Mmm, regional flavors for carbonic acid
September 20, 2015 11:55 AM Subscribe
Here's The Daily Meal's list of 10 favorite regional soft drinks (SLIDESHOW). And here's Mental Floss's stories behind 11 regional soft drinks. More info follows....
Daily Meal's list
Daily Meal's list
- Cheerwine (North Carolina) - if you want to find it, use the Cheerwine finder
- Manhattan Special (New York) - The New York Times reported on it in 2008
- Moxie (New England) - Gastronomica writes on it - On the history of Moxie's advertising
- Big Red (Texas) - On the difficulty of finding it
- Blenheim's Ginger Ale (South Carolina) - On appreciating the drink, and on recognizing its varieties
- Dr. Enuf (Tennessee) - Mountain Dew's Long-Lost Brother - History of the drink
- Ale-8-One (Kentucky) - Official history - A brief local news article - Note: not vegan
- Green River (South Carolina) - Official history
- Nugrape (Atlanta, GA) - - Song, The Nugrape Twins: I Got Your Ice Cold Nugrape, from 1926
- Vernors Ginger Ale (Michigan) - The Dubious History of Vernors Ginger Ale
[Moxie], which remains popular in New England...
Citation, please. (I always assume the bottles of Moxie I see at the store are the same ones that have sat on that shelf for a decade)
Also, not quite regional nowadays, but Inca Kola would be at the top of my list as far as lesser known/less available soft drinks. It's practically the national drink of Peru, to the point where for many years it was the only soft drink that outsold Coca-Cola products in any region that sold Coca-Cola products. Nowadays, it is distributed via Coca-Cola outside of Peru (inside Peru, it's still a local company distributing it). I usually only have a chance to have it at Peruvian restaurants, and man is it great (if a bit weird).
posted by tocts at 12:07 PM on September 20, 2015 [3 favorites]
Citation, please. (I always assume the bottles of Moxie I see at the store are the same ones that have sat on that shelf for a decade)
Also, not quite regional nowadays, but Inca Kola would be at the top of my list as far as lesser known/less available soft drinks. It's practically the national drink of Peru, to the point where for many years it was the only soft drink that outsold Coca-Cola products in any region that sold Coca-Cola products. Nowadays, it is distributed via Coca-Cola outside of Peru (inside Peru, it's still a local company distributing it). I usually only have a chance to have it at Peruvian restaurants, and man is it great (if a bit weird).
posted by tocts at 12:07 PM on September 20, 2015 [3 favorites]
Vernors! Vernors should be first on that list. (I do not say #1, but only because I already voted #1 quidnunc kid.)
Signed,
Expat Michigander stranded in the UK with no source of Vernors that won't set me back like £80 for a six pack.
posted by skybluepink at 12:07 PM on September 20, 2015 [10 favorites]
Signed,
Expat Michigander stranded in the UK with no source of Vernors that won't set me back like £80 for a six pack.
posted by skybluepink at 12:07 PM on September 20, 2015 [10 favorites]
NuGrape was special and delicious until HFCS made it just another vector for diabetes. (Alternatively, it is still special and delicious, and I have gotten old.)
posted by Countess Elena at 12:13 PM on September 20, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by Countess Elena at 12:13 PM on September 20, 2015 [1 favorite]
Moxie tastes like garbage and I think its continued existence is a practical joke on people who relocate to New England.
posted by dismas at 12:13 PM on September 20, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by dismas at 12:13 PM on September 20, 2015 [1 favorite]
Moxie is delicious and I can't find it anywhere anymore. I will take all unwanted Moxie.
posted by pemberkins at 12:14 PM on September 20, 2015 [8 favorites]
posted by pemberkins at 12:14 PM on September 20, 2015 [8 favorites]
How about some classic soda brands from other countries? Sweden: Must, Pommac, Trocadero, Champis
posted by Foci for Analysis at 12:15 PM on September 20, 2015 [3 favorites]
posted by Foci for Analysis at 12:15 PM on September 20, 2015 [3 favorites]
MY KINGDOM FOR A MANHATTAN SPECIAL. Oh man, one of the things I miss most about new york.
posted by Lutoslawski at 12:18 PM on September 20, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by Lutoslawski at 12:18 PM on September 20, 2015 [2 favorites]
If anyone knows where to get Pommac in New York, I'll be forever grateful.
posted by silanfa at 12:19 PM on September 20, 2015
posted by silanfa at 12:19 PM on September 20, 2015
Seconding Vernors. I did find some once in a Meijer in the burbs (I'm a part of the Great Michigan to Chicago Migration) but other than that it is sadly no where to be found outside of the Mitten.
I don't know how people from Elsewhere deal with sore throats or upset stomachs.
posted by tivalasvegas at 12:21 PM on September 20, 2015 [6 favorites]
I don't know how people from Elsewhere deal with sore throats or upset stomachs.
posted by tivalasvegas at 12:21 PM on September 20, 2015 [6 favorites]
Moxie mixes well with bourbon. I remember having a Green River at a roadsise stand in the midwest when I was a kid. I've bought NuGrape in the Northeast and liked it, but I haven't seen it in years. I'm surprised they didn't mention Faygo. When I was in New Orleans recently, I stopped here and bought a few cool sodas and one even I won't try.
Also, at this point, I'm kind of glad we stuill have regional brands anymore.
posted by jonmc at 12:27 PM on September 20, 2015 [2 favorites]
Also, at this point, I'm kind of glad we stuill have regional brands anymore.
posted by jonmc at 12:27 PM on September 20, 2015 [2 favorites]
My son has a love/hate thing going on with Blenheim. His face scrunches up like a gargoyle but he keeps drinking while cursing.
My dad used to head to Iowa pretty often for work and he'd bring back ginger beer from the Amana Colonies and I would choke but finish the glass anyway.
posted by Mr. Yuck at 12:27 PM on September 20, 2015 [1 favorite]
My dad used to head to Iowa pretty often for work and he'd bring back ginger beer from the Amana Colonies and I would choke but finish the glass anyway.
posted by Mr. Yuck at 12:27 PM on September 20, 2015 [1 favorite]
OMG - I had a Green River (or maybe 2 or 3) when I was a kid in Chicago. And then we moved to the northeast, and I remembered I had had a green soda that I wanted to try again. I don't remember whether I asked for Green River at first and then over time forgot about it because no one had ever heard of it, or I couldn't remember the name after we moved other than it was green something and wasn't Mello Yellow or Mountain Dew, but I have been haunted by this imaginary soda for at least 38 years now.
It actually exists! Now I just need to find some!
Seriously, this is like opening Metafilter and finding a post that not only interviews the Tooth Fairy, but shows she's been living in Poughkeepsie all this time and it wasn't even a secret.
posted by Mchelly at 12:29 PM on September 20, 2015 [16 favorites]
It actually exists! Now I just need to find some!
Seriously, this is like opening Metafilter and finding a post that not only interviews the Tooth Fairy, but shows she's been living in Poughkeepsie all this time and it wasn't even a secret.
posted by Mchelly at 12:29 PM on September 20, 2015 [16 favorites]
I've been so, so happy to find Blenheim in Portland. I first came across it at a country gas station mini mart in North Carolina 20 years ago, and didn't see it again until two years ago, when I found it on the Dick's Kitchen menu, then again a few months later at a candy store/soda fountain on Belmont.
