13 Rare Soda Flavors That Only Show Up in Certain States
If you enjoy trying new and unique flavors, then exploring rare sodas can be an exciting adventure. Across the United States, certain states offer limited-edition sodas that are almost impossible to find outside their borders. These flavors often reflect local culture and traditions, making them a fun way to experience a place through its drinks. From classic flavors with a twist to entirely original creations, each soda has its own story and a special connection to the state where it was created. Whether you are visiting or a lifelong resident, these regional sodas offer something refreshing that you won’t find on every shelf.
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Maine Root Beer – Maine
Maine Root Beer is a popular soda in the state of Maine, and it is not easily found outside the region. This soda is known for its rich, smooth flavor, which comes from high-quality ingredients like organic vanilla, wintergreen, and licorice root. What sets it apart from other root beers is its natural sweetness from organic cane sugar, making it a great choice for those who are looking for a more natural soda experience.
People in Maine often enjoy this soda with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to make a root beer float. If you want to try this soda, you may have to seek it out in specialty stores or local restaurants in Maine, as it is not widely distributed. This flavor is deeply rooted in the state’s history, making it a must-try for soda enthusiasts visiting Maine. The current market price for a 4-pack of Maine Root Root Beer is around $6.99.
Cheerwine – North Carolina
Cheerwine is a cherry-flavored soda that has been a staple in North Carolina for over a century. This soda is known for its deep, bold cherry flavor, which is less sweet and more tart compared to other cherry sodas on the market. It was first created in Salisbury, North Carolina, in 1917 and has since become an iconic beverage in the state.
Despite its regional popularity, it is often difficult to find Cheerwine outside of the southeastern United States. Many North Carolinians swear by Cheerwine as the perfect soda to accompany barbecue, making it a quintessential part of the local food culture. The soda is often sold in glass bottles, which adds to its old-school charm. The current market price for a 12-pack of Cheerwine is approximately $8.99.
Big Red – Texas
Big Red is a popular soda in Texas and other southern states, known for its unique red, creamy, and fruity flavor. The soda is often described as a cross between cream soda and bubblegum, offering a distinct taste that is not commonly found in other sodas. Big Red was first created in 1937 in Waco, Texas, and has since become one of the most recognized soft drinks in the state.
It is especially favored in Texas for its versatility in pairing with foods like pizza and fried chicken. Despite its popularity in the South, Big Red is rarely found outside of the region, making it a regional specialty. People who visit Texas often bring back a few bottles of this soda to enjoy at home. The current market price for a 12-pack of Big Red is around $8.50.
Minnesota’s “Sprecher” Root Beer – Minnesota
Sprecher Root Beer is a unique craft soda brewed in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, but it has a special connection to Minnesota. It is known for its bold flavor, with hints of vanilla and honey, and is made using a distinctive method that involves brewing the soda over fire, which gives it a smooth, rich taste. While it is available in some other states, it has a particularly strong fan base in Minnesota, where it is often considered a local treasure.
Sprecher Root Beer is often enjoyed on special occasions and is commonly served at Minnesota’s famous state fairs. Its popularity in the state can be attributed to its high quality, which stands out in a market full of mass-produced sodas. Many local restaurants in Minnesota serve it as a nostalgic option, often paired with gourmet burgers or hot dogs. The current market price for a 6-pack of Sprecher Root Beer is approximately $7.99.
Faygo Rock & Rye – Michigan
Faygo is a beloved soda brand that originated in Detroit, Michigan, and one of its most iconic flavors is Rock & Rye. This soda is a combination of cherry, vanilla, and a hint of almond flavor, making it a truly unique and flavorful beverage. It has been a Michigan favorite for decades and is often associated with the state’s history and working-class roots.
Despite its strong presence in Michigan, Faygo Rock & Rye is not widely available outside of the state, making it a regional specialty. The soda is often served at Michigan-based celebrations and is particularly popular at sporting events and barbecues. People who visit Michigan often bring back Faygo Rock & Rye as a souvenir to share with friends and family. The current market price for a 24-pack of Faygo Rock & Rye is approximately $12.99.
Moxie – Maine
Moxie is one of the oldest and most unique sodas in the United States, originating from Maine. Known for its distinct taste, Moxie has a bittersweet flavor that is unlike any other soda on the market. The soda is flavored with a mix of gentian root and various other herbs, giving it a strong medicinal taste that many either love or hate. Moxie has been around since 1884 and is considered by many to be a symbol of Maine’s independent spirit.
Despite its historical significance, Moxie is difficult to find outside of New England, making it a rare treat for those visiting Maine. It is often used as a mixer for cocktails or served with a wedge of lime to cut through its bitterness. The current market price for a 6-pack of Moxie is approximately $5.99.
Ski – Tennessee
Ski is a citrus-flavored soda that originated in Tennessee and has remained a beloved regional drink in the state. This soda is known for its bold, tangy taste, which comes from a blend of lemon and orange flavors, with a refreshing fizz. Ski was created in 1956 and quickly became a favorite among Tennessee residents.
