This invention provides a method for preparing a liquid composition of N-[N-(3,3-dimethylbutyl)-L-.alpha.-aspartyl]-L-phenylalanine 1-methyl ester comprising the steps of (a) providing a liquid carrier; and (b) mixing N-[N-(3,3-dimethylbutyl)-L-.alpha.-aspartyl]-L-phenylalanine 1-methyl ester with said liquid carrier in a ratio of up to 3:2 by weight to produce a liquid composition. The resulting liquid composition would be capable of fully dissolving or suspending neotame and may be mixed with or added to a food or beverage product in an amount effective to sweeten the food or beverage product. This invention is also directed to the novel liquid compositions prepared by the process of this invention and to the food and beverage products sweetened thereby. The liquid carriers of this invention include water, alcohol and mixtures thereof.