Old-Time Sodas You Need to Try

Drinking Retro Soda – Columbia Distributing

 

Today, soda has become a huge part of American culture. You can’t go to any restaurant without being able to order a refreshing soda, nor can you stop by any gas station, deli or grocery store without finding a wide variety of your favorites. But these carbonated drinks weren’t the first – nor will they be the last – to offer a refreshing, delicious taste.

Travel back as far as the 1870s and let your taste buds experience the classic flavors that helped shape generations by checking out some of these old-fashioned sodas. Continue reading…


Mixing Hot Chocolate Right for the Kids

Kids with hot chocolate – Columbia Distributing

When the air outside is a bit chilly, nothing beats cozying up inside with a steaming mug of hot chocolate. If you usually enjoy traditional hot cocoa, why not try out some new fixings? Here’s how to mix hot chocolate right for the kids. Continue reading…


5 of the Best Iced Teas Around

iced tea from Columbia Distributing

 

Iced teas are, perhaps surprisingly, a relatively new thing in the American consciousness. It’s only been a bit over a hundred years, after all, since the World’s Fair in St. Louis when Englishman Richard Blechynden served it up cold to the public. Today, the overwhelming majority of tea consumed by Americans is served iced.  Here is a selection of some of the better options for iced tea on the market.

  1. Kombucha Teas – The New Rage

You might have heard about this by now – especially if you frequent the gym or watch fitness programs. Kombucha is a type of tea-inspired beverage that has quite a few superstar qualities. Composed of probiotics, fungi, fermented tea and natural sugars, it is advertised as being able to stave off certain cancers, supply your body with loads of natural energy without the impending crash, weight loss, and immune system fortification. It’s a non-alcoholic beverage for the most part, although the fermentation process can give it a slight alcoholic kick.

  1. Snapple Tea

A true success story, Snapple was once a much smaller brand that found tremendous favor with the public; it is one of the most well-received cold ice teas on the market – ever. After just nine years of being out in the open, they were bought out and now form an essential part of the Dr. Pepper soft drink empire. A cool, refreshing sweet tea that comes in many delicious flavors such as Mango tea, Diet Peach, Snapple Apple, Green Tea and Orange Carrot.

  1. Numi Organic Tea

Another brand that started small and flourished explosively in the past decade, Numi Organic Tea comes from all the regions of the world. The herbs that comprise this delectable beverage are grown in India, Africa, China, South America and other places. The brother and sister team are also very artistic, and design the packaging on the brand. You can find green teas, bottled teas, herbal teas, chocolate teas, turmeric teas and more – all carried by Columbia Distributing. An ice tea made of orange spice or white rose makes for an amazing summer day.

 

  1. Yerbae Sparkling Water

Although marketed as sparkling water, Yerbae is enhanced with white tea extract; you can just catch the fleeting scent of the water that’s also mixed with guarana seed and a bit of natural caffeine from the tea. It is a calorie-less drink that has all the qualities of spring water. Try the Lemon, Pomegranate Berry and Strawberry Kiwi flavors to avoid missing out. For best results, make sure they’re chilled.

For more than eight decades, the people at Columbia Distributing have believed that when it comes to beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic represent the best of both worlds. Our humble roots in the Pacific Northwest stretch back to the mid 1930s, which proves our long-time commitment to providing our cherished customers throughout Northern California, Oregon and Washington with their choice of successful brands of ice tea and other drinks.


Six Unique Kid-Friendly Beverages for Birthday Parties

A child’s birthday party is the perfect time to get creative. Many parents coordinate decorations, food, and tableware to match a theme, but they may overlook a fun opportunity—the drinks! Here are six unique beverages to serve at a kid-friendly party.

Homemade summer cold raspberry beverage with crushed iced and raspberries.

Shark Bite

This delicious drink is sure to make a splash at any summer-themed party. Mix some pineapple juice, Body Armor sports drink – Mixed Berry flavor, and 7-UP together. Pour into individual glasses, and just before serving, add a splash of grenadine (a thick cherry-flavored syrup). To truly sell the theme, drop in a gummy shark.

Kid-Friendly Sangria

Bring some class to the party with this age-appropriate twist on an adult favorite. Mix a juice of choice (cranberry juice works well for this), Canada Dry ginger ale, and sliced fruit and berries like oranges, limes, pineapple, strawberries, and cranberries. Just like sangria, the longer it sits, the fruitier the flavor it’ll punch.

Raspberry Sparkle

Fizzy beverages are always a hit with kids. Combine raspberry sorbet, raspberry juice, and carbonated water for a fruity twist on a classic party punch. As a bonus, this is easily adaptable to almost any other flavor for children who may not like raspberry.

Extra-Special Shirley Temple

Mixing grenadine and 7-UP is the easiest way to make this old-timey drink. Put a unique twist on it by freezing cherries and throwing them in. They’ll keep the beverages cool without watering them down!

Horchata

Having a piñata? Serve horchata along with it! This is a Mexican rice and cinnamon drink that the kids will love. Blend uncooked rice and water together and let it sit for several hours. Then, strain and throw away the rice. Add sugar, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon sticks to the rice water, then chill and serve over ice.

Color-Changing Drinks

This is perfect for younger children who love a fun surprise. Put a few drops of food coloring in the bottom of a glass and let it dry. Before serving the drinks, fill the cups with ice. Let the kids pour their own beverages (a clear soda works best), and then watch in awe as the food coloring magically changes the color of the drink!

Be sure to follow @ColumbiaDistributing on Facebook for more seasonal drink recipes and the latest drink trends!

 

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