Sonic is no stranger to experimentation. Last year, they released a pickle juice slushe that was as sweet as it was briny and acidic. Doesn't that sound yummy? Well, the fast-food chain is back at it again with their new Mocktail Slushe series.
The new line includes three flavours: Pina Colada, Strawberry Daiquiri and Reaper Spicy Margarita. The latter is made with the Carolina Reaper, one of the hottest chilis known to man.
This pepper clocks in over 2 million Scoville heat units, which is just fancy hot-sauce-fanatic speak for ranking spiciness. If that number doesn't mean anything to you, just know this baby is 250 times hotter than a jalapeño. That'll set your mouth on fire just thinking about it.
Sonic is aware of just how hot their new product is. Their press release advertises the #ReaperChallenge, which allows those courageous enough to brave the mocktail to share their reactions on social media. The press release reads:
"The star of the show is the Reaper Spicy Margarita. This classic margarita flavor, infused with the flavor of one of the world’s hottest chili peppers – the Carolina Reaper – in icy, Slush form, will test even the highest of heat tolerances. The Carolina Reaper peppers promise to really spice things up so those who are sensitive to spice should keep water close."
Constantine Spyrou, an editor for Foodbeast, tried the questionable drink and agreed with all the buzz:
"Having tried this new Slush out, it is without question the hottest thing a fast food chain has ever released. While the drink isn't as spicy as a Carolina Reaper, it packs a lot of punch, with more fire to it than some ghost pepper hot sauces out there.
It does take more than a few sips to get the full effect of the heat, but it'll leave your throat, tongue, and lips burning for 20 minutes or so after eating. It's gonna definitely be a challenge for many to even just finish the frozen drink."
If you're itching to try the new slushes, Sonic offers them half-price every day from 2-4 p.m. until August 4. But they're only available until supplies last. So grab some water and a portable fan (maybe do some mouth warm-up exercises) and get to Sonic.