12 Drinks You Only Tried Because of the Commercials

These drinks became famous not for their flavor, but for the catchy ads that convinced everyone to give them a shot.

  • Chris Graciano
  • 3 min read
12 Drinks You Only Tried Because of the Commercials
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Advertising has the power to make a product seem irresistible. Beverage companies have poured millions into flashy campaigns that made people curious enough to buy a bottle or can. Here are 12 drinks that you probably only tried because of their unforgettable commercials.

1. Pepsi Blue

Hostagecat on Wikimedia Commons Hostagecat on Wikimedia Commons

This electric-blue soda hit shelves in 2002 with ads targeting a younger crowd. The berry-flavored cola stood out visually, and the bold marketing made it impossible to ignore.

2. Orbitz

Scott Schiller on Flickr Scott Schiller on Flickr

Marketed in the mid-1990s, Orbitz looked like a lava lamp in a bottle with floating colorful beads. The futuristic ads played up its “out of this world” vibe.

3. Jolt Cola

Kimmy Lindell Ekström on Wikimedia Commons Kimmy Lindell Ekström on Wikimedia Commons

Jolt promised “all the sugar and twice the caffeine,” and its ads leaned into rebellion and energy. Teenagers and college students bought it just to see if the hype was real.

4. Capri Sun

Like_the_Grand_Canyon on Flickr Like_the_Grand_Canyon on Flickr

The commercials featuring kids morphing into silver liquid and zooming around made this pouch drink irresistible. It wasn’t just juice; it looked like a superpower.

5. Surge

Magnus Kolstad on Flickr Magnus Kolstad on Flickr

Coca-Cola’s wild ads in the late ‘90s showed extreme stunts and high-energy chaos. It was marketed as the ultimate fuel for thrill-seekers.

6. SunnyD

Willis Lam on Flickr Willis Lam on Flickr

The iconic ad of kids raiding the fridge and grabbing Sunny Delight instead of milk or soda stuck in everyone’s memory. It positioned the drink as the “cool kid” option.

7. 7UP with the Cool Spot

earthwormjimfan on DeviantArt earthwormjimfan on DeviantArt

In the 1990s, 7UP introduced a quirky red mascot named Cool Spot. The commercials and even video games pushed the drink into pop culture. Fans bought it more for the character than the lemon-lime flavor.

8. Coca-Cola’s New Coke

Like_the_Grand_Canyon on Flickr Like_the_Grand_Canyon on Flickr

The launch campaign for New Coke in 1985 was massive, with commercials promising a “better taste.” People bought it in droves out of curiosity.

9. Mountain Dew Code Red

Like_the_Grand_Canyon on Flickr Like_the_Grand_Canyon on Flickr

Launched with flashy, high-octane commercials, Code Red targeted gamers and adrenaline junkies. The bold cherry flavor was secondary to the edgy marketing.

10. Sprite with Hip-Hop Icons

Valentina Tamayo on Unsplash Valentina Tamayo on Unsplash

Sprite commercials featuring hip-hop stars in the 1990s and 2000s made the drink part of the culture. The ads felt fresh and connected with younger audiences.

11. Kool-Aid Man Commercials

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The “Oh Yeah!” Kool-Aid Man bursting through walls was unforgettable. Kids begged for Kool-Aid just to feel part of the fun.

12. Dr Pepper’s “I’m a Pepper” Campaign

Holy-DYVR on Wikimedia Commons Holy-DYVR on Wikimedia Commons

The catchy jingle and dancing commercials made Dr Pepper feel like a club you had to join. The ads worked so well that even people unsure of the taste gave it a shot.

Written by: Chris Graciano

Chris has always had a vivid imagination, turning childhood daydreams into short stories and later, scripts for films. His passion for storytelling eventually led him to content writing, where he’s spent over four years blending creativity with a practical approach. Outside of work, Chris enjoys rewatching favorites like How I Met Your Mother and The Office, and you’ll often find him in the kitchen cooking or perfecting his coffee brew.

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