COMPARATIVE LIT ESSAY:
A ripe, soft and juicy mango that is right off the tree and scored the proper way is a marvel when you pull the soft flesh off the skin. Even more so on a hot summer day. As we are now into August, I thought I would pull two mango ciders from my fridge: Rekorderlig of Sweden’s Mango-Raspberry and Pivot’s Two to Mango from Kentucky. The comparison and breakdown for this will be quick as the Mango-Raspberry is way too sweet, with a sugary and artificial taste that takes it out of the running. It has a slightly-off nose which couldn’t be forgotten or overlooked when drinking it The bubblegum-pink color should have been a warning. It was so sugary and sweet it made strawberry soda blush. I have had a couple of Rekorderligs before which were sweet but enjoyable, but I just couldn’t finish this one. Mango, raspberry and apple seems like it had potential, but it just fell down in the execution. The Pivot Two to Mango on the other hand was a really great drink, even if it had some flaws. I think apple, pear and mango really worked well together to create a soft and delightful cider, somewhat reminiscent of that of that fresh-scored mango. You can tell it is not fresh mango juice, but they still created a really nice cocktail which starts off as a smooth and sweet perry before you get a big bump of mango in the finish. The lack of carbonation and low levels of acidity—that switch midway from malic to citric—leads to a gentle, soft and sweet people pleaser which is perfect for an easy-going afternoon in the sun.