Pop

“Pop” is also known as soda, soda-pop, and soda-water, depending on where you live. Growing up in Minnesota, we called it “pop” and pronounced it “pahp”. When my oldest brother started calling it “soda” I thought it was a more sophisticated designation and began calling it that myself.

Growing up, my oldest brother always drank Mountain Dew. Because it was his favorite pop, it became my favorite. I also enjoyed drinking warm half-full cans of Pepsi in the morning, since my mom had a habit of having half a can at night and leaving the rest. Eventually, I learned to look inside the can before gulping, because I discovered the hard way that often she would use the can as an ashtray.

I never understood the rivalry between Coke and Pepsi. At first, I couldn’t tell the difference between the two. Of course, now I can tell the difference, but I still don’t see why people have to be so opinionated about the finer nuances of their cola flavor. I mean: get a life, people! (By the way, who out there has ever had an RC cola? And points to anyone who can tell me what “RC” stands for. I know the answer, but am curious to see if anyone else knows).

One final item: I don’t know why, but it makes me smile thinking about pop brands I had long ago that you don’t see anymore. In particular, Tab and Shasta come to mind.

I’m not actually sure what I call carbonated beverages. I am mostly sure I call it pop if I am referring to a group of carbonated beverages, as in “Let’s go to the store and get some pop for the party.” However, I normally refer to the brand of “pop” that I actually want. “Can I have a Dr. Pepper, please.” I do not call all carbonated beverages Coke, that’s for sure.

Most of the time, we don’t have carbonated beverages in the house unless it’s for a specific occasion. My usual carbonated beverage of choice is Coke Light (Europe’s version of Diet Coke, which in Spain they almost always serve with a slice of lemon, which I love). It actually helps that there are not as many varieties of carbonated beverages here to be tempted by. I do also like to drink bubbly water, so I guess that’s technically a carbonated beverage but without the calories.

When in the United Sates, I like to drink: Dr. Pepper (regular or diet, I think Diet Dr. Pepper is probably the “best” diet carbonated beverage out there. I’m not completely sold on all the new varieties, but I’m not completely opposed, either), Cherry Coke, Vanilla Coke, Diet Coke with lime, and Root Beer. If I’m a restaurant that only serves Pepsi, I’ll drink it, but I definitely choose Coke over Pepsi any day. And yes, I could pass a taste test.

I think the absolutely, most vile carbonated beverage is Mountain Dew. Ewwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww.