You Old Smoothie

Can a Brazilian berry drink add to your bedroom fun?

November 18, 2005—Acai-berry-based Sambazon energy drinks are rich in antioxidants, amino acids, and essential oils. But that’s not the only reason for their growing popularity. According to a number of men, the acai (pronounced ah-SIGH-ee) possesses Viagra-like qualities. “I figured it out by trial and error,” says George, 32, who works in film production in L.A. “I used to drink it in the morning, and then one day, when my wife was on her way home from a long trip, I took it in the afternoon. It gives you an extra kind of something—longer, faster, stronger.” Lucky Mrs. George, we guess. Portland-based Frederick, 34, another friend we agreed to quote by first name only, says he uses it for the “tantric lifestyle. If a man takes that approach, versus just racing to the finish line, I think chocolate and acai are the key to attain and maintain.” Apparently, Frederick’s not alone: Since Sambazon started selling acai products four years ago, the NYC-based company has seen sales skyrocket by 200 to 300 percent annually. And while the firm itself only claims that the drinks provide a “heightened sense of awareness and improved mental focus,” a rapidly increasing legion of fans insists there’s more to it than that. “I mean, we’re all adults here, so I can say it totally enhances your performance and endurance,” says Cheni, 33, who works in real estate in New York. “My girlfriend even notices—‘Let me guess, you took some acai?’"
Sambazon, $3.99-$29.95, available in bulk at sambazon.com, or at natural food markets and vitamin shops (sambazon.com for retailers).