Sweet, sweet fire.
posted by mph at 12:34 PM on September 20, 2015 [2 favorites]
Sweet, sweet fire.
posted by mph at 12:34 PM on September 20, 2015 [2 favorites]
One of the many tasty treats I miss from Rhode Island is Yacht Club soda. They were pretty much the only sodas I would drink when I lived in Rhode Island. If you're there, I recommend trying a couple of flavors.
posted by Kattullus at 12:35 PM on September 20, 2015
posted by Kattullus at 12:35 PM on September 20, 2015
I grew up in between Salisbury, NC (home of Cheerwine) and Gastonia, NC (home of the only Sundrop bottler as far as I know--this is the first I've ever heard of it being invented in St Louis). I used to take a case of each back to college with me in Maryland and give them to confused yankees.
posted by hydropsyche at 12:37 PM on September 20, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by hydropsyche at 12:37 PM on September 20, 2015 [2 favorites]
There should be a North American MeFi soda exchange because oh my god I want to try all the non-Southern ones.
posted by Kitteh at 12:37 PM on September 20, 2015 [4 favorites]
posted by Kitteh at 12:37 PM on September 20, 2015 [4 favorites]
I've always been able to get Vernor's in Colorado, but it seems as though it's gotten blander and sweeter than it used to be. (Of course, so has everything else.)
posted by ernielundquist at 12:37 PM on September 20, 2015
posted by ernielundquist at 12:37 PM on September 20, 2015
Vernors is the first entry in the first link but I have to say, that is about the jumpiest, twitchiest, most troublesome slideshow I've come across in a while.
posted by bonobothegreat at 12:38 PM on September 20, 2015
posted by bonobothegreat at 12:38 PM on September 20, 2015
Moxie is an acquired taste. As in, once you acquire taste, you no longer desire Moxie.
Cheerwine in a can or 2-liter (the HFCS version) is still pretty good. Sugar Cheerwine in longnecks is love. Here in PA it used to be like hen's teeth to find, but nowadays certain grocery chains and c-stores carry it.
posted by delfin at 12:40 PM on September 20, 2015 [4 favorites]
Cheerwine in a can or 2-liter (the HFCS version) is still pretty good. Sugar Cheerwine in longnecks is love. Here in PA it used to be like hen's teeth to find, but nowadays certain grocery chains and c-stores carry it.
posted by delfin at 12:40 PM on September 20, 2015 [4 favorites]
I haven't had a Moxie since leaving the Northeast, but I recently discovered a local place that has Cheerwine. I have to think I made out in the end.
posted by ChurchHatesTucker at 12:46 PM on September 20, 2015
posted by ChurchHatesTucker at 12:46 PM on September 20, 2015
This where I can say I love living not too far from Galco's. I get to have all your sodas
posted by drewbage1847 at 12:49 PM on September 20, 2015 [6 favorites]
posted by drewbage1847 at 12:49 PM on September 20, 2015 [6 favorites]
Hey! Vernors isn't just for Michigan - you can get it in Cincinnati and Dayton. Although why you would want ginger ale when you could get ginger beer instead is a bit of a mystery...
posted by combinatorial explosion at 12:54 PM on September 20, 2015
posted by combinatorial explosion at 12:54 PM on September 20, 2015
Seconding Vernors. I did find some once in a Meijer in the burbs (I'm a part of the Great Michigan to Chicago Migration) but other than that it is sadly no where to be found outside of the Mitten.
... most grocery stores here in northern Virginia carry Vernors.
Honestly, though, there are a couple of Faygo flavors that are absolutely wonderful, and I wish I could get them without having to drive up there or pay like $8/case for shipping.
posted by kafziel at 12:56 PM on September 20, 2015 [1 favorite]
... most grocery stores here in northern Virginia carry Vernors.
Honestly, though, there are a couple of Faygo flavors that are absolutely wonderful, and I wish I could get them without having to drive up there or pay like $8/case for shipping.
posted by kafziel at 12:56 PM on September 20, 2015 [1 favorite]
There should be a North American MeFi soda exchange because oh my god I want to try all the non-Southern ones.
I'll send Green River to anyone who can send me some Manhattan Special.
posted by Lutoslawski at 12:57 PM on September 20, 2015
I'll send Green River to anyone who can send me some Manhattan Special.
posted by Lutoslawski at 12:57 PM on September 20, 2015
I Got Your Ice Cold Nugrape has its ineffable charms but the drink itself, unfortunately, tastes exactly as it is spelled.
posted by y2karl at 12:57 PM on September 20, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by y2karl at 12:57 PM on September 20, 2015 [2 favorites]
My mother always gave us Vernors for a sore throat- had no idea that was the original purpose.
posted by acrasis at 12:58 PM on September 20, 2015
posted by acrasis at 12:58 PM on September 20, 2015
At least the Nugrape bottled near Seattle does. And I lost any taste for grape pop in grade school, so there it is. For what it is worth.
posted by y2karl at 1:01 PM on September 20, 2015
posted by y2karl at 1:01 PM on September 20, 2015
Brio.
Chinotto - The inimitable (modern) Italian original: Chin8 Neri - Some recent commercial variants: Chinò, Chinotto di Savona Lurisia, Fanta Chinotto - Chinotto abroad: Kinnie (Malta), Brio Chinotto Soda (Canada), Bisleri Chinotto (Australia).
posted by progosk at 1:04 PM on September 20, 2015 [3 favorites]
Chinotto - The inimitable (modern) Italian original: Chin8 Neri - Some recent commercial variants: Chinò, Chinotto di Savona Lurisia, Fanta Chinotto - Chinotto abroad: Kinnie (Malta), Brio Chinotto Soda (Canada), Bisleri Chinotto (Australia).
posted by progosk at 1:04 PM on September 20, 2015 [3 favorites]
Nothing says "glory! I'm home in Newfoundland!" like the first 1/3 of a can of pineapple crush. The middle third says "this is a bit sweet" and the final third says "I think my pancreas just cramped up."
posted by erlking at 1:06 PM on September 20, 2015 [8 favorites]
posted by erlking at 1:06 PM on September 20, 2015 [8 favorites]
Big Red is awesome, and I miss it. Ale 8-1 is pretty gross.
posted by valkane at 1:07 PM on September 20, 2015
posted by valkane at 1:07 PM on September 20, 2015
About twenty years ago, my grandfather insisted on buying Bubba Cola instead of a name brand soda. It was all bubbles and no flavor. Vile stuff.
posted by Servo5678 at 1:13 PM on September 20, 2015
posted by Servo5678 at 1:13 PM on September 20, 2015
Not exactly of type, but here in the greater New York City area Jamacian Ginger Beer syrup mixed with seltzer is a great ginger drink if you like ginger.
PS. Ginger Ale is my favorite soft drink, and living in CA a few restaurants sell Vernors (I think it was Eriks Deli in Fremont where I first tried it). I think it's the best. Only, I don't recall it having a mellow ginger flavor. In fact, I recall I liked it because it burned the back of the throat and made my nose itch. No comparison to the ubiquitous Seagrams ginger ale.
posted by xtian at 1:14 PM on September 20, 2015
PS. Ginger Ale is my favorite soft drink, and living in CA a few restaurants sell Vernors (I think it was Eriks Deli in Fremont where I first tried it). I think it's the best. Only, I don't recall it having a mellow ginger flavor. In fact, I recall I liked it because it burned the back of the throat and made my nose itch. No comparison to the ubiquitous Seagrams ginger ale.
posted by xtian at 1:14 PM on September 20, 2015
Originally bottled in the next town to Moxie, Chelmsford Ginger Ale is apparently a sub-plot to the recent Market Basket drama, since only MB carries it, and its fans are loyal.
posted by Kirth Gerson at 1:15 PM on September 20, 2015 [3 favorites]
posted by Kirth Gerson at 1:15 PM on September 20, 2015 [3 favorites]
We used to get A-Treat in Pennsylvania. I remember liking the grapefruit soda. They stopped making it for awhile but it's bake under new ownership.
posted by maurice at 1:18 PM on September 20, 2015 [6 favorites]
posted by maurice at 1:18 PM on September 20, 2015 [6 favorites]
Tiger Red was another fave of mine, growing up in Ky. Alas, it's no more. It tasted exactly like Bubble Yum bubble gum.
Here's a (sigh) list of dead soda brands.
Oh, and Big Red was featured prominently in Tarantino's Death Proof. Mary Elizabeth Winstead drinks one from a vending machine.
posted by valkane at 1:19 PM on September 20, 2015 [1 favorite]
Here's a (sigh) list of dead soda brands.
Oh, and Big Red was featured prominently in Tarantino's Death Proof. Mary Elizabeth Winstead drinks one from a vending machine.
posted by valkane at 1:19 PM on September 20, 2015 [1 favorite]
Vernors shows up pretty regularly here in Seattle, though it's an area of heavy ginger ale/beer competition, so it's tricky. (Seriously, there's about 5-6 brands you can find pretty regularly, and then there's the local stuff like Rachel's Ginger Beer. A growlette/squealer/half-growler {haven't seen names of these standardize yet} of their Extra Bite Ginger Beer will clear up whatever sinus issues ail you.)
posted by CrystalDave at 1:25 PM on September 20, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by CrystalDave at 1:25 PM on September 20, 2015 [1 favorite]
I am confused about the difficulty of obtaining Vernor's. I find it regularly in grocery stores in Colorado and California.
posted by vorpal bunny at 1:33 PM on September 20, 2015
posted by vorpal bunny at 1:33 PM on September 20, 2015
The problem, for me, with having Vernors as my ur-ginger, is that everything else seems weak and overly sweet in comparison. Basically, I want my ginger ale to taste like burning, and nothing burns like Vernors.
posted by skybluepink at 1:34 PM on September 20, 2015 [5 favorites]
posted by skybluepink at 1:34 PM on September 20, 2015 [5 favorites]
I always thought Doctor Orpheus on the Venture Brothers ordering Moxie was to show him as old-fashioned- hadn't realized it was a New England signifier.
The problem, for me, with having Vernors as my ur-ginger, is that everything else seems weak and overly sweet in comparison. Basically, I want my ginger ale to taste like burning, and nothing burns like Vernors.
There are all manner of gourmet ginger ales that make Vernors look weak. They're expensive but generally worth your occasional while.
posted by Pope Guilty at 1:40 PM on September 20, 2015 [2 favorites]
The problem, for me, with having Vernors as my ur-ginger, is that everything else seems weak and overly sweet in comparison. Basically, I want my ginger ale to taste like burning, and nothing burns like Vernors.
There are all manner of gourmet ginger ales that make Vernors look weak. They're expensive but generally worth your occasional while.
posted by Pope Guilty at 1:40 PM on September 20, 2015 [2 favorites]
In fact, I recall I liked it because it burned the back of the throat and made my nose itch. No comparison to the ubiquitous Seagrams ginger ale.
Yeah, Vernors is a "golden" ginger ale, which is a lot more flavourful than the "sugar-water that someone has waved a ginger root over" of Canada Dry, but still nowhere near a ginger beer.
Up here in Canada, Sobeys has a golden ginger ale in its Big8 lineup. Pretty sure it's just their regular ginger ale with more syrup. Superstore, on the other hand, has President's Choice Jamaican-Style Ginger Beer, which is a real face-melter.
posted by Sys Rq at 1:40 PM on September 20, 2015 [1 favorite]
Yeah, Vernors is a "golden" ginger ale, which is a lot more flavourful than the "sugar-water that someone has waved a ginger root over" of Canada Dry, but still nowhere near a ginger beer.
Up here in Canada, Sobeys has a golden ginger ale in its Big8 lineup. Pretty sure it's just their regular ginger ale with more syrup. Superstore, on the other hand, has President's Choice Jamaican-Style Ginger Beer, which is a real face-melter.
posted by Sys Rq at 1:40 PM on September 20, 2015 [1 favorite]
Old Tyme Ginger Beer is my go to "hot" ginger flavour experience.
posted by Zedcaster at 1:44 PM on September 20, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by Zedcaster at 1:44 PM on September 20, 2015 [1 favorite]
I can buy Vernors Ginger Ale in grocery stores in east Texas -- I didn't realize it was a regional item from the North.
posted by Annabelle74 at 1:54 PM on September 20, 2015
posted by Annabelle74 at 1:54 PM on September 20, 2015
Regional apparently means 'available in one or more regions of the US'. Who woulda thunk? Not me, that's who.
posted by Too-Ticky at 2:00 PM on September 20, 2015
posted by Too-Ticky at 2:00 PM on September 20, 2015
Food Lions in central Virginia and North Carolina sometimes carry Vernors, but there's no rhyme or reason to when they have it. It is easily the best bottled/canned ginger ale I've bought.
Sadly, Cheerwine can sometimes be as hard to find, even though we're the next state over! When I was a kid, it was stocked in every store out here (of course, we were more rural then)!
I'm going to have to see if I can find some Ale-8-One this week. Ginger + Citrus has potential.
posted by julen at 2:01 PM on September 20, 2015
Sadly, Cheerwine can sometimes be as hard to find, even though we're the next state over! When I was a kid, it was stocked in every store out here (of course, we were more rural then)!
I'm going to have to see if I can find some Ale-8-One this week. Ginger + Citrus has potential.
posted by julen at 2:01 PM on September 20, 2015
Here's something for you: I have never had a single one of the drinks mentioned in this post. I think I've seen Cheerwine on sale somewhere maybe once or twice. If I ever manage to make it to a bona-fide meetup, can I count on any of you to serve as soft drink sommelier?
posted by JHarris at 2:15 PM on September 20, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by JHarris at 2:15 PM on September 20, 2015 [2 favorites]
Expat Michigander stranded in the UK with no source of Vernors that won't set me back like £80 for a six pack.
I hear ya.
(Expat Michigander in Australia with no source of Vernor's that won't set me back, like, I don't even know if you can get it here.)
posted by naturesgreatestmiracle at 2:16 PM on September 20, 2015
I hear ya.
(Expat Michigander in Australia with no source of Vernor's that won't set me back, like, I don't even know if you can get it here.)
posted by naturesgreatestmiracle at 2:16 PM on September 20, 2015
Jamaica's Finest Ginger Beer from Natrona Bottling (in Western PA, not Jamaica) is amazing stuff. Fun little making of video here with some great Pennsylvania accents.
posted by octothorpe at 2:20 PM on September 20, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by octothorpe at 2:20 PM on September 20, 2015 [1 favorite]
The two Dr. Enuf links do not mention that it's iodized soda. It has potassium iodide enough (ha!) to get you 80% of your US RDA. Good for preventing goiters and cretinism here in southwestern Virginia.
posted by introp at 2:22 PM on September 20, 2015 [4 favorites]
posted by introp at 2:22 PM on September 20, 2015 [4 favorites]
I don't have much affinity for any US regional soda, though I like the memory of Peach NeHi. I grew up in Big Red country, but I don't think I've ever had more than a sip and the smell takes me straight back to some of my less favorite high school memories.
I wish I could routinely get my hands on Manzana Lift and Tamarindo Sol, though.
posted by Lyn Never at 2:30 PM on September 20, 2015
I wish I could routinely get my hands on Manzana Lift and Tamarindo Sol, though.
posted by Lyn Never at 2:30 PM on September 20, 2015
All of these are available at Red-X in Parkville MO. Just a heads up for anyone who might be road tripping.
posted by annathea at 2:33 PM on September 20, 2015
posted by annathea at 2:33 PM on September 20, 2015
I always thought that Belfast cider was some mysterious off-brand stuff procured at rock-bottom prices; didn't know it was actually a thing.
