Pakola 

This is a generally lesser-known drink, that one of my best friends (and amazing International Expert, Foad) introduced me to. This is the drink of Pakistan, and mirroring the Pakistani flag, it is a bright green soda that has started many conversations for me. Some people swear it tastes like flowers, others baby powder, and a Japanese grandfather has one said it tastes like women’s lipstick.

The name Pakola, comes from Pakistani Cola. It’s a drink that has existed for over 60 years. The original is ice-cream soda flavored and is one of the few Pakistani drinks exported globally. This drink is one of those you cannot miss out on, but if you are feeling super adventurous, try the other flavors , if you can find them. Varients of this include orange soda, lemonade, lycee, fresh lime, applesidra, raspberry, jucina, and fruitina. Some of these flavor I have never heard of, but they sound amazing!

No matter what it tastes like, find it and try it. It’s definately a drink for your bucket list.

Ramune (Japanese Soda/Japanese Lemonade)

You might know this drink as Ramune, Japanese Soda, or Japanese Lemonade and you might have seen it the last time you went to get sushi, visited an Asian supermarket, or went to Asia yourself. Ramune has 3 names it is known by internationally, its official name is Ramune, but is often also called Japanese Lemonade, but by many internationals it is known only as “marble soda”. This soda has existed for over 100 years!

The most noticable feature of this drink is the unusual bottle. The neck is pinched and the bottle is closed by a glass marble that you have to push in just to drink. The bottle is actually called a Codd-neck bottle (fun fact!).

This drink has many traditional and fruity flavors, but the original has an almost bubble gum taste.

Jarritos

Jarritos is a popular softdrink from Mexico and it just happens to be the national soft drink as well. It often features fun tropical fruit flavors and is super bubbly. Its also comes in the most amazing colors! This drink is often available in other countries, especially the US. It can be found in tamarind, mandarine, lemon, fruitpunch, guava, mango, and pineapple flavors.

I remember drinking this in high school, running into it again in Paris, and then having to explain what this colorful drink was!

Seriously check these out! If you find them send me a picture either by Instagram using the tag #connectedinternational or by sending it to @prepalamode . On Facebook you can tag @ConnectedInternational or tag @aconnectedintl on twitter! I promise to share all the empty bottles I have and share whenever I see these great drinks as well!