cherry cola

{{Short description|Soft drink}}

{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2024}}

{{Infobox drink

| name = Cherry Cola

| image = Cherry Cola.jpg

| caption = A glass of cherry cola served with ice cubes

| type = Soft drink

| abv =

| proof =

| manufacturer = Various

| distributor =

| origin = {{flag|United States of America}}

| introduced = November 10, 1985 by Pepsi

| discontinued =

| color = Caramel (with certain exceptions such as Zevia Cola and Kola Román)

| flavor = Cola (Kola nut, citrus, cinnamon, cherry and vanilla)

| variants =

| related =

| website =

}}

File:Fentimans Cherry Cola 2.jpg

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,{{Cite web |last1=Nolen |first1=Herman Christian |last2=Maynard |first2=Harold Howard |date=February 1, 1941 |title=Drug Store Management |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ThVtAAAAMAAJ&q=%22cherry+cola%22 |publisher=McGraw-Hill book Company, Incorporated |via=Google Books}} where it has been consumed by consumers for years.

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.{{Cite web |title=Coca-Cola Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2023 Results |url=https://www.coca-colacompany.com/media-center/fourth-quarter-full-year-2023-results |access-date=2024-04-27 |website=www.coca-colacompany.com |language=en-US}} Pepsi was the first company to take it to the market on November 10, 1985.{{Cite web |title=The History of Pepsi |url=https://pepsibrattleboro.com/the-history-of-pepsi/ |access-date=2024-04-27 |website=Leader Distribution Systems |language=en-US}}

Targeted toward a demographic spanning ages 12 to 17,{{Cite web |title=The race to get cherry cola onto store shelves first in 1985 |url=https://www.cbc.ca/archives/the-race-to-get-cherry-cola-onto-store-shelves-first-in-1985-1.5338176}} 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.{{Cite web |title=Coca‑Cola - Flavors, Nutrition Facts & Ingredients {{!}} Coca‑Cola US |url=https://www.coca-cola.com/us/en/brands/coca-cola/coca-cola-flavors |access-date=2024-04-24 |website=www.coca-cola.com |language=en-US}} 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 ({{chem|C|O|2}}) into the cola under high pressure, creating the fizzy texture that is characteristic of carbonated beverages.{{cite book |doi=10.1016/B978-0-08-100596-5.03240-6 |chapter=Carbonated Beverages |title=Reference Module in Food Science |date=2016 |last1=Ashurst |first1=Philip R. |isbn=978-0-08-100596-5 }} 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.{{Cite web |title=Carbonated beverages |url=http://www.sipasolutions.com/en/sipa-is/complete-lines/carbonated-beverages |access-date=2024-04-28 |website=Sipa |language=en}}

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.{{Cite web |title=Rum and Cherry Cola Cocktail |url=https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/geoffrey-zakarian/rum-and-cherry-cola-cocktail-13498114 |access-date=2024-04-28 |website=Food Network |language=en}} 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."

class="wikitable"

|+Companies that sell Cherry Cola

Name

! Drink name

! Company launch year

Coca Cola

|Cherry Coke

|May 8th 1886{{Cite web |title=Our History {{!}} Coca-Cola |url=https://www.coca-cola.com/in/en/about-us/history#:~:text=On%20May%208,%201886,%20Dr,than%20200%20countries%20each%20day. |access-date=2024-04-28 |website=www.coca-cola.com}}

Pepsi

|Wild Cherry Pepsi

|1898{{Cite web |title=History of The Birthplace of Pepsi |url=https://pepsistore.com/history/ |access-date=2024-04-28 |language=en-US}}

Bawls

|Bawls Cherry Cola

|1996{{Cite web |title=About Bawls {{!}} BAWLS Guarana |url=https://www.bawls.com/about |access-date=2024-04-28 |website=www.bawls.com}}

Boylan

|Boylan Black Cherry Cola

|1891{{Cite web |title=Our Heritage |url=https://boylanbottling.com/pages/our-heritage |access-date=2024-04-28 |website=Boylan Bottling |language=en}}

Zevia

|Zevia Cherry Cola

|2007{{Cite web |title=Cola Zevia Soda {{!}} Natural Zero Sugar, Zero Calorie Soda |url=https://www.zevia.com/products/cola |access-date=2024-04-28 |website=www.zevia.com |language=en}}

Cheerwine

|Cheerwine Cherry Cola

|1917{{Cite web |title=THE CHEERWINE STORY |url=https://cheerwine.com/about/#:~:text=1917-,1917,Carolina%20amid%20a%20sugar%20shortage.}}

Jones Soda

|Jones Cherry Cola

|1995{{Cite web |title=About Us │ Jones Soda Co. |url=https://www.jonessoda.com/pages/about-us |access-date=2024-04-28 |website=Jones Soda Co. |language=en}}

Signature Select

|Signature Cherry Cola

|1915{{Cite web |title=About Us |url=https://www.safeway.com/about-us.html |access-date=2024-04-28 |website=Safeway |language=en}}

Fentimans

|Fentimans Cherry Cola

|1905{{Cite web |title=The History of Fentimans |url=https://www.fentimans.com/pages/history |access-date=2024-04-28 |website=Fentimans |language=en}}

Olipop

|OIipop Cherry Cola

|2018{{Cite web |title=The OLIPOP Story |url=https://drinkolipop.com/pages/our-story |access-date=2024-04-28 |website=OLIPOP |language=en}}

Sprecher

|Sprecher Cherry Cola

|1985{{Cite web |title=About Sprecher Brewery History {{!}} Sprecher Brewing |url=https://sprecherbrewery.com/pages/history |access-date=2024-04-28 |website=Sprecher |language=en}}

Shasta

|Shasta Cherry Cola

|1889{{Cite web |title=History |url=https://www.shastapop.com/history/ |access-date=2024-04-28 |website=Shasta Pop |language=en-US}}

See also

References

{{Reflist}}

{{Cherry colas}}

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