June Degustabox + Jalapeno Basil Lime Sherbet Punch

Last month I was invited to review Degustabox, a subscription food box company with a presence across five European markets. The company is expanding to the U.S. which is good news for folks who enjoy receiving boxes of goodies delivered to their doorsteps. This a great opportunity to discover what a subscription food box looks like and to determine if they truly stand up to the hype.

One of the best parts about food subscription boxes is the element of surprise. The anticipation of waiting for delivery of this box was pretty high. Once I had it in hand, I grew all kinds of excited as I opened it to discover the tasty treats inside. Degustabox is FILLED with at least 10 food products. This initial one contained a nice variety of sweet and savory items.

Also included were coupons and informational inserts which happened to feature recipes using a couple of the products. It was a nice touch.

I could tell a lot of thought went into the packaging, however, a bottle of salad dressing didn’t make it. A replacement will be included in the next package. I learned that if the recipient of a box receives an item in poor condition, they only have to use the Degustabox Contact Form to notify customer service. A replacement should be included in the next box. Sounds easy enough.

In addition to the vinaigrette, the June Degustabox I received included:

• Wise Popcorn – I shared these with my sister and daughter. They were both delicious but I favored the Sea Salt more. My daughter preferred the Cinnabon Popcorn.
• Vita Coco – This can be used as both an ingredient for cooking or as a beauty product. I’ve used coconut oil as a hair care product before and will be using this for the same.
• Haribo Sour Gold-Bears – They’re really sour but once we started in on these it was all over. The bag was shared with my family and everyone loved them. I’ll have to get another bag. Maybe I’ll hide it this time.
• Elmhurst Harvest Plant Based Milk Alternative – I stopped drinking cow’s milk some time ago and started drinking almond milk. I love it and tend to stay in one lane when it comes to which one I choose to pour over my cereal or drink by the glass. With that said, I’m thinking this particular item will have to be used in a smoothie. I’ll have to get back to you on how that works out.
• Soy Vay Veri Veri Teriyaki Marinade & Sauce – This sauce has been earmarked for chicken skewers on the grill. Can hardly wait.

• Orchard Valley Harvest – Cranberry Almond Cashew Trail Mix and Cashew Halves and Pieces. These make wonderful snacks. I practically inhaled both of them in my car on the drive home. I’ll definitely be on the lookout for these when I go shopping.

Honees Cough Drops – I didn’t think I would need these because it’s the middle of Summer. Who gets a cold when it’s scorching hot outside? I do. I shared several with my sister and ended up needing the rest to soothe my throat one long, awful weekend. I found them so much easier to take than other cough suppressants I’ve tried.

• Jiff Cinnamon Flavored Peanut Butter – Who knew cinnamon and peanut butter could be friends? I was going to make this a snack for work with just a spoon but, after tasting it, I thought it would be cool to step up my snacking game.

I grabbed a few vanilla wafers, smeared on a little cinnamon peanut butter, smushed it down with a banana slice, then drizzled a taste of caramel sauce on top. This is good stuff. Just try it.

The last item in my Degustabox inspired this pot of simple syrup. It’s a combination of sugar, water, sliced jalapenos and basil leaves. Since it’s Summertime, I’m having fun making refreshing drinks. This one is my favorite so far.

Topo Chico – There were two bottles inside my Degustabox. One was a lime flavored sparkling water, the other was mineral water. The simple syrup I mentioned before was used to throw some flavor at a typical lime sherbet punch. The Topo Chico Lime Flavored Sparkling Water was used to add the much desired fizz.

The flavor in this version was spot on. It only takes a short time to make this so grab a chilled glass and a straw. Here’s the recipe.

Jalapeno Basil Simple Syrup

Ingredients:
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup water
1 jalapeno, sliced with the seeds removed
4 basil leaves

Directions:
Place sugar, water and jalapeno slices in a small, non-reactive saucepan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and stir until all of the sugar crystals are dissolved. Simmer for 15 minutes. Remove saucepan from heat and gently stir in basil leaves. Let sit for 30 minutes. Strain into a glass jar and allow to cool completely. Store in the refrigerator.

Jalapeno Basil Lime Sherbet Punch

Ingredients:
Juice of 1 lime
4 tbsp Jalapeno Basil Simple Syrup
1 bottle Topo Chico Lime Flavored Sparkling Water
3 scoops lime sherbet
1 tsp Candied Jalapenos, finely chopped

In a tall glass, stir together the lime juice, simple syrup and 1/4 cup Topo Chico Lime Flavored Sparkling Water. Gently spoon in 3 scoops of lime sherbet. Top with a touch more of the Topo Chico Lime Flavored Sparkling Water. Carefully sprinkle the candied jalapenos on top. Garnish with a lime slice. Insert straw and enjoy.

To learn more about Degustabox

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Try it for yourself: Save 50% off your first box – that’s $9.99 instead of $19.99 – use coupon code HGLJJ

Have you ever tried a food subscription service or considered one? We’d love to hear your thoughts!!

Disclosure:  I received this complimentary Degustabox in exchange for an honest review. I received no monetary compensation for this post. All opinions are based on my own personal experience. You can view my full Disclosure Policy here.