Small soda manufacturers can offer very unique flavours, and can be worth the extra effort of tracking them down. Thankfully, these companies offer mail order service.
When you think of soda or soft drinks, you likely have a handful of big names that come to mind, like Coke or Pepsi. But there are loads of smaller soft drink companies out there, each producing a unique mix of flavours that you may be missing out on.
Smaller gourmet soda companies are popping up all over, and though you may be able to find some of these brands in specialty supermarkets in your area, you might have to place an order to have some delivered. Most of these companies do mail order or Internet orders.
The premise behind GuS soft drinks, is that they are less sweet and more subtly flavoured than soft drinks designed for younger drinkers. These are more sophisticated than your average bottle of pop. The flavours are dry and crisp, with only a touch of cane sugar sweetness. There are no preservatives either. Sodas from GuS come in 12oz bottles, and have flavours like Star Ruby Grapefruit, Dry Cranberry Lime and Dry Crimson Grape. You can buy GuS sodas in gourmet shops in most US states and even a few select locations in Canada.
Foxon Park has been making soft drinks for more than 80 years in the Connecticut area, and now you can order their products online through their website. Their flavour menu has many typical soft drink varieties like cola, orange and cherry. But they also make white birch, gassosa and iron brew. Foxon Park sodas are made to high-quality standards with natural ingredients.
Jones is fairly well-known as a specialty soda company, popular for its creative bottle labels and wild limited edition flavours. Their regular flavour line-up includes your typical flavours, as well as more unique tastes like crushed melon, green apple and blue bubble gum. They have gotten national attention for their specialty holiday flavours, like the turkey and gravy soda created for Christmas 2003. Jones is a more wide-spread brand than some of these others and can be bought at chain stores Barnes & Nobles, Target and Kroger. Buy Jones from their website as well.
Fentimans uses all-natural brewing techniques to create full-bodied flavours, sticking to classic tastes. They have old-fashioned cola as well as a sharp ginger beer. If you want something a little different, you could try their Shandy or even dandelion and burdock. Fentimans is made in the UK, but a few specialty stores in the US and abroad carry it. You can order some through their website, and they do ship worldwide.
Jeff's specializes in a variety of egg-cream sodas, bringing back soda fountain memories for many. Their flavours include chocolate, vanilla, berry and coffee. You can even get some flavours in a low-carb formula, so these rich sodas won't impact your waistline. Order yours from their website.
