Sophisticated Upgrade for Mocktails & Cocktails: Non-Toxic Craft Beverage Mix by Stir Sessions - Wyld One Review
- Alayne
- 3 days ago
- 10 min read
Updated: 3 hours ago
Stir Sessions Craft Beverage Mix Elevates Mocktails & Cocktails: Sophisticated, Social, & Non-Toxic
A revolutionary new small business, Stir Sessions, takes drink mixing to a whole new level with their non-toxic powdered beverage mix making it super breezy to stir up sophisticated and downright delicious mocktails & cocktails for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a small gathering, throwing a monumental event, heading to a weekend getaway, or chilling out on the back porch, Stir Sessions offers the flavors and convenience that we never knew we needed in our social and chill-out game. The days of artificially flavored, sticky bottle mixers are done. Cutting and squeezing fruit is in the past too (unless you're feeling a cute garnish). A 12-pack of Stir Sessions fits in a beach bag, purse, or carryon. Their mantra Rip, Mix, Sip is exactly what you do. All you need is water + liquor (skip for mocktails) + ice + a container from which to sip your perfectly crafted drink.
Mocktail or Cocktail... Something for Everyone
When hanging with our loved ones or quietly relaxing at home, it feels good when everyone is considered. Stir Sessions' flavors are equally as delightful whether you mix them with your liquor of choice or not. The kiddos, expecting moms, responsible drivers, and members of the crew who chose not to partake have the very same delectable options from which to create their favorite drink. I've tried most of the flavors as mocktails and prefer most of them that way! Each craft flavor is so versatile allowing you to be a rockstar mixologist serving up suggested mixes, so cleverly listed on each pouch, or your very own creations using your favorite flavor profiles. I share a few of my own discoveries in the flavor section!
Stir Sessions Craft Beverage Mix Review
In This Review:
Overall Impression | Ingredients/Comps | Cost | Where to Buy | Flavors | Eco-Friendly Packets | Stir Sessions Brand Recap
Overall Impression of Stir Sessions Craft Beverage Mix
EXCITING NEW WAY TO MIX UP A DRINK
The 'discovery of it all' made for a really fun spin. Mixing up an old favorite in a new way or experiencing a flavor I haven't had before really added to the allure of these cool powdered drink mixes. The colors and designs of the 12-packs contribute to the exploratory experience. I wanted to try all of the flavors all at once. Simple instructions and ingredients (included flavors) are on the back of the 12-packs. Reading the pouch was just as much a part of the experience as ripping open the first packet and smelling how true to the real thing the powder actually smelled. I had ice + water ready to go, then tapped my first Stir Sessions mix into the glass. Quite literally, ripped, mixed, and sipped. So fun Stir Sessions!!
CAN POWDER MIX MAKE A GOOD TASTING COCKTAIL?
Short answer after trying Stir Sessions, yes. Would I have answered yes before, nope. I'm somewhat shocked myself. I suppose I didn't know what to expect, which tied back to the discovery of it all. Can a powder make a fresh-squeezed kind of drink? I can say... the flavor is there. Organic fruit powder is the star. The fresh and tart characteristics of real fruit come through right away with the first sip which answers the question of whether or not it tastes fresh. Now, does it taste good? I never had a Paloma before, furthermore, admittedly never heard of a Paloma, but this tart little kiss of a drink has earned a place in my pantry. I stirred it up as a mocktail as well as a cocktail and was all about it, both ways. So, the answer to the tastes good question is also a yes, which brings me back to... can a powdered mix make a good mocktail, let alone a good cocktail? Even the long answer is yes with Stir Sessions.
POWDERED DRINK MIX vs PRE-MADE MIXERS
We've established that it tastes really good, but does it taste better than pre-made mixers which taste like corn syrup and artificial flavorings... yes, it does taste better. One point goes to powder for taste. Pre-made mixers use dyes to look more attractive and chemicals to mimic natural tartness/flavors. Stir Sessions is all-natural, no dyes, no additives. Two points go to powder. Powder packets are super tidy and easy to store/pack. Bottled mixers are cumbersome, sticky, and messy. Three to nothing, powder in the lead. A teeny stack of packets can make a handful of different flavored drinks. One clunky bottle makes one flavor. Four points, powder. Pouches are more condensed and eco-friendlier to ship. Pre-made mixers create a bigger carbon footprint (shipping mostly water) and contribute to centuries of plastic waste if they are not in glass bottles. Powder takes it at five to zero.
NOW YOU SEE IT, NOW YOU DON'T...
--> Stir Sessions' powdered mix dissolves completely without a lot of stirring, even in ice water and even if not immediately, it was definitely fully dissolved as I sipped along. They make note that their organic coconut milk powder in Pina Colada is best blended because it doesn't dissolve as easily, which I found to be true and appreciated the candid pro tip! |
OVERALL RECAP:
Stir Sessions Craft Beverage Mix feels like a classy little upgrade to mixing your own drinks. I appreciate the attention that went into selecting ingredients, mostly organic and free of fake flavors & additives. It's a fresh, fun, newly dropped brand that provides a simple and interactive twist to making mocktails and cocktails. The overall experience from mixing to sipping was lighthearted and enjoyable. There's a flavor for everyone and everyone can participate, even the kids! The performance of the powders and the authenticity of the flavors are just as high-quality as the experience.
