Pop Goes the Pairing: Soda sommelier elevates food flavors with soda pairings

Coca-Cola in a glass bottle made with real cane sugar. The drink gets colder and has a effervescent mix of sweet that does bring a smile. I get one at Skinny’s Place — a hamburger shack located on Anna Maria Island, Fl.

As any foodie knows, wine pairing can take a meal to the next level. But have you ever considered pairing soda with your food? Enter the world of soda pairing, where experts in soda flavors and food combine to create unique and delicious pairings.

While the term “soda sommelier” is not as commonly used as “wine sommelier,” there are individuals who specialize in pairing sodas with food. These experts are known as “soda experts” or “soda connoisseurs.” They use their knowledge of soda flavors and food to create unique and delicious pairings. While the role of a soda sommelier is less established than that of a wine sommelier in the food and beverage industry, there are opportunities to explore and enjoy the unique flavors and pairings that soda offers.

In Florida, the Sebring Soda Festival is an annual event every April that celebrates the world of soda. The festival brings together soda enthusiasts from around the state to sample and savor unique and interesting sodas from around the world. Attendees can taste various sodas, including classic flavors and artisanal craft sodas. The festival also features food trucks, live music, and family-friendly activities. The Sebring Soda Festival is an excellent opportunity for soda lovers to explore new flavors and enjoy a fun day with friends and family.

Now, let’s dive into the specific soda pairings we at Green Palms and Good Times recommend for common sodas found in supermarkets. Each soda has its unique history and flavor profile, making it a perfect pairing with certain types of food.

OUR FAVORITE SODA PAIRINGS

When it’s time for tacos, it’s time for a Coke!

Coke: Originally created in 1886 in Atlanta, Georgia, Coke has become an American icon and is enjoyed worldwide. It’s a classic pairing with a burger and fries, but it also pairs surprisingly well with Mexican cuisines, like tacos and guacamole.

For those looking to explore soda’s history and cultural significance, the World of Coca-Cola in Orlando is a must-visit destination. Here, visitors can sample Coca-Cola products from around the world and learn about their history and cultural significance.

Diet Coke: First introduced in 1982, Diet Coke is the most popular sugar-free soft drink in America due to its crisp, refreshing taste that pairs well with lighter fare, such as salads and sushi. (Personal opinion — Diet Coke is the light beer of life. Grab a Coke and enjoy life.)

Sprite: Introduced in 1961, Sprite is known for its lemon-lime flavor and crisp, clean taste. It’s a refreshing pairing with spicy food, like buffalo wings or curry. It also is the ideal complement for salty foods like nuts, where the sweet lime flavor offsets the salt. My personal favorite is Sprite and wasabi almonds.

BBQ’s smokey flavors are complemented by grape soda. It will change your world.

Frostie’s Concord Grape Soda: A childhood favorite for many, including my dad, grape soda has a sweet and fruity flavor. Now, there are a variety of brands, but Frostie’s is the one that I put into a category of one. If it’s not available in your area, this link will help you order it so that you can check this flavor experience off your bucket list. It pairs well with rich, savory dishes like barbecue ribs or mac and cheese.

Pair ginger ale with chicken in waffles. This fabulous bite included with a syrup shot was enjoyed at Marriott’s “The Sarasota Modern,” a cute boutique hotel in the Rosemary District near the downtown area.

Ginger Ale: With its spicy and slightly sweet flavor, ginger ale is an excellent pairing with Asian cuisines, like sushi or pad thai. It’s also a refreshing pairing with lighter fare, like grilled chicken or fish. However, our personal favorite is ginger ale paired with chicken and waffles. It is like a happy dance on your tongue.

Pepsi: Originally created in 1893 in New Bern, North Carolina. In 1978, the Yale School of Management chose to accept Indra Nooyi to its master’s program. Later, she became chairman and CEO at PepsiCo, and one of the school’s largest graduate benefactors. As a result, you can find Pepsi throughout the campus and New Haven, which makes its sweeter cola flavor a perfect pairing with the town’s famous pizzas.

Mountain Dew: Introduced in 1940, Mountain Dew has a bright, citrusy flavor that pairs well with bold, smoky flavors, like grilled meats like steaks.

Baylor’s “Dr. Pepper Hour” dates back to the 1950’s. It includes the Dr. Pepper float — Dr. Pepper with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It was my favorite hour while my son was attending Baylor.

Dr. Pepper: Created in 1885 in Waco, Texas, Dr. Pepper is a unique soda with 23 flavors. It pairs well with sweet dishes like vanilla ice cream. In fact, Dr. Pepper Hour is a tradition that originated at Baylor University in Waco, Texas. The tradition dates back to the 1950s, when the university’s president, W.R. White, would invite students to his home for an hour of socializing and refreshments. One of the most popular drinks served during these gatherings was Dr. Pepper, and soon it became a beloved tradition among students. Today, Dr. Pepper Hour is still held on campus every Tuesday from 3–4 PM, and students can enjoy free Dr. Pepper and snacks while socializing with their peers. The tradition has become an iconic part of the Baylor experience and a testament to the enduring popularity of this beloved soda.

So the next time you think wine is the only way to elevate your food’s flavor, try a flavored soda.