I recently chanced upon a few cherry options with which I'd been previously unfamiliar and so I instinctually purchased them without hesitation, and while that's just business as usual for me, for some reason it triggered a predatory lust for all things "cherry"; I suddenly found I couldn't go anywhere without tracking down whatever cherry beverage options there were to be had: supermarkets, drug stores, liquor stores, gas stations, auto dealerships, funeral parlors - everywhere I went I was like "I know they got that cherry somewhere." And they usually did, and I wasn't gonna be happy until I achieved at least Type 1 Diabetes. The other goal was to find as many possible iterations that were new to me. Here are eight from my journey that are worth mentioning.
- Paul
Pepsi Wild Cherry & Cream
This one I specifically searched for, and it was mostly to get my hands on that sweet can - to the point that I was prepared to write a whole article just on that design alone! Someone wiser than me once noted that cherries really bring out the best in graphic designers, and if you look at the lineage, the bottles and cans were always aces. (I've included three of the same here so you can absorb the entire Pop Art mural). But it ain't just a pretty picture -- dare I say it possibly surpasses the standard Wild Cherry in texture and flavor. The subtle "Cream" addition softens the standard sticky aftertaste, leaving very little room for anything to complain about. Supposedly this is here to stay, so between the artwork and the smoothness, World Peace is surely upon us.
Ring Pop Soda Cherry
Everything about this screams "bootleg" - from the ridiculous concept to the sparse, fakey-looking label that resembles a product you'd spot in a sitcom. But no, same as the lollipop jewelry from which it derives, it's manufactured by Bazooka Candy Company. The idea of "candy flavored soda" had me fully braced for impact as I said a silent prayer for my teeth, but the flavor is actually best described as a melted cherry popsicle; it's sweet but not in an aggressively syrupy way, more like a polite "excuse me" way. So instead of being upsetting it was kinda dull. Pick your poison.
Canada Dry Fruit Splash Cherry Ginger Ale
I've actually been knocking this back since last year but I had to include it in my binge - mostly because it's damn good. I actually like just about any flavored ginger ale except ginger ale-flavored ginger ale (it reminds me too much of being nauseous in front of a big plastic bowl) but I don't even see how they can call this "ginger ale" - this is through and through a fruit punch soda that's heavy on the cherry, and it nails both of those elements exquisitely.
Polar Black Cherry
I always thought tacking "black" onto the front of "cherry" was some bullshit attempt at sounding cool, and for a lotta candies and bubblegums I've found that's typically been the case. But Polar takes it a lot more seriously - instead of your straightforward maraschino approach, this one leans into the sourness of a fruit that came right off the tree. If you're into that then this one is for you.
Caruso's Maraschino Cherry Cola
This one outright promises the maraschino experience (which is generally just assumed unless otherwise noted). This one could end up as a mistrial because I didn't find it particularly fizzy, which obviously could mean I just ended up with a flat bottle. Whatever, it happens - it was still just bubbly and sweet enough to finish the whole thing, even if the predominant taste was "glass".
Mountain Dew Game Fuel Circus Cherry
I didn't know the brand well enough to not just assume that this was their Code Red flavor, but apparently it's not - this is actually a rerelease of a Limited Edition flavor from 2014, brought back to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of World of Warcraft. I don't really know much about anything I just wrote, but I will say it's notable that Mountain Dew finally acknowledged that their target audience is not surfer Michelangelo-types who dive off cliffs, but is, in fact, gamers. And remember my fears in regards to the Ring Pop soda? Game Fuel makes them a reality!
Dr. Pepper Cherry
People have always tried to convince me that regular Dr. Pepper was technically a full-time cherry cola. And I'd tell them they were wrong with curse words. Now I simply have proof: while "cherry" is indeed one of the Dr.'s famous 23 ingredients, this is their legitimate Cherry form. Unencumbered by a "cream" or "vanilla" accompaniment, there's only one new flavor to detect, and much to my surprise it's entirely detectable; I've always argued in the past that all flavors or Dr. Pepper basically taste like the original, but this sole addition of cherry flavor actually dulls that rubbery tire tinge that always feels present to me. If they'll allow it, when I want a Dr. Pepper from now on, I'm reaching for this one.
Cherry RC Cola
This is no dream, this is really happening! (That's more about reassuring me than you.) If you're even a casual reader here you could be aware that I've been seeking this flavor for well over a decade; for some of you this beverage may be abundantly available from any local store but in my region of the country it simply doesn't exist. Or so I thought. Let's just say strings were pulled, measures were taken, and various things fell into place to lead me here. So where is "here"? Much in the way Royal Crown Cola is the distinct midpoint between Coke and Pepsi, RC Cherry is noticeably less bitter than Cherry Coke and less syrupy than Wild Cherry Pepsi... making it kinda perfect(?). Or maybe it's just the taste of Victory that's so appealing. Either way it was worth the wait and I'll enjoy it while it lasts.
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