I had Green River at a Hackney's in Chicago, it was okay. Big Red is gross. I've tried a few Faygo flavors but I found them all to be really bland. Had Delaware Punch in Louisiana, it was pretty good.
Would love to try a chinotto that's non-San Pellegrino.
posted by Standard Orange at 2:50 PM on September 20, 2015
I had Green River at a Hackney's in Chicago, it was okay. Big Red is gross. I've tried a few Faygo flavors but I found them all to be really bland. Had Delaware Punch in Louisiana, it was pretty good.
Would love to try a chinotto that's non-San Pellegrino.
posted by Standard Orange at 2:50 PM on September 20, 2015
Green Rivers and vanilla ice cream make a good float. I miss that greatly after my move from Illinois to Connecticut.
posted by dlugoczaj at 2:54 PM on September 20, 2015
posted by dlugoczaj at 2:54 PM on September 20, 2015
I live in Texas, was raised in South Carolina. I love Cheerwine. Big Red is disgusting. Turns out all red sodas are not created equal.
I had Ale-8-One once, I remember it being pretty tasty.
posted by angeline at 2:59 PM on September 20, 2015
I had Ale-8-One once, I remember it being pretty tasty.
posted by angeline at 2:59 PM on September 20, 2015
I did find some once in a Meijer in the burbs (I'm a part of the Great Michigan to Chicago Migration) but other than that it is sadly no where to be found outside of the Mitten.
When next you're in the city limits, try Treasure Island. They regularly stock Vernon's in 6 and 12 packs.
posted by Iridic at 2:59 PM on September 20, 2015
When next you're in the city limits, try Treasure Island. They regularly stock Vernon's in 6 and 12 packs.
posted by Iridic at 2:59 PM on September 20, 2015
Reed's Extra Ginger seems to be widely available and should hit the spot if you're looking for something with a lot of bite to it. It's also good if you're looking to get carded for buying sodas; something about the bottles and packaging.
posted by Wolfdog at 3:06 PM on September 20, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by Wolfdog at 3:06 PM on September 20, 2015 [2 favorites]
I did find some once in a Meijer in the burbs (I'm a part of the Great Michigan to Chicago Migration) but other than that it is sadly no where to be found outside of the Mitten.
I started finding Vernor's in the Chicago area (city and suburbs) in supermarkets in 2012, but it seems to be on a store-by-store basis. One Mariano's or Jewel will have it in bottles or cans (seldom both), while the next one over has none. Just keep looking.
posted by bentley at 3:08 PM on September 20, 2015
I started finding Vernor's in the Chicago area (city and suburbs) in supermarkets in 2012, but it seems to be on a store-by-store basis. One Mariano's or Jewel will have it in bottles or cans (seldom both), while the next one over has none. Just keep looking.
posted by bentley at 3:08 PM on September 20, 2015
It's weird to see both Vernor's and Blenheim on the same list, since Vernor's tastes like tepid milk when compared to the gingery kick in the pants that is Blenheim. UK-style ginger beers are the only thing that can approach Blenheim, and even some of them I find too sweet. Reid's is ok in a pinch, but usually I have to make my own ginger syrup to mix with club soda to get the amount of spice I like.
posted by CheeseDigestsAll at 3:26 PM on September 20, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by CheeseDigestsAll at 3:26 PM on September 20, 2015 [1 favorite]
Reed's Extra Ginger seems to be widely available and should hit the spot if you're looking for something with a lot of bite to it. It's also good if you're looking to get carded for buying sodas; something about the bottles and packaging.
Reed's Spiced Apple Brew is also very good and also excellent for arousing suspicion. I had one on my desk once at work and a senior VP walked by, did a triple take, stormed into my office and yelled IS THAT BEER?
Um, no, it's sparkling apple cider. Want some?
posted by delfin at 3:35 PM on September 20, 2015 [2 favorites]
Reed's Spiced Apple Brew is also very good and also excellent for arousing suspicion. I had one on my desk once at work and a senior VP walked by, did a triple take, stormed into my office and yelled IS THAT BEER?
Um, no, it's sparkling apple cider. Want some?
posted by delfin at 3:35 PM on September 20, 2015 [2 favorites]
I'm grew up in Indiana, and I've had a lot of Green Rivers, but never in a bottle. Until reading this, I didn't even know they came that way. I always got "fresh" ones at the soda fountain places in town. (Which I suspect makes me sound older than the 31 that I am.)
posted by ELind at 3:49 PM on September 20, 2015
posted by ELind at 3:49 PM on September 20, 2015
Today's Vernor's, honestly, has nothing at all in common with the soft drink by that name which wrote its own legend. It was once closer to the peppery ginger ale like Blenheim (although not quite that powerful). That it tastes creamy now is because it is a zombie of a soda pop, a canned corpse stuffed with sugar slurry.
It is like putting milk in a bottle, dying it brown, and calling it Coca Cola.
posted by ardgedee at 3:50 PM on September 20, 2015 [1 favorite]
It is like putting milk in a bottle, dying it brown, and calling it Coca Cola.
posted by ardgedee at 3:50 PM on September 20, 2015 [1 favorite]
How about some classic soda brands from other countries?
South Africa's Appletiser is very good stuff. A captivating, golden liquid so appealing it dances before your eyes as the harmonious, apple aroma taunts your taste-buds, and the delicate effervescence kisses your tongue.
posted by Flashman at 3:50 PM on September 20, 2015 [1 favorite]
South Africa's Appletiser is very good stuff. A captivating, golden liquid so appealing it dances before your eyes as the harmonious, apple aroma taunts your taste-buds, and the delicate effervescence kisses your tongue.
posted by Flashman at 3:50 PM on September 20, 2015 [1 favorite]
Oh god, now I want an Irn Bru.
posted by davros42 at 3:57 PM on September 20, 2015 [3 favorites]
posted by davros42 at 3:57 PM on September 20, 2015 [3 favorites]
I've had Cheerwine, Moxie, Big Red, Ale-8-One, Nugrape, Vernors, and Cel-Ray. Cel-Ray is surprisingly good. At least, I was surprised the first time I had one. "Celery soda... I don't know..."
posted by Fuzzy Monster at 4:00 PM on September 20, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by Fuzzy Monster at 4:00 PM on September 20, 2015 [1 favorite]
Squirt, a grapefruit flavored soda, in the twisty bottle was a childhood favorite...
posted by jim in austin at 4:01 PM on September 20, 2015
posted by jim in austin at 4:01 PM on September 20, 2015
On the regional soda tip: Worth seeking out are Puck's Beverages. Some really great stuff. Founded by Boylan family members disgusted by the changes at Boylan Bottling imposed by their capital investment company. As far as I can tell, Puck's isn't sold in bottles yet.
And no mention of Sprecher's Root Beer? for shame. It's what A&W Root Beer used to stand for.
posted by ardgedee at 4:02 PM on September 20, 2015 [2 favorites]
And no mention of Sprecher's Root Beer? for shame. It's what A&W Root Beer used to stand for.
posted by ardgedee at 4:02 PM on September 20, 2015 [2 favorites]
Count me in as another fan of Reed's Extra Ginger. It's especially good if you've got a cold or feel a little queasy; it'll fix you right up.
posted by Faint of Butt at 4:03 PM on September 20, 2015
posted by Faint of Butt at 4:03 PM on September 20, 2015
> How about some classic soda brands from other countries?
