Earlier this year, we were introduced to Sprite Chill, and in keeping with cool words, the lemon-lime soda is now bringing us Vanilla Frost for the holiday season. This version is exclusive to Kroger-affiliated stores, and instead of promising a cooling sensation like Chill, it sets out to keep you cozy with the classic flavor of vanilla and just maybe a hint of spice.

The packaging is adorned with a simple snowflake design that’s nondescript enough that you might accidentally grab one of these thinking it was a regular Sprite dressed in a winter sweater. If that happens to you, I hope you’re a vanilla fan because if you aren’t, you might have to take your anger out on the nearest snowman.

The drink is perfectly clear like a regular Sprite and just as bubbly and crisp as one. The vanilla flavor is noticeable from the first sniff, and while it’s not overwhelming in the taste, something about it comes across as slightly artificial. I thought this might bother me, but it ended up not being an issue as I continued drinking.

At first, it reminded me of a cream soda or something you might order at an old soda shop – it’s a little weird, you’re not sure you love it, but you can’t deny it has a certain nostalgic appeal. The vanilla isn’t overwhelming, but this drink has a dessert feel to it that reminds me of citrus pies or ice cream floats. It wouldn’t be my first choice for having alongside a meal, but it works on its own as a self-contained sippable sweet, and I could see it being a successful cocktail mixer. In addition to the usual effervescence of Sprite, this seems like it might have a bit of something else to give it an extra kick. I thought I could detect a slight gingery touch that, when combined with the vanilla, definitely pushes this drink into winter-months territory.

I purchased two bottles of this and have zero regrets, but your enjoyment of this Sprite will likely come down to your feelings about combining vanilla with lemon and lime. I found the pairing to be pleasantly wintery and would happily sip on it at a holiday party. I won’t be sad if it doesn’t return next year, but that’s also kind of the appeal of a limited edition; like a snowflake on the tongue, it’s here and it’s gone. Vanilla Frost makes my nice list, but if I wasn’t in proximity to a store that carried it, I wouldn’t overpay for a special delivery.

Purchased Price: $2.00
Size: 20 fl oz
Purchased at: Mariano’s
Rating: 7 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (1 bottle regular) 200 calories, 0 grams of total fat, 110 milligrams of sodium, 54 grams of carbohydrates, 54 grams of total sugars, and 0 grams of protein.