Meet Acid League: the Brand Redefining What Vinegar Can (and Should) Be
I’m a vinegar girlie. White, red, balsamic, sherry, apple cider, rice…you name it, I’ve got it. A specialty oil and vinegar store is my own personal heaven—but last year I discovered the holy grail of vinegars at none other than my local Whole Foods, and ever since then I’ve been a changed woman.
Acid League was started by a team of designers, scientists and food fanatics who make creative pantry products for modern home cooks. Their “craft-brewed” vinegars are made with ingredients like fruit and vegetable juices, purees, herbs, flowers, and more. Since starting out in 2019, they’ve created hundreds of unique products and even expanded to drinks, sauces, and “experimentals” on their mission to revolutionize the condiment shelf by reimagining old favorites into new culinary sensations.
Of course, I’m obsessed with everything Acid League makes, but their unique vinegars are truly an everyday essential for me. The first time I tried one, I felt a new world of culinary possibilities open up before me.
So without further ado, let me dive into a few of my favorites:
Garden Heat
When I tried Garden Heat for the first time, I was awestruck by its depth and complexity. Made with carrot, celery, and jalapeno juices, this blend is full of juicy green notes, with a strong earthy vegetal flavor. A taste of fresh mushrooms and roasted celeriac balances this living vinegar, grounding it and rounding out the punchier green notes. As spicy as it is flavorful, Garden Heat brings the fire to any dish. I typically pair it with roasted veggies, but per Acid League’s suggestion, I recently discovered it adds a ton of depth to a bloody mary.
Strawberry Rosé
If I had to bottle the taste of summer, Strawberry Rosé would be it. This probiotic-packed vinegar combines two of summer’s most popular flavors—strawberry, and rosé—into a flavorful-bomb that’s both fruity and floral. Excellent on a summer salad, muddled with basil in a cocktail, or even added to a strawberry ice cream base, this bright blend will be the star of anything you add it to.
Smoked Malt
My top three guilty pleasure foods are fries, bread, and butter. So when I discovered that this earthy vinegar somehow evokes the richness and subtle flavor of all three of those things, it was love at first taste. The secret is a blend of smoked and roasted malts that Acid League’s team of culinary geniuses injects into their Smoked Malt, which adds a brightness that pairs excellently with anything, but especially fried foods or stews.
Apple Cider Maple
One-note ACV is a thing of the past and Acid League’s in the future. Their Apple Cider Maple blend celebrates the crisp flavor of honeycrisp apples, celemtines, and tree sap (trust the process) with a dash of maple syrup. While sweet pairings are a given, I’ve found that this vinegar lends an elegant, subtle sweetness to savory dishes like goat cheese salads or pork chops.
Meyer Lemon Honey
Acid League’s Meyer Lemon Honey vinegar is a masterclass in balance. It’s sour, it’s sweet, it’s a little bit funky, and a lotta bit delicious. Each bottle is bursting with sour Meyer lemon and sweet honey, amplified by the fermentation process. This is my go-to salad dressing starter, and if I ever need a special something to elevate a cocktail, this is the flavor I’m reaching for.
I’m Not Going to Tell You How to Live Your Life…
But I will tell you that your life will be infinitely better once you level-up your pantry with Acid League’s funky-fresh vinegars. You can stock up at your local Whole Foods, or buy directly through Acid Leage’s website (where there are even more “experimental editions” available). You can thank me later!