Peru: Inca Kola
Brazil: Guaraná Antarctica (Brahma was the other major brand, kind of like Coke and Pepsi, Brahma was discontinued when the Antarctica and Brahma companies merged)
Korea: Chilsung Cider (despite the name, it's a lemon-lime soda)
posted by needled at 4:04 PM on September 20, 2015 [1 favorite]
Peru: Inca Kola
Brazil: Guaraná Antarctica (Brahma was the other major brand, kind of like Coke and Pepsi, Brahma was discontinued when the Antarctica and Brahma companies merged)
Korea: Chilsung Cider (despite the name, it's a lemon-lime soda)
posted by needled at 4:04 PM on September 20, 2015 [1 favorite]
> It is like putting milk in a bottle, dying it brown, and calling it Coca Cola.
I don't think Milkis comes in cola flavor ...
posted by needled at 4:07 PM on September 20, 2015
I don't think Milkis comes in cola flavor ...
posted by needled at 4:07 PM on September 20, 2015
And no mention of Sprecher's Root Beer?
Actually, a friend who works at a five star restaurant on Sea Island has mentioned that they have Sprecher's on the menu, and has brought some for us to try. It's not bad, but word is they mark it way up at the restaurant.
I just realized they sell "Reed's Extra Ginger Brew" here at the bookstore I'm typing this from, which claims to be "All natural Jamaican Style Ginger Beer." I bought a bottle. It's strong, but good!
posted by JHarris at 4:10 PM on September 20, 2015
Actually, a friend who works at a five star restaurant on Sea Island has mentioned that they have Sprecher's on the menu, and has brought some for us to try. It's not bad, but word is they mark it way up at the restaurant.
I just realized they sell "Reed's Extra Ginger Brew" here at the bookstore I'm typing this from, which claims to be "All natural Jamaican Style Ginger Beer." I bought a bottle. It's strong, but good!
posted by JHarris at 4:10 PM on September 20, 2015
Vernor's and Squirt, along with other niche brands and adult beverage mixers appear to be owned by Dr. Pepper Snapple Group. Now there's a conglomerate name for you.
posted by SteveInMaine at 4:10 PM on September 20, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by SteveInMaine at 4:10 PM on September 20, 2015 [1 favorite]
I haven't had a Kickapoo Joy Juice since I was eleven and living in Singapore and would get one from the soda fountain on the way back from CCD class. Apparently they're still sold at Kum and Gos, so I'll have to stop by and see if the taste brings back any memories.
posted by PussKillian at 4:16 PM on September 20, 2015
posted by PussKillian at 4:16 PM on September 20, 2015
Canada Dry makes this one called Island Lime. It tastes like a melted boiled sweet, and my pancreas is thankful that I've only ever seen it at one store.
posted by feckless fecal fear mongering at 4:25 PM on September 20, 2015
posted by feckless fecal fear mongering at 4:25 PM on September 20, 2015
Metafilter: good for preventing goiters and cretinism here in southwestern Virginia
posted by AdamCSnider at 4:33 PM on September 20, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by AdamCSnider at 4:33 PM on September 20, 2015 [1 favorite]
When I was a kid, my grandmother always had Vernor's in her house. That stuff was amazing. A couple of years ago, I tried a can and quickly discovers just how badly a major corporation can fuck something up. I don't know if it's the HFCS, or whatever they're using for flavor, but today's Vernor's sure as hell isn't the Vernor's of yore. 'Twas ever thus, I suppose.
posted by Thorzdad at 4:57 PM on September 20, 2015
posted by Thorzdad at 4:57 PM on September 20, 2015
Returning to this thread after finding a can of Vernor's... Ah, ok. It's not-like-it-was. That makes sense.
Definitely better than Canada Dry, but still in its category of relative ginger bite, so a decent ginger ale (but definitely not comparable to ginger beer). (Then again, ideally I'm picking out chunks of ginger bits after, so my tastes do run a bit towards the strong side)
posted by CrystalDave at 5:08 PM on September 20, 2015
Definitely better than Canada Dry, but still in its category of relative ginger bite, so a decent ginger ale (but definitely not comparable to ginger beer). (Then again, ideally I'm picking out chunks of ginger bits after, so my tastes do run a bit towards the strong side)
posted by CrystalDave at 5:08 PM on September 20, 2015
Canada Dry makes this one called Island Lime.
Schweppes sells a Tangerine soda in Eqypt that can be found in Middle Eastern neighborhoods stateside. It's tasty.
posted by jonmc at 5:29 PM on September 20, 2015
Schweppes sells a Tangerine soda in Eqypt that can be found in Middle Eastern neighborhoods stateside. It's tasty.
posted by jonmc at 5:29 PM on September 20, 2015
There should be a North American MeFi soda exchange because oh my god I want to try all the non-Southern ones.
Well, perhaps let one be made What would be involved in setting one of these up?
posted by kafziel at 5:45 PM on September 20, 2015
Well, perhaps let one be made What would be involved in setting one of these up?
posted by kafziel at 5:45 PM on September 20, 2015
I know we have canned Vernors and a few other things at the local Giant, and allegedly there's Cheerwine nearby.
posted by kafziel at 5:50 PM on September 20, 2015
posted by kafziel at 5:50 PM on September 20, 2015
I missed Cheerwine, and vinegar-based barbecue, especially together, when I moved from North Carolina to the Taint of America's Wang 21 years ago. Now Cheerwine is available all over the place, even here. Still mainly stuck with Georgia-style barbecue though. (Far as I know, there is no distinctive "Florida style" for barbecue, but when I need a meat overdose there's always Cuban Sandwiches.)
posted by Cookiebastard at 6:00 PM on September 20, 2015
posted by Cookiebastard at 6:00 PM on September 20, 2015
Moxie is the shit. I grab a ton whenever I go to Boston. Cheerwine is pretty great too. I've never much liked Manhattan Special, but I know a lot of big fans.
Sad not to see China Cola, a delicious cola that I see around the VT area. Wikipedia says it's actually from China, which I was not expecting, so I guess it kinda doesn't count for regional soda.
posted by Itaxpica at 6:01 PM on September 20, 2015 [3 favorites]
Sad not to see China Cola, a delicious cola that I see around the VT area. Wikipedia says it's actually from China, which I was not expecting, so I guess it kinda doesn't count for regional soda.
posted by Itaxpica at 6:01 PM on September 20, 2015 [3 favorites]
Also, speaking of international sodas, I bought three two-gallon bottles of Tarhun, a Soviet tarragon drink that's amaaaaaaaaazing.
posted by Itaxpica at 6:03 PM on September 20, 2015
posted by Itaxpica at 6:03 PM on September 20, 2015
Vernors is the key ingredient of another hyper-local concoction of perfection named the Boston Cooler. It's a blended ice cream float with vanilla soft serve and Vernors, and you can get it at any Detroit-area Dairy Queen or independent ice cream stand.
posted by zrail at 6:08 PM on September 20, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by zrail at 6:08 PM on September 20, 2015 [2 favorites]
Cel-Ray is surprisingly good. At least, I was surprised the first time I had one. "Celery soda... I don't know..."
Oh man I forgot Cel-Ray. That stuff is the BEST. My uncle (who is Jewish, and who first introduced me to Cel Ray as a kid) says they used to call it Jewish Champagne, which tickles me deeply.
posted by Itaxpica at 6:09 PM on September 20, 2015 [2 favorites]
Oh man I forgot Cel-Ray. That stuff is the BEST. My uncle (who is Jewish, and who first introduced me to Cel Ray as a kid) says they used to call it Jewish Champagne, which tickles me deeply.
posted by Itaxpica at 6:09 PM on September 20, 2015 [2 favorites]
I grew up in Maine and I started drinking Moxie so that people wouldn't ask me for a sip of my soda. "Hey man, give me a sip of your soda. Moxie? Never mind."
