Lambrini Original - renowned by students. Appreciated because of its low cost and the ease in which it slips down your throat. Something to admire? Or, something to steer clear of? This sparkling wine (measured below in ABV) comes in several varieties, namely: Original (7.5%), Cherry (5.5%), Light (5.5%), Peach (5.5%), Rose (5.5%), Apple and Blackcurrant (5.5%), Bubbly (5.5%), and Pink Bubbly (5.5%). All bottles are cheap and frequently on offer in major stores. Don't be fooled by the 'posh' look of the label and 'swanky' design of the bottle though - this drink is far from suitable for a civilised dining experience, and here's why...

A sweet, sharp and bubbly taste and smell invades your senses on first sip and sniff. The alcoholic content is barely noticed, simply because it's invaded with other substances (equally as bad). There is a distinctly chemical feel to the drink, one which exists to cover up the taste of alcohol and help you to re-remember such drinks as lemonade, sprite (maybe an Elderflower type drink?).

Sickliness is an issue with any Lambrini variety. They all become unbearable to drink after a few glasses full because of the thickly sweet taste and over-load of single-fruit consistency. It tastes cheap, and after realising this, your body decides against allowing too much of the stuff entry... Somehow (a lot of the time) your mind will get the better of you on this issue, and you'll find yourself drinking Lambrini (almost sub-consciously) without realising its nastiness. But that's beside the point - the point is, this drink is so sickly it will make you sick. The times I've thrown up after drinking Lambrini on a student night out is difficult to put a figure on.

If you like this kind of thing, then I have no quarrel. If you're low on cash, even better. But if you're after something that's nice, has a smidgen of class, and doesn't make you feel ill - buy an Echo Falls wine, or something similar. My overall opinion of Lambrini is a poor one. This is a nasty, sickly, cheap sparkly drink that tastes both chemical and alcohol-free - two things it shouldn't. It is (I'd even go as far to say) dangerous.

RATING: 1.8/5
PRICE: £2-3 (per 75Cl bottle).
AVAILABILITY: www.drinksupermarket.com