I don’t know about you, but nothing compares to the fizzy flavors of my childhood. They’re bottled nostalgia. Think about popping open a can of your favorite Latin American soda, and pouring it over ice in a tall glass. The combo of goodness crackles. Then there’s that first sip. Boom! In that moment, nothing else matters. It’s the best, right?
Have you tried sharing this little piece of sugary liquid heaven with a friend? As an adult? If you have, then you know, as well as I do, that things don’t exactly go as planned.
You go through the same motions, now offering the refreshing glass to your friend. They light up, obviously flattered. Then there’s a nod, approving of the delicious beverage you’ve just presented. Plus, you’re probably smiling ear to ear and making the whole interaction awkward. Nonetheless, you wait, anticipating the “thank you” that’s coming any minute now. You watch them drink, like a creep. They’ll love it, right? You’re still waiting. The “thank you” never comes. In fact, it doesn’t go as planned at all.
The Latin American Soda You Grew up With
Yes, the love you have for your childhood soda is real and justified. It’s amazing … to you. But, if you’ve tried to share this delicacy with a friend, something usually goes wrong. Their face sours real quick. Sometimes you get those looks of disgust. You know the ones. But it can get worse. Quite frankly, in my opinion, the spitting out of your favorite soda is just unnecessary and cruel. But it’s been known to happen. I’ve seen it. I never learn. Do you?
Just this past weekend, I watched Cuban-American WPLG Television Anchor Andrew Perez ask his fellow co-anchor Alexis Frazier if she knew about Jupiña soda. She quickly said “no.” “Materva?” He asked. Also a “no,” which led to the promise he’d bring her both sodas to taste. Poor guy. Things may not go as planned, live on air with this Jupiña and Materva tasting. I kind of want to warn him.
What Soda Are You Missing Out On?
All of this got me thinking: “What Latin American sodas should I try?” I mean, I can’t expect others to embrace my childhood delicacy if I’m not open to trying new things. So, what if the thought of syrupy malta freaks me out? Like, is there a Materva-like soda from Ecuador that I’ll love? Could Jarritos—found in nearly every Wal-Mart aisle from Miami to Chattanooga—be my next favorite? This sparked some serious research into the sodas that millions across Latin America love. There are almost 100 of them. Who knew?
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“Sedano’s supermarket alone carries at least 70 different varieties of sodas and soft drinks from around Latin America,” The Miami Herald writes.
I obviously haven’t try them all, but I will. And I’ll be polite. I won’t spit any out. (I hope you’re reading this, Katie.) For now, our diverse staff did come up with some good ones for us to have a go-to soda list.
Top 10 Sodas from Latin America
Here’s a list of 10 top sodas from across the region that you need to know about (and maybe taste for yourself):
- Materva (Cuba) — It’s a yerba mate-flavored soda with earthy, herbal notes that taste like tea with lots of sugar.
- Kola Champagne (Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic) — This is a sweet, bright orange soda “with a champagne twist, offering a sophisticated and refreshing taste.”
- Jarritos (Mexico) — This superstar of sodas come in a variety of fruity flavors like tamarind (tangy), guava (sweet and floral), and mango (rich and tropical).
- Inca Kola (Peru) — Here’s a soda known for its neon yellow color. It kind of has a sweet, bubblegum-like flavor.
- Guaraná (Brazil) — Made from the Amazonian guaraná fruit, it has a unique fruity, slightly spicy taste.
- Postobón Manzana (Ecuador) — A crisp, refreshing apple-flavored soda, Postobón is a crowd favorite on Reddit.
- Malta Polar (Venezuela) — A non-alcoholic malt beverage with a deep flavor akin to a liquid dessert.
- Pony Malta (Colombia) — Another malt soda, slightly lighter in flavor but still sweet and hearty.
- Bilz y Pap (Chile) — Around since 1905, my Chilean friend says this one is an “amazing sugar rush,” but he can’t describe the taste. He loves it though.
- Salvavidas Limón (Guatemala) — This popular soda is described as a refreshing lime soda, often labeled “lemon soda” in English, but unmistakably lime in taste.
