Disclaimer:

I have known both Fahad Moten and Salman Chamdia, the proprietors of Sól, for a few years. However, what they have attempted to recreate is so near to my heart that should they have screwed it up, I would not be here. Make of that what you will.

I Solemnly Swear That I Am Up To No Good

If you’ve known me, if you’ve been to my room, if you’ve looked into my life, I am unabashedly a massive Potterhead. I’m not going to spew nonsense like, “The Potter life chose me”. That’s not true. I chose it. I became invested through my own will. It’s an investment I’m massively proud of. If you ever come over, remind me to give you the tour.

For you now, it is safe to assume that everything Harry Potter themed would immediately catch my attention. There was a time when FLOC started selling a Butterbeer latte. I rushed over to try it. I have not been back there since. I buy the weirdest themed memorabilia, I mean I have Gryffindor themed wax seals. So yes, I leapt at the chance to try the butterbeer made by Sól.

The Butterbeer of My Dreams

Going to ‘Wizarding World’ and ‘Leavesden Studios’, the most sacred ritual is having a few glasses of butterbeer. It’s safe to say I walked in with massive expectations. When Harry first drinks this magical elixir in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, he instantly believes it to be the most delicious thing he has ever tasted. It also seemed to warm up every bit of him. Honestly, I wanted that.

This is served ice-cold, so the warming up bit was not going to be possible. I’m good with that. It had to, however, be the best thing I’ve ever tasted. You’re wondering if it was now, right? I ended up, willingly, drinking three, full to the brim glasses. With that contentment, I also willingly skipped dinner. I’ll give you a minute to let the shock from that last revelation subside.

The Magical Brew

The very first thing that you experience is the intoxicating aroma that wafts up as it is placed in front of you. Gentle yet commanding, the vanilla intermingles with the coffee, yet both welcome and bend to the butter. The next you acknowledge is the colour. Crisp and effervescing liquid gold. You then appreciate and sit in awe of the thick layer of foam laid in top. Somehow it manages to be imposing and gorgeously full. You’ve waited enough now, it’s time to take a taste.

You take a sip. It’s sweet, almost too sweet but never one note. If you’ve ever had cream soda (not Pakola, that’s a different ball game), this is like that but on steroids. It’s a water based drink, yes, but it has an outstanding creaminess. Even without the foam on top. You taste the butterscotch sweetness, you get vanilla in the background and a little bit of bitterness from the foam keeping everything in check. Highly refreshing and incredibly satisfying. The magic didn’t even wear off after my third!

Mischief Managed!

My excitement is palpable once again as I write this. There’s a very strong desire to have this again. The Potterhead in me was left highly satisfied but completely and thoroughly unsatiated. He wanted more. Fortunately for him, and you all of course, is that Sól has set up a stall at this year’s Karachi Eat. Stall number 29 to be exact. So do as I will, and make your way over and get your Butterbeer at Eat!