Mexican Soda: Different Types and Why They're Different
Soda is a staple in Mexico. It is widely consumed throughout the entire country, and this fizzy drink is a huge part of local Mexican culture.
At De La Calle, we believe in the importance of observing the customs and flavors of authentic Mexican beverages. Food is the epicenter of so many cultures, and Mexican food culture has a rich and fascinating history.
Most households in Mexico consume sodas. It is rare to see a meal served without the option of a soda to wash it down. In fact, Mexicans consume the most carbonated drinks per person than any other country.
They know their soda, but do you? There are so many fun and delicious flavors of soda to try when exploring the realm of Mexican fizzy drinks.
A great benefit in expanding your knowledge of the different varieties of soda is the opportunity to taste new and exciting flavors. Many of the standard soda flavors in the United States are very different from the fantastic flavors in Mexican sodas.
Mexican soda commonly uses flavors and essences of hibiscus, tamarind, chili, and sangria. You don’t often see these flavors in popular carbonated drink brands in the United States. Trying out Mexican soda flavors allows you to experience flavors you otherwise may have overlooked or missed out on entirely.
If you are not a soda fan, that’s okay too. Many of these unique flavors are present in a popular soda alternative, tepache. Tepache is a fermented drink made from pineapples. It has a sweet fizzy taste and texture, making it great for fans of carbonation looking for lower sugar drinks.
Tepache or otherwise, you’re sure to be intrigued by the plethora of options in Mexican sodas. There is much to understand about the deviations in these fizzy Mexican sodas, so let’s break those down.
What Makes a Soda?
First, a quick refresher on what qualifies as a soda. Soda is a carbonated, sweet, non-alcoholic beverage—although it is often mixed with alcohol as well.
Now that the foundation is laid, let's check out the different varieties of Mexican soda and what exactly sets them apart from each other.
Jarritos
Jarritos is a very popular Mexican soda. This is the most widely sold in the United States when it comes to authentic Mexican beverages.
This soda comes in many different flavors to test and love. Jarritos means “little pots,” and they are sold in glass bottles. The drinks themselves are vibrant colors and pack personality into each flavor they offer.
Jarritos offers eleven different flavors, and they vary from super sweet to standard sweetness. Some of the flavors include guava, Jamaica hibiscus, and mango.
In comparison to other Mexican soda drinks, Jarritos is certainly a sweeter option. Some of the flavors taste like downright melted down candy!
Lift Soda
Lift is a Coca-Cola product. Like Jarritos, this beverage is also for those who love a sweet soda.
The drink is enjoyed in many parts of the world, and the flavors preferred by each region vary. Lift comes in lemon, guava, apple, and more. In Mexico, manzana (or apple) is the clear frontrunner for favorite fizzy Lift flavor.
The drink is very sweet and contains high fructose corn syrup. The apple flavor is nearly reminiscent of green apple candy. Though this drink is ultimately dominated by its super-sweet taste, there is also a small amount of real apple juice in the beverage.
This drink is excellent to pair with fatty or salty foods that need an acidic drink to cut through their dominating flavors.
Mundet Soda
This soda also places apples in the starring role. Popularized in 1902, the beverage has deep roots but has stuck close to its origins.
The drink offers two different flavors: red apple and green apple, otherwise referred to as “sidral” and “manzana verde,” respectively. Even though this drink does not have very much real apple juice, it definitely does taste of apples.
Like its apple soda counterpart, Lift, Mundet soda pairs best with salty foods. The sweetness pairs nicely with a strong salt. A Mundet soda alongside some delicious, fresh, hot carnitas straight off of the grill is a Mexican classic.
Sangría Señorial
Though its name may lead you to believe otherwise, this Mexican soda is a non-alcoholic drink. It stays true to the soda code.
This drink’s flavor profile is a bit less familiar to American taste buds. Sangría Señorial is made from wine grapes. The soda has a more full-bodied flavor than the super sweet sodas above.
Sangría Señorial serves as a refreshing sip for a hot summer day. It may remind you of a spritz or wine cooler in taste. Get extra authentic by serving with a lemon wedge.
A Soda Alternative
Soda is a tasty treat, but too much of a good thing is not a good thing at all. If you are after an authentic Mexican soda but do not want so much sugar or sweetness, never fear!
Tepache is here! Tepache is an authentic Mexican beverage made from fermented pineapple peels. The drink covers all the bases for soda lovers.
Tepache is naturally sweet and contains no high fructose corn syrup. Check one! Next, fizziness. The fermentation process gives tepache a fizzy, bubbly texture that satisfies a soda lover’s craving for carbonation. Check two!
Our tepache also comes in a wide variety of flavors. This includes Ginger Manzana, Picante Mango Chili, and Orange Turmeric, just to name a few!
Experiment and Enjoy
No matter which Mexican soda you try out, there are many ways to explore the unique and colorful flavors of the country. From classic apple flavors to bold risks with chili, you are sure to find something to suit your soda dreams.
Everyone enjoys their drinks differently, so do not fear if the first soda you try is not right for you. Mexican sodas are a fantastic avenue to experiment with new flavors and see what you like! They are also an awesome way to expand your favorite flavors in ways you may otherwise never have been able to.
Sources:
Mexicans dying for a fizzy drink | BBC
