Peruvian Barley-Flavored Tonic is Smooth, but Beware the Sugar High
How can one popular Peruvian nonalcoholic bottled drink be both an aperitif-slash-digestif and help with back pain? SFoodie followed a tip from a Peruvian friend and ran straight to the store to find out.
Mary Ladd Capable of slaking a thirst and curing lumbago?
Inca's Food Emoliente barley drink ($2.29 for a 16-ounce bottle at various stores around the Mission) is a self-described "emollient," made with water, sugar, toasted barley, linseed, horse tail, couch grass, and preservatives by PEIMCO, which is short for Peruvian Import Company. We're guessing it's the barley that gives the drink its smooth consistency and slightly bread-like taste. But its very pronounced sweetness might be just too much for some. In a way, Inca's Food Emoliente brought to mind taqueria versions of the Mexican hibiscus-flower agua fresca jamaica, though in a decidedly less fruity and tangy way.
As for curing back pain, the jury's still out on that claim.
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