Cherry cola, a distinctive soft drink blend of cherry-flavored syrup and cola, traces its roots to the United States, where it gained prominence in the realm of soda beverages. The origins of this concoction can be situated within the nostalgic ambiance of old-fashioned soda fountains,[1] where it has been consumed by consumers for years.
 A glass of cherry cola served with ice cubes | |
| Type | Soft drink |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Various |
| Country of origin |  United States of America |
| Introduced | November 10th, 1985 by Pepsi |
| Color | Caramel (with certain exceptions such as Zevia Cola and Kola Román) |
| Flavor | Cola (Kola nut, citrus, cinnamon, cherry and vanilla) |
History
Throughout the years, several major soda manufacturers have introduced their interpretations of cherry cola, including established brands such as Coca-Cola Cherry, Pepsi Wild Cherry, and Cherry RC. Notably, Coca-Cola Cherry has emerged as the leading contender in terms of sales and revenue within this category.[2] Pepsi was the first company to take it to the market on November 10th, 1985. [3]
Targeted toward a demographic spanning ages 12 to 17,[4] Cherry Cola has established itself as a consistent refreshment option among younger consumers. However, it's noteworthy that cherry cola extends beyond soft drinks, with alcoholic variants also existing. These alcoholic renditions typically feature Cola as a base, often combined with vodka and grenadine there however many variations.
Production
The first step in the production of Cherry Cola involves blending the cherry-flavored Syrup with other flavorings such as Kola nut, Citrus, Vanilla, and Cinnamon. [5] This mixture is carefully prepared to achieve a consistent and desired flavor profile that defines the Cherry Cola's unique taste. After the syrup blend is prepared, Carbonation is introduced. This process involves dissolving carbon dioxide (CO2) into the cola under high pressure, creating the fizzy texture that is characteristic of carbonated beverages.[6] The carbonation level is closely monitored to ensure it meets the product's specifications. The final step in the production process is bottling. The carbonated Cherry Cola is transferred into bottles or cans, which are then sealed to preserve the beverage's carbonation and flavor. This stage also includes quality control measures to ensure that each bottle or can meets the established standards for the product.[7]
Uses
Cherry cola has found a prominent place in both the beverage industry and culinary world. Firstly, cherry cola is widely consumed as a standalone beverage. Its flavor profile, which combines cherries with the taste of cola, makes it popular among consumers seeking a variation from traditional cola drinks. In addition to being consumed on its own, cherry cola is also utilized as a mixer in the preparation of cocktails and mocktails.[8] For cocktails, cherry cola can be paired with various liquors such as rum, bourbon, or vodka. In mocktails, which do not contain alcohol, cherry cola serves as a key ingredient, providing a flavor base that complements other non-alcoholic components. Moreover, "cherry cola evokes a sense of nostalgia, reminiscent of soda fountains and old-fashioned refreshment stands that were once common in American culture. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal, bridging generations with its classic taste."[1]
| Name | Drink name | Company Launch Year |
|---|---|---|
| Coca Cola | Cherry Coke | May 8th 1886[9] |
| Pepsi | Wild Cherry Pepsi | 1898[10] |
| Bawls | Bawls Cherry Cola | 1996[11] |
| Boylan | Boylan Black Cherry Cola | 1891[12] |
| Zevia | Zevia Cherry Cola | 2007[13] |
| Cheerwine | Cheerwine Cherry Cola | 1917[14] |
| Jones Soda | Jones Cherry Cola | 1995[15] |
| Signature Select | Signature Cherry Cola | 1915[16] |
| Fentimans | Fentimans Cherry Cola | 1905[17] |
| Olipop | OIipop Cherry Cola | 2018[18] |
| Spreacher | Speacher Cherry Cola | 1985[19] |
| Shasta | Shasta Cherry Cola | 1889[20] |