I lived in Texas for twelve years and was reduced to mixing store brand cola and Agnostura Bitters for a vague approximation of Moxie's uniquely delicious flavors (I figured out that the main flavor ingredient in both Moxie and Agnostura Bitters is gentian root. You have to use a store brand cola though. Coke and bitters does not work).
Moxie is an acquired taste. It is very good with Jim Beam. There is also a drink known as a "Burnt Trailer": Moxie and Allen's Coffee Brandy (another uniquely Maine bev).
posted by AJScease at 6:12 PM on September 20, 2015 [2 favorites]
I lived in Texas for twelve years and was reduced to mixing store brand cola and Agnostura Bitters for a vague approximation of Moxie's uniquely delicious flavors (I figured out that the main flavor ingredient in both Moxie and Agnostura Bitters is gentian root. You have to use a store brand cola though. Coke and bitters does not work).
Moxie is an acquired taste. It is very good with Jim Beam. There is also a drink known as a "Burnt Trailer": Moxie and Allen's Coffee Brandy (another uniquely Maine bev).
posted by AJScease at 6:12 PM on September 20, 2015 [2 favorites]
How about some classic soda brands from other countries?
Vimto, in the UK and (apparently) parts of the Middle East.
Here in NY I am rather partial to Boylan's Black Cherry Soda, and it is still made with real sugar, too.
posted by 43rdAnd9th at 6:25 PM on September 20, 2015 [1 favorite]
Vimto, in the UK and (apparently) parts of the Middle East.
Here in NY I am rather partial to Boylan's Black Cherry Soda, and it is still made with real sugar, too.
posted by 43rdAnd9th at 6:25 PM on September 20, 2015 [1 favorite]
Big Red tasted like red food dye and sugar. Couldn't get the appeal.
posted by Ferreous at 6:44 PM on September 20, 2015
posted by Ferreous at 6:44 PM on September 20, 2015
Maine, circa mid-1970s: I have fond memories of Pop Shoppe (then a regional Canadian soda): Black Cherry, Lime Ricky, Pineapple, Root Beer, etc.
posted by jammy at 6:51 PM on September 20, 2015
posted by jammy at 6:51 PM on September 20, 2015
Australia has Lemon, Lime & Bitters (v. nice and refreshing) and Passiona. Not everybody likes Passiona.
posted by Joe in Australia at 6:57 PM on September 20, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by Joe in Australia at 6:57 PM on September 20, 2015 [1 favorite]
I crave Big Red when eating barbecue; can't stand it otherwise. In San Antonio it has been long-known that Big Red also pairs well with barbacoa (obligatory link to Randy Garibay's "Barbacoa Blues").
posted by Ranucci at 7:23 PM on September 20, 2015
posted by Ranucci at 7:23 PM on September 20, 2015
Have to put in a shout out for OK Soda because, well, apart from the misguided genius attempt to pander to Gen X cynicism that it was, it was like a canned version of what we ordered as kids at the Charm Theater in the little Idaho town where I was born.
The fountain there had Coke, orange and root beer and, for those bored with those choices, you could order a Suicide. Which was a combination of all three. Dang, if it didn't bring back the memories when I first opened a can of OK. And it was on the flat side on the carbonation.
Truly it was the epitome, the Platonic ideal, even, of the concept of an OK soda: Meh in a can. Boy, there was a pop that lived out to its name.
posted by y2karl at 7:30 PM on September 20, 2015 [2 favorites]
The fountain there had Coke, orange and root beer and, for those bored with those choices, you could order a Suicide. Which was a combination of all three. Dang, if it didn't bring back the memories when I first opened a can of OK. And it was on the flat side on the carbonation.
Truly it was the epitome, the Platonic ideal, even, of the concept of an OK soda: Meh in a can. Boy, there was a pop that lived out to its name.
posted by y2karl at 7:30 PM on September 20, 2015 [2 favorites]
I've tried many of these and think some of them are acquired tastes (or the stuff one grew up with.) Which brings me to Barq's. Surprised there is no mention here. It is too ubiquitous to be considered regional?
Among my favorite childhood memories is drinking an ice-cold Barq's (Grape or Root Beer or Cream Soda according to my whim) after our Saturday morning baseball game.
posted by CincyBlues at 7:48 PM on September 20, 2015
Among my favorite childhood memories is drinking an ice-cold Barq's (Grape or Root Beer or Cream Soda according to my whim) after our Saturday morning baseball game.
posted by CincyBlues at 7:48 PM on September 20, 2015
(sips from the two liter of Sun Drop sitting on the floor by his chair in Illinois)
I do like Big Red also. I read the flavor as a strawberry cream soda. Also, used to be able to get Green Rivers on tap at a local place (yay phosphates!), then, when they closed, I could get it bottled at a local wing place.
posted by Samizdata at 8:06 PM on September 20, 2015
I do like Big Red also. I read the flavor as a strawberry cream soda. Also, used to be able to get Green Rivers on tap at a local place (yay phosphates!), then, when they closed, I could get it bottled at a local wing place.
posted by Samizdata at 8:06 PM on September 20, 2015
Barqs was bought by Coca Cola and is sold nationwide, if not wider. Whether its flavor has any relation to its original formula is a doubtful proposition. But, ubiquitous, yes.
posted by y2karl at 8:27 PM on September 20, 2015
posted by y2karl at 8:27 PM on September 20, 2015
I love me some Vernors, and am lucky enough to have a store half a block from me sell it (in southern Ontario).
Superstore, on the other hand, has President's Choice Jamaican-Style Ginger Beer, which is a real face-melter.
For some reason I'm fine thinking that Vernors has no actual ginger in it, but I PC's Ginger Beer *burns* which is awesome when ginger beer is made from actual ginger, but less appealing when it's some artificial thing burning me.
I make it a habit of trying new soda's whenever I have the chance. "Ethnic" small grocery stores (Indian, Hispanic, others) often have soda's from other countries; and I'm always trying to get something that I haven't had before. Generally they are pretty interesting and tasty, sometimes I find something that I really don't care for - regardless it's fun to have a new experience.
posted by el io at 9:22 PM on September 20, 2015 [1 favorite]
Superstore, on the other hand, has President's Choice Jamaican-Style Ginger Beer, which is a real face-melter.
For some reason I'm fine thinking that Vernors has no actual ginger in it, but I PC's Ginger Beer *burns* which is awesome when ginger beer is made from actual ginger, but less appealing when it's some artificial thing burning me.
I make it a habit of trying new soda's whenever I have the chance. "Ethnic" small grocery stores (Indian, Hispanic, others) often have soda's from other countries; and I'm always trying to get something that I haven't had before. Generally they are pretty interesting and tasty, sometimes I find something that I really don't care for - regardless it's fun to have a new experience.
posted by el io at 9:22 PM on September 20, 2015 [1 favorite]
Goya makes a ginger beer with actual capsicum, so you're getting a one-two punch of ginger burn and spice burn. You need to be in a very specific mood for it, but when you're there it's perfect.
posted by Itaxpica at 9:54 PM on September 20, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by Itaxpica at 9:54 PM on September 20, 2015 [1 favorite]
Also a Michigander, now putting away my torches and pitchforks now that I see Vernors on the list where it belongs. Not much chance of ever seeing that can of bliss in Japan, though Mrs. Ghidorah loved it when she had some on a visit back home.
