The people at Purple Beverage Company sent me some samples of their Purple cocktail that contains juice from seven of the world's greatest antioxidants: black cherry, pomegranate, black currant, purple plum, cranberry, blueberry and acai, which comes from Brazilian rainforest and is pronounced ah-SIGH-EE. It was also featured on Oprah, for what it's worth, and is being hailed as the new "superfood."

The company was selling Purple (www.drinkpurple.com) mostly in select markets like New York City but now it's gone national by selling at GNC this month.
I'll be straight with you about this: This is some tough stuff to swallow. My wife tried it, a friend at work tried it and my boss tried it -- and they all prune-faces afterward. When I drink it, I have to slam it all down in one drink so there is only one aftertaste, but with all these  free radical fighters, it's hopefully worth it.

I e-mailed the marketing person about the taste and she said it's great in smoothies, and it's also good mixed with alcohol. (http://www.drinkpurple.com/our_product_mixology.htm)

I laughed at that and thought it to be counter-productive, but then she sent me a NY Times story that said alcohol actually increase the benefits from antioxidants.

"Researchers from the United States Department of Agriculture and a study at
Kasetsart University in Thailand recently reported that adding alcohol to
antioxidant-rich berries increases their antioxidant power – a fact that is
making PURPLE one of today's most popular cocktail trends in nightclubs and
lounges, like the legendary Palm Restaurant in New York City," according to a release from the company. 

"We are thrilled to join the ranks of the high-end, healthful products sold at
GNC stores. This is an important step in our planned nationwide retail rollout
to make Purple available for consumers everywhere to enjoy," said Ted
Farnsworth, CEO of Purple Beverage Company. "Since Purple made its official
debut a few short months ago, consumers and even celebrities like legendary
recording artist Chaka Khan have embraced it, sky-rocketing the antioxidant
rich drink to its status as one of the most sought-after beverages in markets
like New York, Los Angeles and Miami. With select, national availability at GNC
stores, more consumers can now experience the Power of Purple."