'90s Drinks: Where Are They Now?

What did you drink during the 1990s? Perhaps you enjoyed a cold Crystal Pepsi while watching ABC's TGIF lineup, or you opened a bottle of Zima at the bar after showing "Reality Bites" to the person you met via the video dating service. Even if only briefly, some of our favorite drinks from the 1990s went extinct, but big names like Sobe and Snapple continued to flourish long after the Clinton administration ended. Here is what happened to the drinks that kept us hydrated prior to Y2K, from green orange drinks to clear cola. —Schmitt, Adam Campbell

Having "something different?" feelings? I do not either. The 1990s saw a surge in popularity for this "clear beer alternative" malt beverage despite this. What was Zima? Essentially a cheap lager beer filtered through charcoal, it was designed to help Coors capture a market that shunned beer. Citrus flavors were added to make it drinkable because, of course, that process eliminates all the delicious beeriness. Coors Brewing Co.'s citrus-flavored liquor, which sold 1.3 million barrels in 1994, was an immediate hit thanks to an annoying hipster, Z-themed advertising campaign that now makes even the most ironic parts of Williamsburg seem bearable. However, Zima's reputation as an illegal way to get drunk (based on stories from the F&W office, it was the unofficial drink of your first high school hangover) and its appeal to women (making it a "girly drink" that men with weak masculinity would not be caught dead ordering) only added to the brand's downward spiral. Sales had dropped by two-thirds in just two years. Zima survived in the Japanese market despite being eventually phased out in the United States in 2008. However, a few years ago, the brand did offer a recipe for modern Zimaphilliacs to make at home. Now where is Zima? Zima's limited release return was announced by MillerCoors in 2017 and again in 2018.

What Mello Yello was to the '80s, Mountain Dew was to the '70s, Sprite was to the '60s, 7-Up was to the '30s, and Surge was to the '90s. (Phew!) Surge was a hardcore, caffeinated citrus soda, not like those wimpy other brands, which were apparently wimpy. Originally a Norwegian product called Urge, it was marketed with an extreme sports aesthetic, and the bright, green splatter can design seemed perfectly primed for a raised-on-Nickelodeon generation able to make their own beverage buying choices. Unfortunately, the not-Mountain Dew market could only support so much competition. Sales slumped, and by 2003, the cans and bottles were mostly gone from store shelves and vending machines. Where is Surge now? After a successful fan campaign launched online with the help of social media, Coca-Cola re-released Surge in September 2014 in a limited run and re-tested the product in stores in 2015. Those tests proved successful as it stuck around in stores and even became available in slushy form!

Clearly Canadian was such a refreshing part of '90s pop culture! Its sleek packaging and promise of premium, natural ingredients made it feel special, almost like a sophisticated alternative to regular soda. The nostalgia for it really highlights how much people miss those unique flavors and that retro vibe.

It’s great to hear that there’s been a resurgence of interest, and the ability to order it directly online is a fantastic way to cater to fans longing for a taste of their childhood. Hopefully, this renewed demand leads to more flavors and availability in the future! It’s always fun to see classic brands make a comeback, especially ones with such a charming backstory.

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Hi-C Ecto Cooler is such a nostalgic favorite! It perfectly captured that '80s and '90s vibe, especially with its playful branding tied to Ghostbusters. The Slimer character made it instantly recognizable and fun for kids, and that vibrant green color was iconic.

The various name changes and formula tweaks over the years are a testament to how brands sometimes struggle to maintain the magic of a beloved product. But it’s great to see Ecto Cooler make limited returns during new Ghostbusters releases. Those nostalgia-driven marketing efforts tap into the collective love for the franchise and the drink. Who wouldn’t want to sip on something that reminds them of childhood adventures with ghosts and slime? Here’s hoping for more permanent returns in the future!

Squeezit was such a fun, quirky drink that really tapped into that '90s childhood spirit! The interactive element of squeezing out the drink was unique, and it made lunchtime a bit more exciting. Those vibrant colors and playful packaging definitely appealed to kids, even if the actual juice content was pretty minimal.

It’s interesting how the nostalgia for drinks like Squeezit keeps popping up, especially with other retro drinks making comebacks. Hi-C Ecto Cooler's revival proves there’s a market for those childhood favorites. Given the wave of nostalgia and the success of other throwbacks, it would be great to see Squeezit make a comeback—who wouldn’t want to squeeze their drink again? General Mills might just have a hit on their hands if they decided to revisit this classic

Crystal Pepsi really captured the imagination of the '90s! It was such a bold move to market a clear cola, challenging the norms of what soda should look like. The concept was fun, and the catchy marketing tied to Van Halen's "Right Now" definitely left an impression.

Its revival through a viral stunt is such a testament to the power of nostalgia in our culture. While the comeback in 2016 created a buzz, it seems like it was destined to remain a novelty. It’s one of those drinks that evokes a certain time and vibe, even if it wasn’t sustainable in the long run. It’s a fun relic of a time when soft drinks were all about bold experimentation!

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Fruitopia really captured the vibrant, whimsical spirit of the '90s! With its unique flavors and eye-catching branding, it tapped into a counterculture vibe that appealed to younger consumers. The quirky names and psychedelic marketing made it stand out, even if some flavors seemed like a stretch.

After its peak, Coca-Cola shifted the brand focus, and while it still exists under the Minute Maid umbrella, it hasn’t quite recaptured its former glory. It's interesting that it still has a presence in Canada and Australia with different formulations, showing that the nostalgic appeal lingers on in some markets. The Fruitopia legacy remains a fun reminder of that colorful decade!

Orbitz was definitely a curious chapter in beverage history! Those floating globules were indeed made with gellan gum, giving the drink its signature chunky look. While it was marketed as a fun, innovative product, the complex flavor combinations and odd texture didn't resonate with most consumers, leading to its quick demise.

The drink's tagline about "embarking on a tour into the bowels of the Orbiterium" was, well, a little too on the nose! It's fascinating that now, years later, unopened bottles have become nostalgic collectibles, sparking interest in a potential comeback. Clear Canadian has mentioned they’re looking into it, but they want to ensure the science and quality are right before bringing it back. Who knows—maybe one day we'll see those colorful globules floating in a drink again!