julebrus

{{short description|Norwegian soft drink traditionally consumed at Christmas}}

{{Refimprove|date=October 2024}}

File:H&L julebrus.jpg

File:Grans røde julebrus.jpg

{{lang|no|Julebrus}} or {{lang|no|jolebrus}} (English: Christmas soda) is a Norwegian soft drink brewed by most Norwegian breweries as a Christmas drink for minors, instead of the traditional {{lang|no|juleøl}} (English: Christmas ale); it is not restricted to minors though, as it is very popular for all ages.

Julebrus is a yearly tradition for many Norwegians; it is very common to see families drinking julebrus at the dinner table around Christmas time.

{{lang|no|Julebrus}} comes in red or golden brown colors – and occasionally others such as green or pink – depending on brewery and brand.{{Cite news |last=Dalseg |first=Elisabeth |date=12 October 2024 |title=Du grønne glitrende julebrus |work=Dagbladet |language=no}} Red {{Lang|no|julebrus}} is raspberry or redcurrant-flavored, while the golden brown color is champagne cola-flavored.

It is sold beginning October 14th each year and lasts until january.{{Cite web |last=Molland |first=Erik |date=13 October 2024 |title=Julebrus-boom i oktober: - Ikke for tidlig |url=https://www.nettavisen.no/okonomi/julebrusen-kommer-ikke-for-sent-i-butikkene-tar-store-markedsandeler/s/5-95-2054080 |access-date=17 October 2024 |website=Nettavisen |language=no}}

Julebrus sales start in October, and amount to around 6,5% of all soda sales in Norway in that month. When it gets closer to Christmas, julebrus sales sometimes reach 30% of all soda sales in Norway.

Hamar og Lillestrøm {{Lang|no|julebrus}} is the country's most popular brand, with 7 million liters produced each year. This counts for about one third of the total julebrus production, which lies at around 21 million litres per year.