Buying cold drinks in a third world country is always a treat. There is something undeniably charming about sipping from a glass bottle . The glass bottles need to be returned, usually for a coin or two, in order for them to be shipped back, refilled and reused. That means they are usually enjoyed in the shade of a nearby tree, or sitting with friends at the shop . It’s unfortunate that we’ve gotten away from the glass system here in America. Of course, how could we have kept it up? We take our beverage from the gas station to the car to the office and home again. But, don’t worry. Uncle Sam has a solution~ 100 oz. of kept-cool soda that we may tote from activity to mostly inactive activity. Authentically American of us to not only fulfill a need…portable bottle, but to satisfy even the thirstiest of consumers.

I don’t mean to sound cynical. But look at this thing! It represents a lot of what I wish we could change about society. The need for immediate gratification, the compulsive overindulgence and the too-fast-to-sit-down-and-sip-a-soda life.

On an environmental note, it is commendable that there are thousands of folks reusing mugs every day. If you don’t already have one, try SIGG or NALGENE. Less plastic bottles to not worry about.

On a health note, even the healthiest of us should never drink 100 oz of soda. I am lucky to be cursed with a case of chronic carbonation-induced hiccups, so I have never been an addict. Spending the last couple years studying health and illness has increased my awareness of the harms of all of that sugar, caffeine- and the calcium stealing properties of cola (more here). I was interested to learn, relatively recently, that the actual carbonation in soda isn’t a problem (more here). This gives soda addicts a great alternative: create a fabulous beverage by mixing sparkling mineral water with a favorite natural juice.

One final suggestion, after mixing together a totally new, refreshingly unique natural soda-
sip slowly and enjoy the experience!