Homemade Zima

It is likely that if you were of legal drinking age in the middle of the 1990s—or perhaps even if you were not yet—you opened a bottle of Zima. Zima was shorthand for the fruity beer malternatives that were popular during the decade, much like White Claw has come to represent spiked seltzer.

Reviving Zima: A Nostalgic Drink with a Modern Twist

If you’re feeling nostalgic for the ‘90s or simply looking for a refreshing drink, Zima might come to mind. Originally introduced in 1993, Zima was part of the “clear craze” that included other unique beverages like Crystal Pepsi and Clear Beer. Coors created this lightly carbonated, lemon-lime drink by filtering low-grade beer through charcoal, resulting in a product that blurred the lines between beer and wine cooler.

A Cultural Icon of the ‘90s

Marketed primarily toward men as a "manly" alternative to what was perceived as “girly” wine coolers, Zima surprisingly found a devoted following among college women. The drink became a frequent subject of comedic skits on Late Night with David Letterman, solidifying its place in pop culture. Sales of Zima fell to 403,000 barrels by 1996, despite the fact that it had sold 1.3 million barrels in its first year. Even though it seemed doomed to become obsolete, Zima was sold until 2008 and was even briefly reintroduced by MillerCoors in 2017.

For those who remember the quirky taste of Zima—described by Slate as “tinfoil soaked in Fresca”—you might be interested in a more delicious homemade version that captures the spirit of the original while improving on its flavor.

A Modern Take on Zima

Inspired by Zima, Nick Jones, the former bar manager of Baltimore's Pabu Izakaya, has created a refreshing cocktail. His recipe incorporates vodka, the Japanese milk-based soda Calpico, freshly squeezed lemon and lime juices, sugar, and club soda. This blend not only elevates the drink’s flavor but also maintains the easy-drinking quality that Zima fans remember.

Why Calpico?

Calpico, an export from Japan, adds a unique citrus flavor and a slightly milky mouthfeel that sets this drink apart. While Zima is no longer widely available, Calpico can be found at many Asian markets and some grocery stores, including Walmart. The freshly squeezed lemon and lime juices balance out the sweetness of the soda and sugar, resulting in a cocktail that’s refreshing and flavorful.

Recipe for a Homemade Zima-Inspired Cocktail

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 ounces vodka
• 1 1/2 ounces of chili
• 1/4 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 ounce water
• 1 ounce chilled club soda

Steps

1. Mix Ingredients: In a mixing glass or bowl, combine the vodka, Calpico, freshly squeezed lime juice, lemon juice, sugar, and water. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
2. Add Fizz: Gently add the chilled club soda to the mixture, stirring briefly to combine.
3. Bottle It Up: Pour the cocktail into a 6-ounce glass bottle and seal it with a swing-top stopper or crown cap.
4. Serve and Enjoy: Chill the bottle and enjoy your refreshing cocktail poolside on a hot summer day. For an authentic experience, serve in a glass bottle to truly honor the classic Zima vibe.

Conclusion

This modern take on Zima not only brings back memories of the ‘90s but also offers a delicious, thirst-quenching drink perfect for summer gatherings. Whether you’re reminiscing about the past or simply looking to enjoy a new cocktail, this homemade version of Zima is sure to impress. Cheers to refreshing drinks and unforgettable memories!