Passion

Here’s a drink that promises summer vibes but delivers a taste of synthetic disappointment: Dutch Bros’ watermelon matcha lemonade. Amid the chain’s growing matcha lineup, this blend stands out not for its harmony but for its alarming reliance on artificial sweetness. Our taster described the watermelon syrup as tasting like cherry cough syrup—sweet, cloying, and entirely unconvincing. Pair that with a matcha concentrate that’s more syrup than powder, and you’ve got a drink that feels like a chemistry experiment gone wrong. The first sip is a shock of bitterness, artificial fruit, and sugary overload, leaving your palate numbed before it…