What's in Stir Sessions' Beverage Mix?
(Varies depending on flavor)
ORGANIC FRUIT POWDERS
Organic Lime Powder
Organic Orange Powder
Organic Mango Powder
Organic Coconut Cream Powder
Organic Raspberry Juice Powder
Organic Pineapple Powder
NATURAL FRUIT FLAVORS (concentrated flavors extracted from fruit oils)
Natural Lime Flavor
Natural Lemon Flavor
Natural Pineapple Flavor
Natural Grapefruit Flavor
Natural Crystalized Grapefruit
Natural Coconut Flavor
Natural Blood Orange Flavor
Natural Cranberry Flavor
Natural Watermelon Flavor
NATURAL FLAVORS (not from fruits)
Espresso Coffee Powder
Natural Espresso Flavor
Natural Caramel Flavor
Natural Ginger Flavor
Natural Allspice Powder
SWEETENED WITH
Monk Fruit
Organic Stevia Leaf Extract
Fructose
FLAVOR BALANCED WITH
Sodium Citrate
Derived from citric acid
Balances flavor
Stabilizes acidity
Citric Acid
Flavor enhancement
Adds tartness to balance sweetness
BONUS INGREDIENTS (in select flavors)
B12
Beta Carotene
CAFFEINE
Espresso Martini: 45mg
FULL INGREDIENTS LIST:
Mango Mai Tai (example)
Fructose, Citric Acid, Organic Lime Powder, Organic Mango Powder, Organic Orange Powder, Sodium Citrate, Natural Pineapple Flavor, Monk Fruit, Beta Carotene, B12
What's NOT in Stir Sessions' Beverage Mix?
THE SUGAR STRUGGLE IS REAL
Our favorite things aren't usually from the 'better for us' category. If we dissect a few popular beverage choices on the market, especially when we consider what kids are drinking, some of these options show us why we should choose something else. When we look at sugar alone (sugar sources vary), it should seal the deal to go ahead and find an alternative.
HEY SUGAR
STIR SESSONS vs POPULAR DRINKS
SERVING SIZE | SUGAR | CALORIES | |
Stir Sessions | 6oz | 5g | 25 |
Capri Sun | 6oz | 13g | 50-60 |
Gatorade | 20oz | 35g | 140 |
Kool-Aid | 8oz | 19g | 80 |
Coca-Cola (can) | 12oz | 39g | 140 |
Coca-Cola (bottle) | 20oz | 65g (about 1/3 cup) | 240 |
BEYOND THE SUGAR
Aside from the sugar situation, many popular drink choices include artificial sweeteners, caramel color (sometimes made by heating sugar w/ ammonia or sulfites), high fructose corn syrup, BHA, dyes (the bad ones... Red 40, Blue 1, Yellow 5...), artificial flavorings, caffeine, and other unsavory characters.
STIR SESSIONS
NON-TOXIC POWDERED BEVERAGE MIX
|
WHAT ABOUT NON-TOXIC COMPS?
I used to enjoy fresh fruit juice and botanical mixers which are also free of artificial flavors & preservatives. They truly are good, to give credit where credit is due. The problem I ran into with fresh mixers was, they're too fresh. Okay, and that's a problem... yes, expiration dates y'all. I don't drink often enough to avoid cracking open a fresh mixer, then having my heart sink realizing the money wasted when I see the expiration date has long passed the next time I decide to mix a beverage. These are great if you can use them soon after opening. They run around $20 for 10 servings, so they're not as economical as Stir Sessions.
Affordable Swap for Mixers & Sugary Kids Drinks
PRICEPOINT ON POINT
Newly dropped Stir Sessions hit the shelves at $15 for a 12-Pack. A single packet makes one (1) non-toxic, flavorful, and easy-to-prepare drink w/ organic fruit powder for $1.25. A fast-food chain lemonade costs $3.00-$4.50. Makes your eyes pop. (We don't need to go through an ingredient list comparison. We know what's what here.) Stir Sessions is convenient, the price comp speaks for itself, and it's most definitely better for you. While we are on the subject of better, 25% off with Wyld25 is a good way to do one better! This exclusive code brings a 12-Pack to $11.25... $0.94 per drink.
Cheers to that!
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Top Pick Craft Drink Mix
No Artificial Flavorings, No Dyes, No Additives
Vegan, Non-GMO
Gluten-free, Soy-free, Dairy-free
Stir Sessions Powdered Craft Beverage Mix
Featuring:
Classic Paloma
Flavor Profile: Lime & Grapefruit
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Flavor Profiles
Tropical
MANGO MAI TAI
No. 1 flavor for me. Transports you straight to a chill afternoon in the sun. The mango takes the lead with a little pucker of citrus. Completely tropical. Festive, bright, a little tart... just the way I like it. I prefer this one as a mocktail. Feeling as spirited as the flavor of this drink, I splashed a little Pina Colada mix in one of my Mai Tais. They go together perfectly! You can mix the mixes!! Genuis.
