Sad about being alone on Valentine’s Day? No need to fret, as The Sink will keep you company with its three specialty Valentine’s drinks. Join me on my journey of self-love as I review this week’s Sink-nature drink: Passion Pit.
I was slightly confused by the name at first; I understood the “Passion” part — a lovely representation of both the fruit and the holiday. But the “Pit” bit? As in an arm? Brad? Do passion fruits have pits? Is it the pit of despair singles feel on this day of love?
Apparently it’s none of the above, because upon further research, “Passion Pit” is the name of an indie Cambridge band that started in 2007. Their first EP “Chunk of Change” was a Valentine’s Day gift to the girlfriend of one of their members, making the band’s name a perfect fit for Cupid’s drink of choice.
How did I choose between the three drinks of love? Since The Sink has been running a little low on, well, everything, getting a lemonade at 10 a.m. seemed like the safest bet (my tummy thanked me for it too). I was also lucky enough to get my drink on one of the few days the shop has been open recently.
Upon first sip, I was shot with an arrow full of flavor. The sweet and tart tastes danced together, blooming a beautiful relationship. I was taken back to freshman year of high school, on one of my first dates at the Erie County Fair. My suitor bought me a seven dollar lemonade from one of those stands where they mesmerizingly make the beverage in front of you. That first taste was so sour that my eyes scrunched up and my tongue clicked. Even though we were within eyesight of my mom and surrounded by rowdy children and flashing lights, my date using his whole allowance to buy me a lemonade remains one of the most romantic gestures I have ever received.
Nostalgia aside, Passion Pit was nowhere near perfection. While the flavors blended nicely, it was a bit too strong for my taste. The beverage was so concentrated that I felt it sticking to the roof of my mouth as I was drinking it. Once I finished half of the concoction, I diluted it with water to create a more enjoyable drinking experience.
After applying my expert barista skills, the Passion Pit became both tasty and refreshing. If it’s still around, it will be a great drink for the start of spring, which I hope is just around the corner — don’t believe everything that groundhog predicts.
I hope you spend this Valentine’s Day with someone you love, whether it’s a partner, friend, family member or that campus crush you’ve always been too scared to talk to. Whoever it is, consider splitting a Passion Pit, and maybe add a little water. Stay tuned for next time’s alliterative invention — Girl Grass.
Always brewing the best reviews,
Dylan Fee
