Coke or Pepsi? Here are my top 6 favorite sodas
Today we're going to discuss the long-drawn-out battle for the soul of our nation. No, I'm not talking about today's election results. I'm talking about Coke vs. Pepsi. In particular, the recent news that both Skyline and Gold Star decided, on the exact same day, to announce they were switching from Pepsi to Coke products. Coincidence? Well, I'm still trying to find out.
For now, let me say that I didn’t realize the cola wars were still so red hot until I saw the social media backlash about the simultaneous decision among Cincinnatians (the discontinuation of Mountain Dew at both chains drew the ire of many).
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Having grown up in the age of the Pepsi Challenge and New Coke, I figured the cola wars were over − that we had all learned to embrace both. Given that the popularity of soda seems to be dwindling among younger generations, I also assumed the stakes were pretty low now. I guess I was wrong.
I haven’t thought much about Coke or Pepsi for a while. I suppose I was more of a Pepsi fan when I was a kid but that’s likely because both Michael J. Fox and Michael Jackson were shilling it.
That said, here are my top six favorite sodas.
Ale-8-One
When it comes to soft drinks, my only true allegiance is to Ale-8-One. But that’s because my late best friend Gordon’s family owned it, and I grew up drinking it and loving it. I still try and keep a six-pack of Ale-8 in the fridge. Yes, there's the nostalgia factor, but it's also a great soda, with its sneeze-worthy spike of ginger and a taste that's never seemed too sweet (it's also a great mixer for bourbon).
Royal Crown Cola (RC)
Maybe I just like RC's underdog status, but whenever I see it on the grocery store shelves (which is rare nowadays), I pick some up. Yes, it's a little flat compared to Coke and Pepsi, but I like its subtle but spicy cinnamon kick.
Coca-Cola
I mentioned how I was mostly a Pepsi fan growing up, but I eventually joined Team Coke when my ex-girlfriend, whose mother hailed from Atlanta, ridiculed me for being on the wrong side. I was on the wrong side of mayonnaise with her mother, too. I guess Southerners can be sensitive when it comes to such things. I usually drink my Cokes over ice, with a fresh wedge of lemon.
Barq's Root Beer
My love of Barq's dates back to the years I lived in New Orleans. At Central Grocery, in the city's French Quarter, they serve it in ice-cold bottles alongside their signature muffuletta sandwich. I would book a flight to New Orleans right now just to experience it.
Blenheim Ginger Ale
I've written about Blenheim Ginger Ale for my former employer, Saveur magazine, before. So, since I'm well past deadline on today's newsletter, I'll just repeat what I had to say about it here. "I make a point of stopping by South of the Border, a tacky rest area/amusement park near Dillon, South Carolina, that has long served as an astonishingly misguided take on all things Mexican. But I don't stop for sombrero key chains or fireworks. I don't even stop for gas. The exit for South of the Border also takes you to the headquarters of Blenheim Ginger Ale, by far the spiciest, most gingery ale on the market as far as I can tell. I usually buy a case, pop one open in the car, and drink the rest at Mom's house during the week."
Sprite
Lame, right? But I've discovered a new love of Sprite ever since my daughter started requesting it whenever we stop for gas somewhere. Yes, it's sweet. And I get why people prefer its competitor 7UP. But Sprite hits all the right notes with its citrussy taste (that somehow isn't too artificial) and its high carbonation.
Keith Pandolfi covers food and dining for The Enquirer/Cincinnati.com. Follow his latest dining adventures on Instagram @keithpandolfi or via the At the Table newsletter.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Coke vs. Pepsi: Cincinnati food writer weighs in on surging soda wars
