Jennifer Sangalang|FLORIDA TODAY
Four years ago, the world was introduced to the butterscotch, carbonated concoction that is Butterbeer when the Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Hogsmeade at Universal's Islands of Adventure opened.
Well, Butterbeer, make room for Gilly Water, the signature drink at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley at Universal Studios.
According to the Harry Potter books and films, Gillywater is made of Gillyweed and plain water. When a witch or wizard drinks a potion made with Gillyweed, he or she develops webbing between the fingers and toes, allowing the magical one to breathe underwater.
Alas, that kind of magic was reserved for Hollywood. Hundreds of journalists and VIP guests sampled Gillywater Wednesday night during the Diagon Alley media preview.
Diagon Alley opens to the public July 8.
The drinks:
-- Tongue Tying Lemon Squash
-- Otter's Fizzy Orange Juice
-- Fishy Green Ale
-- Peachtree Fizzing Tea
-- Gillywater
Still available are Pumpkin Juice and Butterbeer (frozen or cold). These drinks can only be consumed at either Wizarding World property.
Visuals journalist Caroline Perez and I sampled the Tongue Tying Lemon Squash, Otter's Fishy Orange Juice and Fishy Green Ale. Full disclosure, I also consumed two cups of Butterbeer cold.
The Tongue Tying Lemon Squash definitely left us making a puckering face. The "tongue tying" in the name is dead-on. The actual Gillywater is a lot like flavored water, with extras on the flavor. It's like a sucker punch of lemon right at the end. It was the color of lemonade, but so not like lemonade.
The Otter's Fizzy Orange Juice is like slightly carbonated, slightly watered-down orange soda with a rim of cinnamon and sugar and a fresh orange slice. It was refreshing. While we thought the cinnamon would be overwhelming, it was just a light dusting. This was a popular drink, according to the helpful staff.
Last but not least, the Fishy Green Ale. This was, by far, the most adventurous drink there. A lot of journalists in line with us declined. The Diagon Alley team member dressed in his robes and hat grinned ear to ear as he described the "fish eggs" that release a sweet, tart explosion. The drink was a light sky blue with blueberry-something -- best described as exploding Boba Tea bubbles, but better! -- at the bottom.
With every sip from the Fishy Green Ale comes a fish egg or two. It's an odd sensation because it's a delicate little bubble or fruit, or something. No chewing involved. It bursts right away and the tarty flavor one would experience from a Sweet Tart explodes in liquid fashion. Highly recommended if you can get past the name and the Diagon Alley team members' description of it.
Contact Sangalang at 321-242-3630
or jsangalang@floridatoday.com. Follow Jennifer on Twitter: @byjensangalang
