It’s laborious to search out regional meals which are solely obtainable in that area. You’ll find Wisconsin’s deep-fried cheese curds and New Jersey’s Taylor roll everywhere in the nation now. However someway, regional sodas are going sturdy. Personally, I’m a fan of Michigan’s spicy Vernors ginger soda, Massive Purple soda in Texas and Seattle’s personal Rachel’s Ginger Beer, which has a kick like a mule.

When you’re from North Carolina, your home-state beverage of alternative is nearly definitely Cheerwine, aka the “nectar of North Carolina.” And as somebody who’s reviewed every part from 7Up Shirley Temple to heat Dr Pepper to, uh, Sizzling Take Dr Pepper, I needed to attempt it.

What’s Cheerwine?

COURTESY GAEL COOPER

What’s Cheerwine? First off, it’s not a wine, although its burgundy coloration undoubtedly seems to be like pink wine when poured into a chic glass. There’s no alcohol in Cheerwine. It’s a cherry-flavored, nonalcoholic delicate drink that’s been produced by the identical North Carolina household since 1917.

It’s such a home-state style that North Carolina brides and grooms have been identified to include the drink into weddings, whether or not as a favor for visitors or to encourage the design of the groomsmen’s socks!

What does Cheerwine style like?

COURTESY GAEL COOPER

When you didn’t develop up with Cheerwine, you may anticipate a pointy, tart cherry style, however Cheerwine is clean and wealthy. It’s not as harsh because the black cherry soda we had at birthday events as children. ( you, Shasta.)

There’s only a contact of spice that retains the drink vigorous. Plus, it’s made with actual cane sugar, not high-fructose corn syrup.

Whereas Cheerwine didn’t bubble and poo after I popped the bottle cap, there’s a pleasant buzzy, carbonated edge to the drink, and it carries the lightest scent of recent fruit. There’s virtually a creamy, dessert-like style to it—I can think about it working as a secret ingredient in brownies or as an ice cream topping.

When my daughter’s buddies found I had Cheerwine in the home, they raided my fridge so quick, I needed to exit and purchase extra!

The place to Purchase Cheerwine

When you’re in and round North Carolina, Cheerwine is probably going in all places. However you may be shocked at how accessible it’s in different components of the nation, too.

Attempt Googling “Cheerwine” and your metropolis identify; I used to be capable of finding it bought in particular person 355-ml bottles within the refrigerated part of my Seattle grocery retailer. You may also test sweet and specialty soda outlets, World Market or order on Cheerwine’s web site. Elevate a toast, y’all, to these few regional treats which have stayed true to themselves.

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