed lime slices. Perfect for the midday heat wave that hits us all during the summer.

And for those who are of age, the Cranberry Limeade makes an excellent drink when mixed with vodka. (p.s.a.-sonicdrinkaday.blogspot.com does not endorse excessive drinking and would like to remind all those who are of age to please drink resposibley)

The Cranberry Limeade, so far, is my only Sonic Drink that gets the coveted 5 out of 5 straw rating.

Happy Summer,
KK3

I Raise My Apple Juice Limeade to Aunt Betty

2009-06-08T11:23:00.000-07:00

Today is quite the bittersweet day. My family is in Illinois paying tribute to our dear Aunt Betty who passed away a couple weeks ago. Aunt Betty was an extraordinary woman. She was kind, loving, and flippin adorable. She lived a long life and touched many people. No one can make pink applesauce quite like her. Actually I have not had a bite of applesauce since she quit making it years ago. I will treasure my fond memories of the time I got to spend with her.

I will miss you and love you always Aunt Betty. I look forward to seeing you in Heaven someday.

This delightful, and refreshing Apple Juice Limeade is for you.

4 out of 5 straws.

Your Great Niece,
Kaley

Watermelon Coke

2009-06-07T16:21:00.000-07:00

There are certain standards when it comes to flavored Coca Cola that the majority of the world abides by...i.e. Cherry Coke, Vanilla Coke, Coke with Lemon, or if you are splurging...Cherry Vanilla Coke. I now introduce to you a new summer time standard. Watermelon Coke.

I know I know. You are thinking "Eeeewwwww, that's gross!" I thought the same thing. But now I am a believer.

In her attempt to force me to get this blog started, my dear friend Donna just ordered the first flavor that she saw on the menu for me. Despite by objection, she reminded me that the purpose of this endeavor is to try the weird and disgusting combinations. So I conceded.

At first it tasted like cough syrup. Nasty. But then I did a little stirring action to mix the syrup in. Lesson #1 in drinking a Sonic Beverage...always stir before the first drink. After that, I really enjoyed the Coke. It was tasty.

In the end, I give the Watermelon Coke a 4.5 out of 5 straws.

Enjoy,
KK3

The Mango Cool Breeze

2009-06-06T11:04:00.000-07:00

Here is my first Sonic Drink post. I was going to wait until my blog looked exactly the way I wanted it to. But then I realized that I was just holding all of you back from trying new Sonic Drinks. I apologize for being so selfish.

So here we go.

Today I tried the Mango Cool Breeze. My first reaction was one of disgust. I was physically thrown back in my seat. I don't really like when chunks of stuff filter through my straw. Especially on the first drink. I don't know what is in this thing....but I am not a fan.

I can taste the Mango. Maybe some cherry. There is a Sprite base. Not sure what the stuff in the bottom of the drink was. Maybe some pineapple? The concoction got slightly better as the ice melted and watered down the overwhelming syrup taste. Maybe if I added some rum and a beach, this would be the drink of the summer. But as I am a landlocked individual babysitting a three year old at the moment, those things are not going to happen.

All in all, I give the Mango Cool Breeze a 2.5 out 5.

Happy Drinking,

Kaley