13 Drinks Everyone Tried Once and Regretted
Some drinks gained attention for their unusual taste, bold marketing, or shocking ingredients, but most people regretted trying them.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 4 min read
Over the years, many beverage companies have launched experimental or extreme drinks. While these products attracted curiosity, they often left customers disappointed or unwilling to try them again. These examples show how novelty does not always equal lasting success.
1. Crystal Pepsi
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Launched in the 1990s, Crystal Pepsi was marketed as a clear cola with a clean taste. Many buyers found it strange because the flavor did not match its appearance. Sales quickly dropped after the initial curiosity wore off. It has since returned only in limited releases for nostalgia.
2. New Coke
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Introduced in 1985, New Coke was Coca-Cola’s attempt to replace its classic recipe. Fans immediately criticized the taste as too sweet and artificial. The backlash was so strong that the original formula returned within months. New Coke is remembered as one of the biggest product failures in beverage history.
3. Orbitz
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This 1990s drink stood out because of its floating gelatin balls suspended in liquid. While it looked futuristic, many people disliked the texture. It was marketed as a fun experience but sold poorly. Orbitz disappeared from shelves after just a few years.
4. Red Bull Cola
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Red Bull released a cola version of its popular energy drink in 2008. It had an unusual herbal flavor that most customers found unpleasant. It never matched the success of the original Red Bull. The product was discontinued in most countries.
5. Coke Blak
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Coca-Cola introduced Coke Blak in 2006, combining cola and coffee. The flavor mix confused many buyers, and the drink developed a reputation for being bitter. It lasted less than two years in the U.S. market. Later attempts at cola-coffee blends were released under different names.
6. Pepsi Blue
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Pepsi Blue was a bright blue, berry-flavored cola launched in 2002. The unusual color and artificial taste divided customers. Many people tried it once out of curiosity but avoided it afterward. It was discontinued after just two years.
7. Surge
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Coca-Cola introduced Surge in the 1990s as a direct competitor to Mountain Dew. It was packed with caffeine and marketed to teenagers. Parents criticized it for being too extreme, and the product faded out by the early 2000s. It returned briefly as a nostalgia item but never regained mass popularity.
8. Mountain Dew Pitch Black
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This limited-edition Mountain Dew was grape-flavored and neon purple. While some fans liked it, many thought it was overly sweet and artificial. It developed a cult following but never reached wide success. For most buyers, it was a one-time try.
9. Budweiser Chelada
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This beer and tomato juice mix was launched as a ready-to-drink version of a Michelada. The flavor combination turned off many drinkers. It was described as salty, sour, and strange for a canned beer. Sales were limited, and it remains more of a novelty product.
10. Jolt Cola
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Marketed as the ultimate high-caffeine soda, Jolt Cola gained attention in the 1980s and 1990s. It promised “all the sugar and twice the caffeine.” While students and gamers tried it, many disliked the taste and jittery effects. It eventually disappeared from most markets.
11. Pepsi Ice Cucumber
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Released in Japan in 2007, Pepsi Ice Cucumber was a summer edition drink. The cucumber flavor surprised many people and quickly became unpopular. Most consumers found it refreshing at first sip but too odd to enjoy. It was pulled after a short run.
12. Four Loko (Original Formula)
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The original version of Four Loko combined high alcohol content with caffeine. It became infamous for its strong effects and was banned in several U.S. states. Many people tried it once and reported unpleasant aftereffects. The formula was later changed to remove caffeine.
13. Crystal Clear Amaretto
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Introduced in the 1980s, this was a clear version of the traditional almond liqueur. The idea was to make cocktails look different while keeping the same flavor. Most drinkers found it unnecessary and preferred the original dark version. It quietly disappeared from the market.