Club-Mate

Crate of Club-Mate

Club-Mate (German pronunciation: [ˈklʊp ˈmaːtə]) is a caffeinated carbonated mate-extract beverage made by the Loscher Brewery (Brauerei Loscher) near Münchsteinach, Germany, which originated in 1924.^[1]. Club-Mate has a relatively high caffeine content (20 mg per 100 ml) and low sugar content compared to other beverages such as cola and other energy drinks.

Club-Mate is available in 0.33 and 0.5 liter bottles.

History

0.33l and 0.5l bottle of Mate

Geola Beverages of Dietenhofen, Germany originally formulated and marketed Club-Mate under the name Sekt-Bronte. The drink was only known regionally until acquired by Loscher and marketed under the name Club-Mate. Two examples of Club-Mate-based mixed drinks are vodka-mate and Tschunk, a combination of rum and Club-Mate.

In December 2007, Loscher marketed a Club-Mate winter edition. The limited-edition Club-Mate consists of the original formula mixed with cardamom, cinnamon, star anise and citrus extract. It is since sold regularly for a limited time during winter.

In 2009, a Club-Mate-styled cola variety was introduced.

As of November 2011, the company listed distributors in 31 countries^[2], primarily in Europe, but also including Canada, Australia, Israel, Turkey and South Africa.

Ingredients

• Water
• Inverted sugar syrup
• Sugar
• Mate tea extract
• Citric acid
• Caffeine
• Natural flavors
• Caramel color
• Carbonic acid

One gets used to it

The slogan in German is "Man gewöhnt sich daran...". In English, this literally translates as "One gets used to it...", although it could also be interpreted as "You get used to it...", "you (can) get accustomed to it...", "you'll get used to it..." (with a subtext of being able to temporarily endure an unpleasant experience), or "you can build up a resistance to it...".^[3]

Hacker culture

Club-Mate has developed a following in computer hacker culture in Europe. Bruce Sterling wrote in Wired magazine that it is the favorite beverage of Germany's Chaos Computer Club^[4].

External links

• History of Loscher Brewery (Includes information on acquisition of Geola Beverages) (German)

Notes

1. ^ http://dizzyfrinks.com/drink/club-mate/
2. ^ http://www.clubmate.de/cws/en/how-to-get.68.html
3. ^ https://www.noisebridge.net/wiki/Club_Mate
4. ^ http://www.wired.com/beyond_the_beyond/2007/04/clubmate_favori/