It is particularly popular during the summer months and is often enjoyed at cookouts, picnics, and tailgates. Ski’s popularity is primarily limited to Tennessee and some neighboring states, making it a rare find in other parts of the country. Despite its limited availability, Ski has a loyal fan base that swears by its distinctive taste. The current market price for a 6-pack of Ski is around $6.50.
Blake’s Hard Cider – Michigan
Blake’s Hard Cider, while primarily known for its alcoholic ciders, also offers a line of unique non-alcoholic sodas that are particularly popular in Michigan. The apple-flavored soda has a fresh, crisp taste that reflects the apple orchards of Michigan. Blake’s Hard Cider is made from apples sourced from local farms, which gives it a fresh, natural flavor that stands out in the soda market.
The soda is often enjoyed on its own or used in mixed drinks for a refreshing twist. Although Blake’s Hard Cider is sold in some other states, it has a strong following in Michigan, where its local ties give it a special place in the hearts of residents. Many Michiganders consider it the best soda to pair with a summer picnic or family gathering. The current market price for a 4-pack of Blake’s Hard Cider is approximately $8.00.
Peach Nehi – Georgia
Peach Nehi is a peach-flavored soda that has a special connection to Georgia, the state known for its peaches. This soda offers a refreshing, sweet peach taste that is made with real peach flavoring. Peach Nehi was first introduced in the 1950s and quickly became a favorite in Georgia, where it has since maintained its popularity.
The soda’s peachy sweetness is perfectly balanced with a slight fizz, making it a refreshing drink on a hot day. Despite its regional popularity, Peach Nehi is not commonly found outside of Georgia, making it a rare find for visitors. The soda is often paired with southern dishes like fried chicken or peach cobbler for the ultimate Georgia experience. The current market price for a 12-pack of Peach Nehi is approximately $7.99.
Pop Shoppe – Michigan
Pop Shoppe is a vintage soda brand that has made a significant comeback in Michigan, where it was originally created in the 1960s. The soda is known for its retro bottles and unique flavors, which include root beer, cream soda, and grape soda. Pop Shoppe’s appeal lies in its simple, classic taste, which is made using traditional recipes and ingredients.
This soda is particularly popular in Michigan due to its historical ties to the state and is often sold in local convenience stores and specialty shops. Despite being discontinued in the 1980s, Pop Shoppe was revived by a group of enthusiasts who brought the brand back to life, making it a rare and beloved find in Michigan. Many people who grew up drinking Pop Shoppe in Michigan are now sharing it with their children. The current market price for a 6-pack of Pop Shoppe is approximately $7.00.
NuGrape – Georgia
NuGrape is a unique grape soda that has been a favorite in Georgia since its creation in 1909. Known for its rich grape flavor, NuGrape offers a taste that is both sweet and tart, with a smooth, fizzy finish. The soda became widely popular throughout the South, especially in Georgia, where it was often served at family gatherings and local events.
While it was once sold nationwide, NuGrape is now primarily available in Georgia and a few neighboring states. Its distinctive taste and nostalgic quality have made it a regional treasure, and it is a must-try for visitors to the state. Many people fondly remember drinking NuGrape with a slice of peach pie or alongside a traditional Southern meal. The current market price for a 12-pack of NuGrape is around $7.50.
Zuberfizz – Colorado
Zuberfizz is a craft soda brewed in Colorado, known for its high-quality ingredients and unique flavors. It is particularly famous for its root beer, which is made with a blend of sarsaparilla, vanilla, and other herbs to create a rich, complex flavor. Zuberfizz is often touted as one of the best root beers in the country, and its limited availability makes it a rare find for those outside of Colorado.
The soda is made in small batches, ensuring each bottle is crafted with care. People in Colorado appreciate the attention to detail that goes into making each soda, and Zuberfizz has gained a loyal following among soda enthusiasts. It is frequently sold in local shops, as well as at farmers’ markets and craft soda retailers. The current market price for a 4-pack of Zuberfizz is approximately $8.00.
Orange Crush – Oklahoma
Orange Crush is an orange soda that is particularly beloved in Oklahoma, where it is a staple at many local diners and drive-ins. Known for its sweet, citrusy flavor, Orange Crush is a popular drink during the summer months when residents crave a cool, refreshing beverage. The soda has a bright orange color and a tangy taste that many people in Oklahoma associate with nostalgic moments from their childhood.
It has a special significance in Oklahoma, where it is often seen as a symbol of the state’s love for sweet, fruity sodas. Many Oklahomans enjoy their Orange Crush with a side of greasy comfort food, such as fried chicken or onion rings. The soda is sometimes mixed into cocktails for a fun twist on classic drinks. The current market price for a 12-pack of Orange Crush is approximately $6.99.
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.