Random Michigan soft drink story: in the 80's on visits to my mother's family in Flint, we would always stop at a gas station that had a vending machine selling glass bottles of Nehi. Grape was awesome, but Rootbeer Nehi was amazing.
posted by Ghidorah at 11:05 PM on September 20, 2015 [1 favorite]
Random Michigan soft drink story: in the 80's on visits to my mother's family in Flint, we would always stop at a gas station that had a vending machine selling glass bottles of Nehi. Grape was awesome, but Rootbeer Nehi was amazing.
posted by Ghidorah at 11:05 PM on September 20, 2015 [1 favorite]
No mention of Cherikee Red? Or Pennsylvania Dutch Birch Beer? or Frozen Run Birch Beer for that matter? (all of which are easily-found in my western PA home town). Birch beer in particular seems to be a Pennsylvania thing, and it's one of those polarizing things (like Moxie, I suppose) which you either like or loathe.
As far as defunct sodas go, I really miss Upper 10.
posted by namewithoutwords at 11:16 PM on September 20, 2015
As far as defunct sodas go, I really miss Upper 10.
posted by namewithoutwords at 11:16 PM on September 20, 2015
How about some classic soda brands from other countries?
Here are a few I recall having tried:
Fanta flavors: Piña (Canary Islands), Raspberry (Czech Republic), Apple (Hungary).
Mexican rarity: Guanábana (Soursop) Boing.
Italian Cedrata (Tassoni; others) and San Pellegrino's Aranciata Amara.
Swiss Rivella - made from milk.
German Vitamalz, and other malt beers.
Of all these, Aranciata Amara and Rivella are perhaps the most refreshing, Malzbier the childhood-comfort-drink, and Boing the most unusually tasty; the others are mostly sugar&dyes. (Still: none of them beats Chin8.)
(Also: previously.)
posted by progosk at 1:27 AM on September 21, 2015
Here are a few I recall having tried:
Fanta flavors: Piña (Canary Islands), Raspberry (Czech Republic), Apple (Hungary).
Mexican rarity: Guanábana (Soursop) Boing.
Italian Cedrata (Tassoni; others) and San Pellegrino's Aranciata Amara.
Swiss Rivella - made from milk.
German Vitamalz, and other malt beers.
Of all these, Aranciata Amara and Rivella are perhaps the most refreshing, Malzbier the childhood-comfort-drink, and Boing the most unusually tasty; the others are mostly sugar&dyes. (Still: none of them beats Chin8.)
(Also: previously.)
posted by progosk at 1:27 AM on September 21, 2015
Moxie tastes like car tires and sadness.
posted by foldedfish at 6:17 AM on September 21, 2015
posted by foldedfish at 6:17 AM on September 21, 2015
Oooh! I had forgotten about Pennsylvania Dutch Birch Beer. It makes my Pennsylvanian father so happy there's a nearby place we can get this.
posted by julen at 7:06 AM on September 21, 2015
posted by julen at 7:06 AM on September 21, 2015
Blenheim's is sold at Fresh Market (well, the one near me, anyway)--it's great.
posted by box at 7:12 AM on September 21, 2015
posted by box at 7:12 AM on September 21, 2015
Nearly every flavor you could imagine: Homer Soda Company.
posted by cass at 7:34 AM on September 21, 2015
posted by cass at 7:34 AM on September 21, 2015
Ironbeer is a Cuban soda that has an odd Dr. Pepper variant flavor to it. I found a couple cans once in a Vietnamese grocery! and my memory is that it was like Vernor's mixed with Dr. Pepper
I believe that Goose Island may be involved with bottling Green River now - our local grocery store will get quart/liter bottles of Goose Island Root Beer, and mixed in will often be some bottles of orange soda and the occasional Green River. As good as the root beer is, the Green River disappears first, so we obviously have some Chicago area folks living here.
My grandmother was a root beer fan, and many a Sunday afternoon was spent arguing over the relative merits of Hires, Frostie and Dad's brand root beers. A&W was a favorite, but at the time was only available at the restaurants, not in cans or bottles. Dad's and Frostie have recently been brought back by companies riding on their nostalgia, but either the formulas are not the same, or it's the HFCS or something, because they are not very good root beers anymore.
posted by jkosmicki at 7:45 AM on September 21, 2015
I believe that Goose Island may be involved with bottling Green River now - our local grocery store will get quart/liter bottles of Goose Island Root Beer, and mixed in will often be some bottles of orange soda and the occasional Green River. As good as the root beer is, the Green River disappears first, so we obviously have some Chicago area folks living here.
My grandmother was a root beer fan, and many a Sunday afternoon was spent arguing over the relative merits of Hires, Frostie and Dad's brand root beers. A&W was a favorite, but at the time was only available at the restaurants, not in cans or bottles. Dad's and Frostie have recently been brought back by companies riding on their nostalgia, but either the formulas are not the same, or it's the HFCS or something, because they are not very good root beers anymore.
posted by jkosmicki at 7:45 AM on September 21, 2015
MOXIE! I like Moxie (with enough ice, granted) and brought it to one of my first MeFi meetups! If you like sarsaparilla you may like Moxie. If you're more of a Pepsi & Sprite fan, you probably won't.
Moxie mixes well with bourbon.
A delicious but expensive restaurant near me (Journeyman) that I am unlikely to be able to afford again (couldn't really afford it the first time, TBH) did an alcoholic Moxie ice cream float that I regret not ordering to this day.
posted by maryr at 10:08 AM on September 21, 2015 [2 favorites]
Moxie mixes well with bourbon.
A delicious but expensive restaurant near me (Journeyman) that I am unlikely to be able to afford again (couldn't really afford it the first time, TBH) did an alcoholic Moxie ice cream float that I regret not ordering to this day.
posted by maryr at 10:08 AM on September 21, 2015 [2 favorites]
Originally bottled in the next town to Moxie, Chelmsford Ginger Ale is apparently a sub-plot to the recent Market Basket drama, since only MB carries it, and its fans are loyal.
I assumed this was just a Market Basket brand ginger ale and found the "Chelmsford" appendage entertaining. I'll have to try this. FWIW, Polar (from Worcester) also makes a Golden Ginger Ale in addition to their regular and flavored ginger ales.
I don't see it mentioned elsewhere here, so I'll throw out that Polar also makes an excellent Orange Dry (and now a pink Grapefruit Dry) soda in both diet and non-diet forms that is really worth a try. It's very similar to an Orangina or a San Pellegrino, sweetened up a little for an American palate. Polar also makes a chocolate soda, but I would not recommend that.
FWIW, Market Basket has one of the best soda selections in the Boston area - the Burlington, MA store has a particularly good selection.
I will happily provide soda to any MeFi meetup, for reals. Seriously. As mentioned, I've done it before.
posted by maryr at 10:23 AM on September 21, 2015
I assumed this was just a Market Basket brand ginger ale and found the "Chelmsford" appendage entertaining. I'll have to try this. FWIW, Polar (from Worcester) also makes a Golden Ginger Ale in addition to their regular and flavored ginger ales.
I don't see it mentioned elsewhere here, so I'll throw out that Polar also makes an excellent Orange Dry (and now a pink Grapefruit Dry) soda in both diet and non-diet forms that is really worth a try. It's very similar to an Orangina or a San Pellegrino, sweetened up a little for an American palate. Polar also makes a chocolate soda, but I would not recommend that.
FWIW, Market Basket has one of the best soda selections in the Boston area - the Burlington, MA store has a particularly good selection.
I will happily provide soda to any MeFi meetup, for reals. Seriously. As mentioned, I've done it before.
posted by maryr at 10:23 AM on September 21, 2015
Dads and Frostie have been brought back by companies riding on their nostalgia...
Out in Seattle, that is a company, Orca Beverages, which also bottles Nugrape, Moxie, various Nesbitts, Jersey Cremes and a host of other regional brands which it has bought the rights to. In long neck glass bottles, many with old school non-screw off caps.
Including Cock 'n Bull Ginger Beer, which indeed does have "Extra Ginger"...
