Sioux City Cherries n' Mint

I think I've tried the enitre line of Sioux City sodas out there and Cherries n' Mint is definitely their most unique.


The Cherry and Mint flavors work together here because the mint is rather subtle. The overall flavor in fact is pretty mild. It's more of a hint of mint rather than a 50/50 mixture. This touch of mint actually makes the soda pretty refreshing. It's also made with real cane sugar, which is a bonus.
Overall Grade: B

Mr. Q. Cumber Soda

Yes, cucumber soda. As much as I love cucumbers, the thought of drinking cucumber-flavored soda was not very appealing to me. But seeing as unique sodas are my thing, I did not hesitate to pick up a bottle (purchased at Gene's Delicatessen here in Chicago).


Upon twisting off the cap, my first reaction was "wow, this REALLY smells like a fresh cucumber." And after my first sip, the reaction became "wow, this really TASTES like a fresh cucumber too." I was not surprised to read the words "All Natural" on the bottle. The flavor is sweetened a little but also has a slight bitter aftertaste. Imagine biting into a cold cucumber (skin and all) dipped in sugar. As gross as that sounds, Mr. Q. Cumber soda isn't too bad and is surprisingly refreshing.
Overall Grade: B

Jelly Belly Sour Cherry Soda

It's no secret that I love Jelly Bellies, so when I spotted Jelly Belly Soda at a nearby Walgreens, I knew I had to try it. Sour Cherry was the only flavor at the time, but they have since added Green Apple and Lemon Drop. And according to this website there are ten flavors total, including french vanilla, crushed pineapple and juicy pear! I can't wait to try them all!


Starting with the Sour Cherry flavor, there are two adjectives to describe this soda: sour and cherry. Eating sour candy is one thing, but drinking sour soda is another. Let's just say that it's unique, and one must love sour flavored things in order to enjoy this soda. The good news is that it absolutely tastes just like the sour cherry jelly belly, which is good news for the other flavors I want to try. This wasn't a detestable soda, just something I wouldn't want to drink all the time.
Overall Grade: B

Julmust

Julmust is a Swedish soft drink served and consumed traditionally around Christmastime. I found this at Gene's Sausage Shop & Delicatessen in Lincoln Square, Chicago. Gene's is a unique deli and grocery store that specializes in European treats and delicacies. Hence the Swedish soda.


I didn't really know what to expect from a Swedish Christmastime soda, but Julmust was pleasantly tasty. Julmust tastes a little like Dr. Pepper, but it's not as sweet and not as fizzy. Because of the mild carbonation, it's also smoother going down. Julmust is made with hops and malt extracts, so it may seem that alcohol is present, but since it is not fermented, it contains no alcohol. Overall, Julmust is a refreshing soda that offers a unique combination of spices, and despite being a "Christmas soda", it can be enjoyed all year round.
Overall Grade: B