From the refreshing lemon of New Zealand’s Lemon and Paeroa to Germany’s caffeinated Club-Mate, the world is full of unique soda brands waiting to excite your taste buds. Let’s go on a fizzy journey across the globe and explore the most intriguing sodas you need to try.
Let’s take a quick trip to the world’s best refreshing sodas, Mexico’s creamy ToniCol, Italy’s bitter-sweet Crodino, and Brazil’s energy-boosting Guaraná Antarctica. But that’s just the beginning. From the nostalgic flavors of Peru’s Inca Kola to the exotic blend of herbs in Austria’s Almdudler, each soda offers a unique taste of its homeland.
15. ToniCol, Mexico
Say goodbye to Vanilla Coke and hello to Mexico’s very own ToniCol! This carbonated vanilla cola, or more precisely, cream soda, is a must-try. But here’s the catch: you will only find it in some places. Made in the western state of Sinaloa, keep an eye out for these short bottles in local stores called abarrotes across Jalisco and Sinaloa. You can spot them in Mexico City metro stations if you’re lucky.
14. Crodino, Italy
People in Italy sometimes like drinks that are a little more sweet and not too sweet. One popular soda in Italy is called Crodino, and it has a sweet and a little bit bitter taste. It’s like an orange soda with a twist!
Crodino comes in cool orange cans and has been around since way back in 1965. It’s a great drink to sip before a meal to prepare your taste buds for unique food. So, if you’re ever in Italy and want to try something different, look for Crodino!
13. Guaraná Antarctica, Brazil
Guarana is a berry from the Amazon rainforest in Brazil that gives you a little energy boost, like a super-weak energy drink.
Brazil has a super popular soda called Guarana Antarctica, which uses guarana as its secret ingredient! This soda tastes like guarana, which is sweet and refreshing, and it’s been a favorite drink in Brazil since 1921.
12. Inca Kola, Peru
If you ever visit Peru, you’ll likely see a bright yellow soda everywhere you go. That’s Inca Kola, Peru’s super popular national drink! It’s so common that people enjoy it all day long, from morning to night.
Inca Kola is a sweet and bubbly soda that some people say tastes like bubblegum or cream soda. It might surprise you that even though it’s Peru’s national drink, it was invented by a British man named Joseph Robinson Lindley! Pretty cool, huh?
11. Fentimans, UK
Describing the taste of a drink like Fentimans’ Dandelion and Burdock can be tricky. It has an aniseed flavor, which might not initially sound appealing. Believe it or not, people have enjoyed it since the Middle Ages in the British Isles. Now, what exactly are dandelion and burdock? Well, they’re both plants. However, most commercial Dandelion and Burdock drinks nowadays use something other than them in their recipe. Instead, they rely on artificial flavors.
10. Lemon and Paeroa, New Zealand
In New Zealand, Lemon and Paeroa, or L&P, is a big deal. It’s known all around the world as a Kiwi classic. L&P is a refreshing lemon-flavored soda that’s perfect on its own or mixed with other drinks. It’s also a bit fizzy, which makes it extra fun to drink. L&P has been around for a long time, and it’s become a symbol of New Zealand’s “can-do” spirit. So, next time you’re feeling thirsty, imagine relaxing on a beach in New Zealand with a cold L&P.
9. Ag Barr, UK
Ag Barr, formerly known as Iron Brew until 1946, has quite a history. It used to be banned in the United States. Yes, it’s true. In Scotland, it’s as popular as tea is in England – well, almost. It’s Scotland’s most popular soft drink, even beating out Coca-Cola! Now, when it comes to the taste, opinions are divided. Some think it tastes like cough medicine, while others love its supposed bubblegum flavor. But here’s a sad twist: Irn Bru might not be as sugary and delicious as it once was due to the UK sugar tax. Oh, and here’s a fun fact: Ag Barr has its tartan pattern!
8. Ramune, Japan
Ramune beverages are a hit in Japan and worldwide, all because of their special flavors and quirky bottles. Opening a Ramune bottle can be tricky – you must push down on a marble to open it! This unique feature often surprises first-time Ramune drinkers. But don’t let that stop you! With flavors like kimchi, teriyaki, and wasabi, trying out different Ramune drinks is worth it.
Here’s an exciting fact–the name Ramune (ラムネ) comes from the Japanese word for “lemonade.” Hai!
7. Almdudler, Austria
If you have been to Austria, you might have seen a popular soda called Almdudler everywhere you go. It’s like Austria’s national drink. This soda was first made as a healthy drink that wasn’t alcoholic. That’s funny because now some people even mix Almdudler with other goodies.
Almdudler tastes a bit like ginger ale but fruitier. It’s made with grape and apple juice plus a secret blend of special herbs. Sounds exotic.
6. Bionade, Germany
Bionade is a fun and surprising drink that might trick you at first! This sweet beverage comes in a brown bottle similar to cream soda. Even though it’s made with water, barley, and sugar, Bionade is safe for kids to drink. It’s a healthier option for soda lovers because it skips the sugary flavors.
Instead of cola or grape, Bionade comes in exciting flavors you might not expect in a soda, like elderflower (a pretty flower) and orange ginger.
5. Pennsylvania Dutch Birch Beer, USA
Birch beer, often mistaken for root beer, is a unique drink made from extracts of birch tree bark and sap, along with various herbs. It’s well-known in the northeastern U.S., which is why it’s associated with the Pennsylvania Dutch brand. Interestingly, back in the 17th century, there were even alcoholic versions of birch beer! Instead of turning birch bark into oil, it was fermented to make the drink.
4. Vimto, England
Even though Vimto was created in Manchester, England, it’s gained a cult following in the Middle East. It’s now closely linked with Ramadan and often enjoyed as an energy-boosting drink after fasting. This sticky purple soft drink uniquely blends grape, blackcurrant, and raspberry flavors.
3. Orangina, France
If you’re looking for a fancy take on orange soda, Orangina is the way to go. This French soft drink is a blend of orange, lemon, grapefruit, and mandarin flavors. It’s sold in unique squat bottles that look like real oranges. But here’s a surprising fact: Orangina was actually invented by a Spaniard and was initially called Naranjina, which makes sense since “naranja” is Spanish for orange. It first gained popularity in North Africa.
2. Cheerwine, USA
Cheerwine proudly calls itself “the South’s unique cherry soft drink.” Cherry flavor can be hit or miss, but when it comes to Cheerwine, people can’t get enough of that bold black cherry taste and extra fizzy bubbles. It’s mostly enjoyed in the Carolinas and Virginia. Still, it’s also a favorite in other parts of the U.S. Some say it goes perfectly with BBQ, making it a must-have at any southern gathering.
1. Club-Mate, Germany
Lastly, we have Club-Mate, a soda from Germany that Buzzfeed once called a “hipster energy drink.” It’s surprisingly low in sugar but packed with caffeine, making it a popular choice in Berlin. You can even mix it with another German favorite, Jägermeister, in a combo called “Jäger-Mate.”
Another fun fact is that Club-Mate is made from the South American yerba mate plant.