And they use cane sugar, if I recall correctly. I suspect this is company is the national distributor of all such brands. And it's based in Mukilteo, WA.
posted by y2karl at 10:49 AM on September 21, 2015
Out in Seattle, that is a company, Orca Beverages, which also bottles Nugrape, Moxie, various Nesbitts, Jersey Cremes and a host of other regional brands which it has bought the rights to. In long neck glass bottles, many with old school non-screw off caps.
Including Cock 'n Bull Ginger Beer, which indeed does have "Extra Ginger"...
And they use cane sugar, if I recall correctly. I suspect this is company is the national distributor of all such brands. And it's based in Mukilteo, WA.
posted by y2karl at 10:49 AM on September 21, 2015
I'd add "Sangría Señorial" to that list (not alcoholic, despite the name). I can find it in taquerías and some Mexican-oriented grocery stores in the Mission district in SF.
http://www.sangriasenorial.com/
posted by pantufla_milagrosa at 12:18 PM on September 21, 2015
http://www.sangriasenorial.com/
posted by pantufla_milagrosa at 12:18 PM on September 21, 2015
I'd add "Sangría Señorial" to that list
I bought that at a convience store near Richmond, VA once. Obviously tastes are a matter of taste but wow! I'm pretty sure that's the only time in my life I've decided a soda was completely undrinkable. That might be some personal residual horror, as it distinctly reminded me of the alleged wine my father used to make in the cellar, but with an inexplicably hostile fizziness.
posted by Wolfdog at 12:38 PM on September 21, 2015
I bought that at a convience store near Richmond, VA once. Obviously tastes are a matter of taste but wow! I'm pretty sure that's the only time in my life I've decided a soda was completely undrinkable. That might be some personal residual horror, as it distinctly reminded me of the alleged wine my father used to make in the cellar, but with an inexplicably hostile fizziness.
posted by Wolfdog at 12:38 PM on September 21, 2015
Wolfdog: Weird. I drank it as a kid, so obviously I have the nostalgia factor working for me. But I think American friends of mine who've tried it aren't disgusted by any means. Could've been an old bottle... it's possible that shelf life isn't that great.
posted by pantufla_milagrosa at 12:57 PM on September 21, 2015
posted by pantufla_milagrosa at 12:57 PM on September 21, 2015
Yeah, I'm quite willing to believe it was just a matter of my own taste.
posted by Wolfdog at 1:04 PM on September 21, 2015
posted by Wolfdog at 1:04 PM on September 21, 2015
I've never heard of Ironbeer, but it sounds really similar to Ironport, which can be found in a few places in the Intermountain West. As far as I know it's purely a fountain drink and not sold in bottles. I remember it tasting something like a cherry dr. pepper, but it's been a while.
posted by gamera at 8:38 PM on September 21, 2015
posted by gamera at 8:38 PM on September 21, 2015
I am drinking an Ale-8-One right now! My hosts got it for me without even knowing it was on my things-to-do-in-KY-while-I'm-there list. I like it - the ginger is stronger than national ginger drinks , and the underlying citrus is nice complement. I suspect it'll mix with smooth licquors really well.
Well worth a try if you are cruising through Kentucky.
posted by julen at 10:50 AM on September 25, 2015
Well worth a try if you are cruising through Kentucky.
posted by julen at 10:50 AM on September 25, 2015
Just for the record: just went on a root beer binge with a friend and split 3 bottles of Dads, Thomas Kemper and Stewarts.
The Dads had a pry off top, which was a nice if inconvenient touch.
And it was made with pure cane sugar. Man, that phrase makes me want to go full Andy Rooney but another time.
Didn't care for the taste. Something was out of balance.
Thomas Kemper and Stewarts, on the other hand, I liked.
And when I was at QFC, I read the ingredients listed on a bottle of Moxie: Gentian Root was listed. Go figure.
posted by y2karl at 3:14 AM on October 11, 2015
The Dads had a pry off top, which was a nice if inconvenient touch.
And it was made with pure cane sugar. Man, that phrase makes me want to go full Andy Rooney but another time.
Didn't care for the taste. Something was out of balance.
Thomas Kemper and Stewarts, on the other hand, I liked.
And when I was at QFC, I read the ingredients listed on a bottle of Moxie: Gentian Root was listed. Go figure.
posted by y2karl at 3:14 AM on October 11, 2015
As a kid, we got Michigan Vernor's commercials and free access to Vernor's being right on the Michigan border. I liked the stuff back in the 80s. Ted Nugent Vernor's commercial here.
posted by mandolin conspiracy at 5:37 PM on October 12, 2015
posted by mandolin conspiracy at 5:37 PM on October 12, 2015
One of my favourite obscure Australian (and other British Commonwealth places, I guess) soft drinks is Portello. I like Moxie fine, but what I'm really looking for in a soda is the refreshing taste of port wine. You know, for kids.
posted by zamboni at 5:58 PM on October 12, 2015
posted by zamboni at 5:58 PM on October 12, 2015
Since moving to Connecticut, I've discovered that Foxon Park makes a number of highly drinkable flavors. Their White Birch is pleasantly minty, Gassosa is a lot like sipping an Italian ice, and the more normal flavors (Root Beer, Ginger Ale, and "Kola") are satisfying, although their "Iron Brew" in no way resembles "Irn Bru," near as I can tell.
posted by Diagonalize at 6:27 PM on October 12, 2015
posted by Diagonalize at 6:27 PM on October 12, 2015
When I was a kid, the ice rink in Greensboro, NC used to have a Cheerwine slushie machine.
I've been chasing that high ever since.
posted by showbiz_liz at 8:05 AM on October 13, 2015 [2 favorites]
I've been chasing that high ever since.
posted by showbiz_liz at 8:05 AM on October 13, 2015 [2 favorites]
I have the Green River Girl poster in my kitchen. I'm born and raised in the northwest, but that bright green pop was always my first choice!
posted by sweetmarie at 12:23 PM on October 13, 2015
posted by sweetmarie at 12:23 PM on October 13, 2015
Aspen was my holy grail. Alas it had a short life, and Apple Slice is/was not as good.
posted by rhizome at 4:37 PM on October 13, 2015
posted by rhizome at 4:37 PM on October 13, 2015
So, I bought a bottle of Moxie today and tried it.
Remember when you were a kid and brushed your teeth and then drank a Coke or vice versa ? Moxie captures that flavor. As to whether it tastes like Coke just after brushing your teeth or toothpaste after just drinking a Coke would require more research than to which I am willing to commit.
Virgil's Cream Soda, on the other hand: A+++ Will drink again!!!
posted by y2karl at 5:16 PM on October 18, 2015
Remember when you were a kid and brushed your teeth and then drank a Coke or vice versa ? Moxie captures that flavor. As to whether it tastes like Coke just after brushing your teeth or toothpaste after just drinking a Coke would require more research than to which I am willing to commit.
Virgil's Cream Soda, on the other hand: A+++ Will drink again!!!
posted by y2karl at 5:16 PM on October 18, 2015
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This post was somewhat difficult to put together. I actually found several lists, but many were too annoying to bear, to the extent that I didn't want to subject other people to them. I don't want to link to your one-page-per-entry top-ten list. I don't want to link to your apparently non-working automated list, or at least it didn't work for me. And I really don't want to link to your list with thong-covered-ass thumbnails in the sidebar! These sentences all refer to individual articles that could have been in this FPP, but weren't. Ah well, fewer hits for you.
The links presented in the FPP are not perfect (I mean the first one's a slideshow for crying in the un-beer), but are a compromise between readability and interest. JHarris out.
posted by JHarris at 12:01 PM on September 20, 2015 [15 favorites]