On a bright, sunny day, the grill takes center stage. The aroma brings everyone to the table with the promise of a delicious meal. Johnsonville Dr Pepper Inspired Sausage fits perfectly in the flavorful moment and the fandom around that juicy taste is growing.
Johnsonville is more than Sheboygan Falls’ little gem. From brats to Italian sausage, the iconic food brand is a staple on people’s grills. Whether it is the football tailgate or the summer bash, people trust the food brand. Every time, that juicy, flavorful meat will be the star of the plate.
Recently, Johnsonville pushed sausage’s flavor boundaries. For example, it partnered with another Wisconsin favorite, Leinenkugel’s on a limited edition shandy beer inspired offering. This new approach to beer and brats delighted everyone.
With the new Johnsonville Dr Pepper Inspired Sausage, the two brands write a new chapter in the grill cookbook. Instead of cooking sausages in the iconic Texas beverage or smothering that meat in a sweet barbecue sauce, the sausage gets a juicy, refreshing 23 ingredient flavor infusion.
According to Derek Dabrowski, SVP of Brand Marketing at Dr Pepper, the specialty sausages put the classic beverage in a “whole new category.” The bold, innovative and curious take ignited a passionate conversation on flavor and brand collaborations.
As Jamie Schmelzer, Vice President of Marketing at Johnsonville commented, “Johnsonville and Dr Pepper are built for hangouts, and our data continues to show people are connecting less. So, we got together and made something fun, unexpected and maybe delicious? Reaction to the idea of a soda-inspired sausage has been a little polarized, but we hope people hang out, give it a try and let us know what they think, love ’em or hate ’em.”
What Can People Expect from the Johnsonville Dr Pepper Inspired Sausage?
Available in both cooked and uncooked versions, the Johnsonville Dr Pepper Inspired Sausage is first and foremost a sausage. Even though the beloved beverage has an underlying sweetness, the unctuous sausage quality is never overshadowed.
Johnsonville tagged the flavor, “swalty.” The sweet and salty might not be as flashy as “swicy,” but it is craveable. It is just like that snack that has just the right amount of sweet, salty finish that demands another handful.
More importantly, it has balance. The downside to some Dr Pepper infused barbecue is that it reads a little too cloying. Even though salt can enhance sweetness, this sausage has a richness that cuts through the other flavors.
Additionally, it is imperative to be thoughtful with condiments. Adding more salty or sweet as a topping can be flavor overkill. This sausage demands contrasting flavors.
For example, a good brown mustard stands up to the swalty. Raw onions can be better than traditional caramelized onions. Even some tangy slaw for both brightness and crunch is a good idea.
Of course, some people push the boundaries with toppings. Just like the concept, itself, a little culinary creativity can lead to a flavorful discovery.
Always try a combination before dismissing the food concept. While my preference would be to skip the Pop Rocks, the Funyons are an unexpected winner, even the Flamin’ Hot version.
Ready for a taste of Johnsonville Dr Pepper Inspired Sausage? The new food hits at Walmart, Kroger, 7-Eleven and other retailers starting on March 1. Check with stores for availability and pricing.
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