There’s something special about the sodas that never made it big across the country. They’re the hidden gems of the soft drink world, packed with unique flavors and stories that make them unforgettable in their hometowns. These regional favorites may not have reached every grocery store shelf, but that’s part of their charm—they’re a little taste of local culture. Let’s take a look at some of these iconic sodas that remain treasures in their corners of the world.
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Moxie
Originating in 1876, Moxie is one of America’s oldest mass-produced soft drinks. Created by Augustin Thompson in Lowell, Massachusetts, it was initially marketed as “Moxie Nerve Food,” claiming to cure ailments like paralysis and insomnia. The beverage has a distinctively bitter taste, attributed to gentian root extract, setting it apart from sweeter sodas. Despite its unique flavor, Moxie maintained a strong following in New England but struggled to gain popularity elsewhere. In 2018, The Coca-Cola Company acquired Moxie, yet it remains primarily a regional favorite.
Cheerwine
Introduced in 1917 in Salisbury, North Carolina, Cheerwine is a cherry-flavored soda known for its deep burgundy color and unique taste. Its name reflects its wine-like appearance, though it contains no alcohol. The drink’s distinct flavor comes from a blend of cherry flavoring and other proprietary ingredients. Over the years, Cheerwine has developed a loyal following in the southeastern United States. Despite efforts to expand, it remains largely a regional specialty.
Big Red
Launched in 1937 in Waco, Texas, Big Red is a cream soda with a distinctive red color and unique flavor profile. Its taste combines citrus oils and vanilla, creating a sweet and creamy beverage. The soda became particularly popular in Texas and surrounding states, often associated with regional cuisine. Despite its strong regional presence, Big Red has not achieved widespread national distribution.
Ale-8-One
Ale-8-One, often referred to as “Ale-8,” is a ginger and citrus-flavored soft drink introduced in 1926 by G.L. Wainscott in Winchester, Kentucky. The name is a play on “A Late One,” suggesting the latest thing in soft drinks. Ale-8 has remained a staple in Kentucky, with its crisp, refreshing taste appealing to locals. Efforts to expand distribution have been limited, keeping Ale-8 primarily a regional delicacy.
Vernors
Created in 1866 by Detroit pharmacist James Vernor, Vernors is a ginger ale known for its bold, spicy flavor and deep golden color. It’s often considered the oldest surviving ginger ale brand in the United States. The soda gained immense popularity in Michigan and parts of the Midwest, becoming a regional icon. Despite its long history, Vernors has remained largely confined to its original markets, with limited national distribution.
Squirt
Introduced in 1938 in Phoenix, Arizona, Squirt is a grapefruit-flavored soda known for its tangy, citrusy taste. Its refreshing profile made it a popular mixer for cocktails and a favorite among those seeking a less sweet soft drink. While Squirt found a loyal customer base in the southwestern United States, it struggled to achieve the same level of recognition nationwide. Today, it remains a cherished regional beverage.
Dr. Enuf
Launched in 1949 in Johnson City, Tennessee, Dr. Enuf is a lemon-lime flavored soda fortified with vitamins and minerals. Marketed as an energy-boosting tonic, it was one of the first sodas to make health-related claims. The drink developed a dedicated following in northeastern Tennessee, appreciated for its crisp taste and perceived health benefits. Despite its unique positioning, Dr. Enuf remains primarily a regional specialty.
Green River
Introduced in 1919 by the Schoenhofen Edelweiss Brewing Company in Chicago, Green River is a lime-flavored soda with a vivid green color. Originally created during Prohibition to keep breweries in business, it became a nostalgic favorite in the Midwest. The soda’s sweet, lime taste and distinctive appearance made it popular at soda fountains. Despite its early success, Green River’s distribution remained limited, and it never achieved national prominence.
Grapette
First produced in 1939 by Benjamin Tyndle Fooks in Camden, Arkansas, Grapette is a grape-flavored soda known for its sweet, fruity taste. The beverage gained popularity in the southern United States, recognized for its distinctive flavor and packaging. Despite its initial success, Grapette faced challenges in distribution and competition, leading to its decline in the U.S. market. However, it found success internationally and was later reintroduced in the U.S. as part of Walmart’s Sam’s Choice line.
Nesbitt’s
Launched in the late 1930s by the Nesbitt Fruit Products Company in Los Angeles, Nesbitt’s is best known for its orange-flavored soda. It was once endorsed by Marilyn Monroe, solidifying its place in pop culture. Over time, competition from larger brands like Fanta overshadowed Nesbitt’s, leading to a decline in its market presence. However, it still holds a nostalgic charm for those who grew up enjoying it. Nesbitt’s remains available in select regions, beloved for its vintage appeal.
Nehi
Nehi was introduced in 1924 by the Chero-Cola Company (now RC Cola) and became famous for its bold fruit flavors like grape, peach, and orange. It was designed to compete with the growing popularity of flavored sodas at the time. Nehi’s colorful drinks and sweet flavors resonated with consumers across the South and Midwest. The brand experienced a decline in visibility as RC Cola shifted its focus, but it still holds a nostalgic place in soda history. Nehi is occasionally spotted in specialty stores, keeping its legacy alive.
Sun Drop
Sun Drop, a citrus-flavored soda with a bright and tangy profile, debuted in 1949 in Missouri. Known for its high caffeine content and zesty taste, it became especially popular in the southern United States. Fans appreciate its refreshing blend of citrus flavors, often comparing it to Mountain Dew with a unique twist. Despite its regional popularity, Sun Drop has struggled to establish a nationwide presence. It continues to be a favorite in its home markets, where its bold flavor and vibrant branding shine.
This article originally appeared on RetailShout.
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