Meet Henry-Stewart – Bringing Auckland a Refreshing New Drink Experience

A couple of summers ago, I was at a scorching hot event where people were lining up for ice cream. As someone who’s lactose intolerant, my only option was a hot oat milk coffee. Standing there in the heat, I remember thinking, “Why isn’t there a van selling ice-cold drinks?” Not long after, I found myself in a job that I didn’t enjoy, and that simple idea kept coming back to me. I decided to take the leap. After months of research—and plenty of taste testing—I discovered dirty sodas and immediately knew Auckland needed them. I combined the classic recipes that originated in Utah with Kiwi-inspired flavours and added a range of refreshing slushies to create something truly unique.

Dirty sodas are more than just a drink—they’re an experience. At first, the combination of soft drinks, flavoured syrups and a creamy finish might sound unusual, but one sip is usually all it takes to win people over. I also wanted to reinvent the traditional slushy by using a neutral base paired with locally made syrups. While Blue Raspberry remains a customer favourite, Sour Feijoa has quickly become one of our most popular flavours, giving people a uniquely Kiwi twist they won’t find just anywhere.

The best part is seeing someone try one of my drinks for the very first time. Watching their face light up after that first sip—especially when it's one of my own flavour creations—is incredibly rewarding. I love introducing people to something they've never tasted before, and I enjoy constantly experimenting with new combinations to create refreshing drinks that surprise people.

Exactly one year after the idea first came to me, I returned to that very same event—but this time as a stallholder selling icy cold drinks. It turned out to be another scorching summer's day, and from the moment the gates opened, the queue never stopped. I had completely underestimated the demand and sold out halfway through the event. Running out of stock wasn't ideal, but it gave me something even more valuable—it proved that the idea worked. Next year I'll be back with at least twice the stock and plenty of extra hands to help keep up with demand.

Without a doubt, the Feijoa F¢&$ Dirty Soda*. It's one of my own original creations, made with locally produced feijoa syrup. The combination of lemon soda, feijoa syrup, fresh lime juice and a smooth non-dairy cream creates a drink that sounds unexpected—but somehow works perfectly. It's refreshing, uniquely Kiwi, and the one drink I always recommend to first-time visitors.