Question: Exactly how much of a good thing do Americans have to have before they run it completely into the ground?
Answer: Apparently, about 8 – 10 oz.
If you stand anywhere in the heart of Manhattan (or any other major metropolis for that matter) and throw a lime wedge, you’re bound to hit a spa hawking “mojito manicures, pedicures and massages.” For a short-lived time we were also subjected to mojito-flavored chewing gum, not to mention the recent sightings of mojito beer, soda, energy drinks, cupcakes, jellybeans and ice cream. Then, of course, we have the inedibles: mojito lip balms, candles, body scrubs, bath salts, lotions and soaps. Are we really that quick to make a buck on culinary trends? I guess we should be thankful that there aren’t any short rib-scented candles as well, though I might be more apt to stick one of those in my bedroom instead. In fact, if the sense of smell is so damned powerful, perhaps they can come out with a line of food-scented candles for weight loss—put the fork down, light the candle, inhale deeply. Seriously, though, I have about as much desire to see a mojito listed in an Italian restaurant’s menu as I do to see my gynecologist at Back to School Night. I’m sure Papa Hemingway is retching in his grave at the mention of a mango mojito, a sake mojito, and a frozen mojito. Can’t we just leave a nice, refreshing, inoffensive cocktail the hell alone?!?
That being said, I think there’s some room for growth here for the wine industry. Wine-flavored jellybeans? Just think—you could mix and match the cab and merlot for a Bordeaux blend, perhaps with one or two petite verdots thrown in for good measure. Or just reach into the bag blindly and throw them all in your mouth at once for the equivalent of a Chateauneuf du Pape. Christ, they already have wine ice cream and chocolate….why not a partnership between Naked Winery and Just Born, Inc. for Naked Peeps?
I’m also game for some wine-flavored cough drops, toothpastes and dental fluoride treaments, so start taking notes. Any other products out there that would be better off being wine flavored? (In)edible panties, maybe? Hell, they already have Smirnoff mojitos (a contradiction in terms) so why not riesling-flavored vodka? Perhaps a little wine would actually give that shit a personality. Listen up wine makers, if the cocktail scene can sell out, so can you! Americans are just as good at running a BAD idea into the ground, so don’t be afraid—we promise we’ll bend over and let you shove that shiraz-flavored straw up our ass so you can suck us dry, too.
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
We already have wine ice cream! http://www.mercersdairy.com/
That’s what I mentioned, Dale…”Christ, they already have wine ice cream and chocolate…” but thanks for the link!! I was actually making wine sorbets long before it became popular…I’m always missing the boat on these things!!! 🙂
i have some coffee smelling salt body scrub – damn the smell is incredible – only downside its the same colour as coffee so its a pain to clean the bath after you used it
Ewwww, Linsey….I can imagine it would smell great, but does it look like you’re taking a bath in crap-colored water?!? LOL!
ummmm i was going for coffee coloured water … lol
Linsey, LOL….
I’m thinking the next big wine trend will be wine with foam. El Bulli meets Chardonnay. I like my Rombauer with a little head on it. Or maybe Yquem with a spritz of foie gras foam. Like kissing a rabid dog. And I would know.
They already have a cheeseburger-flavored cocktail with a lettuce foam, Ron, so you aren’t far off…just a matter of time before they get wind of your idea…hold out for royalties brother!!
mmmmmmmmm mojitos love those thanks to my sis in law and brother. lol on the water color katie.
i didnt notice you liking mojitos while u were here anthony….. much!