Remember that fizzy drink you loved as a kid? Well, the soda world has changed! Today, a whole new wave of bubbly goodness is taking over. We’re not just talking about the usual suspects anymore. Craft soda is booming, offering exciting flavors you never imagined.
But let’s be honest, staring at shelves packed with unique labels and strange ingredients can feel overwhelming. You want something delicious and different, but how do you pick the winner from the rest? It’s easy to feel lost in the sea of craft brews.
This guide is here to be your trusty map through the craft soda landscape. We will break down what makes these drinks special, what flavors to look for, and how to find your new favorite bottle or can. Get ready to upgrade your next refreshment!
Top Craft Soda Recommendations
- 12 PACK CRAFT SODA VARIETY SAMPLER: Indulge in flavors ranging from old-fashioned classics to fruity delights in Wild Bill's soda cans 12 pack variety that Includes these 4 flavors: Black Cherry, Orange Cream, Root Beer, and Vanilla Cream.
- NO HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP: Our soda pop is hand-crafted with pure cane sugar and is 100% caffeine free, vegan, low sodium, and gluten free. Try all of our other Wild Bill’s soda flavors to find your favorite!
- LIGHTLY CARBONATED: Providing a unique, refreshingly full flavor. Perfect for meal pairing, cocktails, mocktails, and snacking. Treat yourself to premium, small batch soda, you deserve it.
- VARIETY PACK SODA POP: Includes 12 assorted soda flavors in one convenient variety pack.
- SMALL-BATCH: We produce each soda flavor in small batches and package it on the same day it’s made, ensuring ultra-fresh carbonation, crisp flavor, and the highest quality in every single bottle
- ORGANIC CANE SUGAR: Rocky Mountain Soda uses only organic cane sugar, grown without pesticides, herbicides, or harmful chemicals; this sustainable sweetener supports soil health, promotes biodiversity, and avoids bleaching agents—delivering clean, ethical sweetness that’s as good for the earth as it is in your glass
- Includes 4 (12.7oz) glass bottles of Bundaberg Ginger Beer
- Real Aussie Ginger
- Brewed over 3 days
- FLAVOR PACKED VARIETY SAMPLER: Indulge in flavors ranging from olde-fashioned classics to fruity delights in Wild Bill's 12-flavor variety pack. Includes: Root Beer, Vanilla Cream, Orange Cream, Black Cherry, Rocket Pop, Ginger Ale, Original Cola, Strawberry Cream, Ring Pop Blue Raspberry, Ring Pop Berry Blast, Ring Pop Strawberry, Ring Pop Watermelon
- NO HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP: Our soda pop is hand-crafted with pure cane sugar and is 100% caffeine free, vegan, low sodium, and gluten free. Try all of our other Wild Bill’s soda flavors to find your favorite!
- LIGHTLY CARBONATED: Providing a unique, refreshingly full flavor. Perfect for meal pairing, cocktails, mocktails and snacking. Treat yourself to premium, small batch soda, you deserve it.
- Includes: Assorted 12-Pack Variey Case
- Handcrafted in Small Batches – Made with care using time-honored recipes to ensure premium quality and bold, refreshing flavors. Each bottle delivers a crisp, fizzy delight that stands out from mass-produced sodas.
- Variety of Unique Flavors – This assorted 12-pack offers a delicious mix of fruit, spice, and cola-based sodas, so there’s something for every taste. From smooth and creamy to crisp and tangy, each bottle is a new adventure.
- JOLLY GOOD FLAVOR PARTY: Jolly Good's Craft Soda Variety Pack is a celebration of all your favorite flavors—grape, orange, cherry, blue raspberry, sour pow’r, and more! Perfect for enjoying solo or mixing up fun drinks, this pack has everything you need for a delicious and refreshing time.
- CAFFEINE FREE REFRESHMENT: Enjoy your favorite craft soda without the caffeine. Jolly Good Craft Soda is caffeine free, offering a delightful and refreshing beverage option that's perfect for any time of day. Ideal for both kids and adults who prefer caffeine free drinks.
- 12 PACK CONVENIENCE: Keep your fridge stocked with 12 pack variety for unlimited options all week long. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, grabbing a quick drink as a snack, or creating fun drink recipes, this pack has you covered. Easy to share, easy to enjoy.
- 12 PACK ORIGINAL COLA SODA: This curiously invigorating cola is inspired by olde fashioned, traditional recipes, made using infusions of the finest ingredients including sweet cinnamon, vanilla and nutmeg. Includes one cola 12 pack soda.
- TASTING NOTES: Cinnamon, Vanilla, Nutmeg. Our Original Cola is the ideal partner for a classic burger and fries for a harmonious blend of rich, spiced notes with savory goodness. Or Elevate your BBQ experience by sipping alongside tender, smoky ribs. It's also a fantastic complement to the cheesy, tomato-rich goodness of a homestyle pizza.
- LIGHTLY CARBONATED: Providing a unique, refreshingly full flavor. Perfect for meal pairing, cocktails, mocktails and snacking. Treat yourself to premium, small batch soda, you deserve it.
- AUTHENTIC BRAZILIAN FLAVOR: Experience the refreshing and iconic taste of Guaraná Antarctica, Brazil’s favorite soda, made with natural guaraná for a unique, fruity flavor.
- BOLD & REFRESHING TASTE: Enjoy the perfect balance of sweetness and fruitiness in every sip, providing a refreshing experience that’s loved around the world.
