The title is hard to believe but Spike Your Juice actually turns any juice into an alcoholic beverage in flat two days. There's no rocket science applied in doing so; just three simple steps and you're done! It takes just a few minutes and the best part is the fermentation process takes no longer than 48 hours. A budget friendly product with natural ingredients and a natural process.

A group of Europeans, based in California have developed this fascinating-concept based product after repeated experiments and brought into market.

We have one of the developers of this awesome product, Stefan Rauber, to tell us how to use it, what led him to creating it and many other fun facts about SYJ. Catch our exclusive interview with him below and a how to video at the bottom:


Stefan, please introduce yourself to E-junkies.

My hello to E-junkies! I am Stefan Rauber, a European-born business man.


Tell us about your unique invention 'Spike your Juice'. What is its concept?

Spike Your Juice comes in a travel-sized box with six packets of the fermenting mixture. It's up to the consumer to pick their favorite juice; anything but orange works. Pour the packet into 64 ounces of juice and seal with the special airlock and rubber stopper included in the kit. Voila! In 48 hours your juice will become a DIY alcoholic delight. The longer it ferments, the more potent it becomes. Once the acquired taste is reached, close the bottle with the rubber stopper, and refrigerate.























How did you come up with such a great idea? Do you have any story to share?

In 2006, I started casually reminiscing about products I missed most overseas. At the top of the lists was Federweisser, a fizzy grape cocktail only available during the harvest months of September and October in some winemaking regions of Europe. Because of the fermentation process, the drink has never been imported to the United States.    

I wondered whether it might be possible to make the drink DIY style. I enlisted the help of my wife, Karen, obtained the recipe for the original yeast mixture, and began experimenting with fermentation. Each week, Karen and me held weekly testing parties, trying different juice and yeast combinations out on friends. Over time, these weekly parties became increasingly more popular. Everyone wanted to make spiked juice.

Inspired by our memories of Federweisser and buoyed by the overwhelmingly positive response from friends, we set out to bring our magical product to market.  The goal was to create a formula that captured the drink’s essence -- fruity and bubbly -- but which was distinctly American. We wanted it to be reminiscent of the original, but that would also taste great with a variety of fruit juices - not just grape as is the European custom.

In 2007, we hit upon the perfect mixture. We brought in another European friend, Hansi Rudolph, and the three entrepreneurs started Spike Your Juice, a DIY kit for consumers using juice and Spike's proprietary recipe.

























What are the ingredients of 'Spike Your Juice'? 

The ingredients are our proprietary yeast blend, organic evaporated cane juice (form of sugar), emulsifier


Is it able to create the same carbonation as alcohol has?

You can certainly do it on your own - it may or may not turn out drinkable ( basic concept is: sugar + yeast = alcohol + CO2 ). The CO2 is a natural produced gas and is not induced like in most sodas. Making of Champagne is very similar in the process of Spike.


What kind of reception has 'Spike your juice' had so far?

Spike had a great reception - since most people did not know the basic concept of fermentation, we had to first make them familiar with it.

At first, everyone thought it was magical powder, rather than yeast.

The crowds who seemed to first get it, were the DIY people (ThinkGeek.com) rather than the wine or food enthusiasts.(as predicted in the beginning)


What has been your fondest memory associated with this product?

My fondest memories are the testing and seeing peoples faces when trying - it actually tastes really good. (especially people who know the product it is based on - Federweisser)


How is your experience selling online? What do you think about E-commerce?

In the beginning we were an online only product and slowly moved into several specialty stores. We have not achieved yet to be in any large physical store chain.(Target, Bevmo,...)

To answer your question, E-commerce is the best thing for start ups - to have your own store and get more recognized at managable expenses.


Are we going to see any further developments in your brand/product?

We expanded our product line ( added the Refill, BigBox... at many customer requests). We are currently selling wholesale in the UK and South Africa and will add worldwide retail sales and shipping from our website in 2012.


What message do you have for our readers?

My message is that Spike Your Juice takes away the fear and complication of Home Brewing. It introduces the public to the simplicity and fun of creating your own fully customized alcoholic beverage and offer them at social gatherings such as BBQs and parties.

Stefan, thank you for the interview and enlightening us with the facts about your wonderful product. It's incredible! E-junkie wishes you all the best for the success of 'Spike Your Juice'.


Spike Your Juice in 3 easy steps:






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