PINA COLADA
Smooth creamy profile without the creamy texture. Full bodied coconut flavor partnered perfectly with pineapple. A little sweeter blend, but not super sweet. Again, as Stir Sessions' pro tip suggests, this mix is best blended because the organic coconut milk powder doesn't dissolve as easily by simply stirring. It still tastes great on the rocks, but you may be iffy about the floating powder.
RASPBERRY LEMONADE
Wow, this one is come-back-in-for-another-sip good. It gives fresh squeezed lemonade with a berry on top. I really liked the lemony tartness right out of the gates, but if you are more perceptive to stevia's aftertaste, which varies from person to person, you may not want to go all-in on a 12-Pack until you try it in a variety pack first. The aftertaste snuck up on me after a few sips which puts this amazing kids' favorite a little lower on my list. The rest of my company thoroughly enjoyed this one, so it goes to show that not everyone perceives the aftertaste.
Tequila
CLASSIC MARGARITA
A popular beverage of choice and a crowd pleaser for sure. I'm not a margarita girl so I don't want to speak out of tune on this one, but the consensus is that Stir Sessions mixed up a pretty authentic blend here. The lime shines through as it should and it's rounded out nicely with a little whisper of orange. Get the salt and forget your worries!
CLASSIC PALOMA
No. 2 flavor for me. I never heard of, let alone had, a Paloma which is another cool thing about Stir Sessions. You try new flavors you may not have otherwise tried. She's on the list now y'all! Zesty, puckery, well-balanced citrus notes dance around each other. Grapefruit is the star but lime chimes in harmoniously. I have to say, just like Mango Mai Tai, I favored the mocktail version more. This mix has stevia, but I did not experience any aftertaste. It's possible that the tartness in this mix levels it out. Let's go Paloma! You're my new best friend.
WATERMELON MARGARITA
Refreshing, unique. A slightly sweeter flavor in a dignified clear mix. This is a fun one. No surprise, the kids are all about it. Bummer for me that, like Raspberry Lemonade, the aftertaste from stevia took over landing this poppy little mix lower on my list... which is completely opposite of everyone else who placed this one high on theirs. If stevia doesn't crash the party for you, Watermelon Margarita will likely be the life of it!
Cozy
BLOOD ORANGE OLD FASHIONED
A winner with the boys! Blood orange elevates a classic while honoring old school authenticity. Captures the characteristics of an Old Fashioned served up in a fancy establishment, without all the fancy.
CRANBERRY MULE
How do you make a kick *** (mule pun) drink better... you add cranberry. It has the ginger. It has the citrus. It gives you what you know and pops it up a level with cranberry. This is the only flavor I have not tried yet. I will be back, of course, with my take for you.
ESPRESSO MARTINI
Where do I start? My goodness the aroma, so good. I went rogue here and used Irish Cream Liquor as my base spirit... the spirit moved me... so glad it did. A cozy masterpiece. Thought I was about to be clever and call it an Irish Espresso... turns out, it's already a thing, but I'll 'tip me hat' to myself for trying. Creamy, silky, coffee hugged with the right touch of sweetness. Don't judge, I never had an iced coffee. My best guess is, if you are an iced coffee drinker, you'll lock into this combination. I don't think I'll stray far from my Irish Espresso, but I am going to see how she does in hot cocoa as a mocktail option. I'll report back!
--> If you are sensitive to caffeine, Espresso Martini has 45mg of caffeine. |
Served up in Eco-Friendly Packaging
Stir Sessions Craft Beverage Mix powders are hand-crafted in small batches (w/ organic and natural ingredients... no chemicals) and packaged in Utah. No bulky packaging or shipping products made mostly of water resulting in a smaller carbon footprint. Stir Sessions is a 1% for the planet member.
12-PACK POUCHES
One Flavor
12 Individual Packets
Total: 84g/2.96oz
Single Packet: 7g/0.25oz
VARIETY PACKS: Tropical, Tequila, Cozy
Tropical:
3x Mango Mai Tai
3x Pina Colado
3x Raspberry Lemonade
3x Classic Margarita
Tequila:
4x Classic Margarita
4x Classic Paloma
4x Watermelon Margarita
Cozy:
4x Blood Orange Old Fashioned
4x Cranberry Mule
4x Espresso Martini
Tip: The Variety Packs are the best way to try all of the flavors. All 9 individual flavors are represented throughout the 3 Variety Pack options! |
Stir Sessions Powdered Craft Beverage Mix
Organic Fruit Powders
Natural Fruit Flavors
No Artificial Flavors/No Additives
No Synthetic Dyes
Gluten-free, Soy-free
Vegan, Non-GMO
25 Calories
Low Sugar, Low Carb
Eco-friendly
Small Business
Handcrafted in Utah
Made in the USA
With every last call, it's sad to see a good time come to an end, so if you want a little more insight on Stir Sessions, we can do one more round Stir Sessions in Collection Wyld.
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