The Communist-Period Smooth Drink That Resists the Enchantment of Coke

Maybe one of the well-known advert slogans advises you to “Get pleasure from Coca-Cola.” However are there nations which have chosen to disregard this recommendation? The reply is sure; there are corners of the world the place the long-lasting pink can is unavailable. And yet one more bunch the place it’s struggling to be the go-to delicate drink. And the 2 international locations that made up former Czechoslovakia belong to the latter.

Kofola: Czechoslovakian Coke

The listing of almost Coke-free lands is unsurprising: the embargo on American merchandise was simply lifted in Cuba a couple of quick years in the past, and Coca-Cola merchandise are nonetheless in restricted provide. The beverage additionally solely just lately reentered Myanmar after six many years of embargo. There may be additionally no official import of Coca-Cola merchandise to North Korea, though there‘s a hint of proof for the presence of the merchandise within the nation. Russia will quickly be added to this listing, because the model is pulling out of the market following the invasion of Ukraine.

However what in regards to the international locations that merely have the need to withstand the pink and white temptation? One of the best-known instance is Scotland, the place Irn-bru, a zesty, bright-orange caffeinated delicate drink, bests Coke in gross sales. Extra examples could be present in Czechia and Slovakia, the place – again within the days of Czechoslovakia – Kofola was invented as a substitute for “The Actual Factor.”

Self-sufficient Coke

Maybe this was one other manifestation of the Jap Bloc’s ambition to be self-sufficient. Or possibly it was a sort of nationwide pleasure – to make use of native elements obtainable in Czechoslovakia. Regardless of the case, in 1959, scientist Zdeněk Blažek invented Kofo – the fruity, natural syrup that serves as a foundation of Kofola.

It’s whispered that among the many secret elements are juices from apples, cherries, and pink berries blended with cardamon, cinnamon, and coriander extracts. It’s extra caffeinated however a lot much less candy than its capitalist counterparts. In 2006, it was even famous because the best-selling delicate drink in Czechia and Slovakia.

And there’s a little to marvel about it. The capitalist attraction beneath communism blended with precise capitalist practices of adverts in the present day specializing in its heritage have granted Kofola its place. It doesn’t damage that it’s refreshing and equally versatile, and it pairs properly with the unique Central European drink – vodka. Possibly it needs to be known as a “Czechoslovakia Libre”?