- PERFECTLY PORTIONED: Each can contains 11.83 fl oz, offering just the right amount of refreshment in a convenient, on-the-go size.
The Ultimate Craft Soda Buying Guide: Find Your Perfect Fizz
Tired of the same old sugary drinks? Craft soda offers exciting new flavors and better ingredients. This guide helps you choose the best bubbly beverage for your taste buds.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for craft soda, several features make a big difference in your drinking experience.
Flavor Complexity and Uniqueness
- Unique Ingredients: Look for sodas using real fruit purees, exotic spices (like cardamom or star anise), or herbs (like lavender or basil). Simple flavors like plain cola are fine, but craft soda shines in its creativity.
- Flavor Balance: A great craft soda balances sweetness, acidity, and the main flavor. It should not taste just like sugar water.
Carbonation Level
- The “Bite”: Some people love a strong, sharp carbonation (a big fizz). Others prefer a gentler, softer bubble. Read reviews to see if the soda is described as “aggressively carbonated” or “lightly sparkling.”
Sweetener Choice
- Natural Sweeteners: High-quality craft sodas often use cane sugar, honey, or maple syrup. These taste much better than artificial sweeteners.
- Sugar Content: Check the label. Even craft sodas can have high sugar. If you watch your sugar, look for options sweetened with stevia or monk fruit, or choose smaller bottles.
Important Ingredients and Materials
What goes into your soda matters greatly for taste and health.
Natural vs. Artificial
- Real Extracts: The best sodas use natural extracts from fruits, roots, or flowers. These provide deep, authentic flavors.
- Artificial Colors and Preservatives: Good craft sodas avoid these. Bright, unnatural colors often signal artificial additives.
Water Quality
Pure, filtered water forms the base of any good soda. While you cannot test the water, brands that focus on quality often mention using spring or reverse osmosis water.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Understanding these factors helps you spot a top-tier product.
Quality Boosters
- Small-Batch Production: Sodas made in smaller batches usually get more attention during mixing and bottling. This often results in better flavor consistency.
- Longer Infusion Times: When making flavors like ginger or root beer, longer steeping times pull out richer flavors.
Quality Reducers
- High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS): While common in mass-produced sodas, HFCS often gives a flatter, less satisfying sweetness compared to cane sugar.
- Over-Pasteurization: Sometimes, sodas are heated too much during bottling. This process can dull the bright, fresh flavor of the fruit or spice ingredients.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you drink your craft soda changes how you enjoy it.
Drinking Straight Up
For tasting the complex flavors, drink the soda chilled but not ice-cold. This lets your taste buds pick up subtle notes of spice or citrus.
As a Mixer
Craft sodas make excellent mixers. A spicy ginger beer elevates a simple rum cocktail. A tart cherry soda pairs wonderfully with vodka. Their strong, real flavors stand up well to spirits.
Food Pairings
Think of craft soda like wine. Pair rich, dark root beers with barbecue or savory dishes. Use light, citrusy sodas to cleanse the palate after eating spicy food.
Craft Soda Buying FAQs
Q: What makes craft soda different from regular soda?
A: Craft soda uses higher quality, often natural ingredients like real cane sugar and fruit extracts. Regular soda usually relies on artificial flavors and cheaper sweeteners like HFCS.
Q: Should I look for sodas that are “naturally flavored”?
A: Yes, “naturally flavored” usually means the taste comes from real sources like fruits, spices, or herbs, not from a lab. This generally leads to a better taste.
Q: How can I tell if the carbonation is good?
A: Look for descriptions like “crisp,” “sharp,” or “strong bubbles.” If the label mentions “lightly effervescent,” the fizz will be much softer.
Q: Are craft sodas always healthier than regular sodas?
A: Not always. They often have better ingredients, but they still contain sugar. Always check the sugar content on the nutrition label.
Q: What is “botanical” flavor in craft soda?
A: Botanical means the flavor comes from plants, often flowers, roots, or seeds, like hibiscus, elderflower, or juniper. These create very complex, earthy tastes.
Q: Can I store craft soda for a long time?
A: Most craft sodas are best enjoyed within a few months of purchase. Because they use fewer preservatives, the flavor can fade over time. Keep them cool and dark.
Q: What is the best way to chill craft soda?
A: Chill the bottles in the refrigerator. Avoid freezing them, as freezing can ruin the carbonation when the liquid thaws.
Q: Are there good low-sugar craft soda options?
A: Many newer brands offer options sweetened with stevia or erythritol. These provide the craft flavor without as much sugar.
Q: How should I choose a flavor if I am new to craft soda?
A: Start with flavors you already like, such as a unique take on lemon-lime or ginger ale. Then, try a classic like a well-reviewed root beer or cream soda.
Q: What is “small-batch” bottling?
A: Small-batch means the soda is produced in smaller quantities at one time. This process allows makers to closely monitor the quality and flavor of each batch.
Hi, I’m Tom Scalisi, and welcome to The Saw Blog! I started this blog to share my hands-on experience and insights about woodworking tools—especially saws and saw blades. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work with a wide range of tools, and I’m here to help both professionals and hobbyists make informed decisions when it comes to selecting and using their equipment. Whether you’re looking for in-depth reviews, tips, or just advice on how to get the best performance out of your tools, you’ll find it here. I’m excited to be part of your woodworking journey!