18 Discontinued Beverages That Had a Cult Following
A fizzy trip down memory lane, this list uncaps the bold, bizarre, and beloved discontinued drinks that sparked cult followings — and left fans thirsting for their return.
- Alyana Aguja
- 5 min read
From neon-green sodas to coffee-cola hybrids, the world of discontinued beverages is a graveyard of bold experiments and nostalgic favorites. These drinks, once adored by devoted fanbases, were often ahead of their time — or just too weird to survive. This list dives into 18 cult classics that fizzled out, but still bubble up in the memories of those who loved them.
1. Orbitz (1997–1998)
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This was less a drink and more a science experiment in a bottle. With floating colored gel spheres suspended in a syrupy liquid, Orbitz confused just as many people as it fascinated. It never quite clicked with mainstream tastes, but its bizarre appearance earned it a place in ’90s lore.
2. Crystal Pepsi (1992–1993, brief revivals)
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Clear as water but tasting like Pepsi, this soda felt like the future, at least for a short while. Its clean look promised purity, but the public wasn’t ready for cola without the caramel hue. Still, fans clamored for its return for years, and brief reissues only deepened the myth.
3. Surge (1997–2003, limited comeback)
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Coca-Cola’s answer to Mountain Dew was a neon-green blast of citrus caffeine that teens in the late ‘90s swore by. It fueled LAN parties, skate parks, and basement hangouts across the United States. When it disappeared, online campaigns like “Surge Movement” pushed for a resurrection.
4. Josta (1995–1999)
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One of the first energy sodas, Josta packed guarana and a bold berry-meets-cola flavor. It had a wild, jungle-themed branding that hinted at untamed power. Its disappearance left early energy drink fans mourning the loss of a pioneer.
5. Coca-Cola BlāK (2006–2008)
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An ambitious coffee-cola hybrid, Coca-Cola BlāK was ahead of its time. With a bitter edge and a sleek black bottle, it appealed to adults who sought more than a sugar rush. However, the bold mix confused consumers, resulting in a short shelf life.
6. Pepsi Blue (2002–2004, limited re-release in 2021)
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Bright electric blue and berry-flavored, Pepsi Blue looked like a Slushie melted in your cup. Some adored the unique taste; others couldn’t get past the color. Even so, it developed a loyal fanbase who saw it as a Y2K-era badge of cool.
7. 7Up Gold (1988)
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The 7Up Gold tried to reinvent the lemon-lime image by going darker — literally. With a spicy, almost ginger ale–like profile, it confused drinkers expecting something crisp and clear. Despite its failure, some still fondly recall its bold, offbeat flavor.
8. Hubba Bubba Soda (1988–1990)
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Imagine drinking liquid bubble gum — that’s exactly what this was. Based on the Hubba Bubba gum brand, this ultra-sweet pink drink was a sugar high in a can. Kids loved it, but adults found it a bit too much, and it quietly vanished.
9. Slice (1984–2000s)
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Before Sierra Mist and Starry, there was Slice — a fruit soda line that started with real juice content. It had everything from Apple to Mandarin Orange and earned a quiet but devoted following. When it was phased out in favor of other PepsiCo brands, fans mourned its disappearance.
10. Mountain Dew Pitch Black (2004, limited returns)
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This dark grape version of Mountain Dew looked like it belonged in a haunted soda lab. It had a spooky seasonal vibe that made it a Halloween favorite. Fans begged for its return every October — and sometimes, their wishes came true.
11. Dr Pepper Berries and Cream (2006–2007)
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This creamy twist on Dr Pepper was short-lived but long-remembered. It blended the original’s signature spice with a sweet berry softness that somehow worked. Many found it addictively nostalgic, and its absence still stings for some.
12. Sunkist Solar Fusion (2010–2011)
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This rare Sunkist variant mixed mango, pineapple, and citrus for a tropical punch that felt like summer in a bottle. Despite positive reviews, it disappeared almost as quickly as it arrived. Its limited run only added to its underground legend.
13. Sprite Remix (2003–2005, brief comebacks)
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With flavors like Tropical, Berryclear, and Aruba Jam, Sprite Remix turned the clear soda into a party. It became a go-to for mixologists and high schoolers who wanted something different. When it vanished, fans begged Sprite to bring back the fun.
14. Vault (2005–2011)
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Marketed as a soda that “drinks like an energy drink,” Vault tried to combine the best of both worlds. It came in citrus and red blitz varieties and was a hit with college students. Despite solid sales, Coke quietly dropped it, and loyalists still mention it on forums.
15. OK Soda (1993–1995)
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OK Soda was a Gen X fever dream — ironic branding, minimalist cans, and an ad campaign that seemed to mock advertising itself. The soda itself had a tangy, almost indescribable flavor. It was too weird to live, but too cool to forget.
16. Coca-Cola C2 (2004–2007)
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C2 was Coke’s attempt to offer a “mid-calorie” soda before zero-sugar options took off. Marketed to carb-conscious consumers during the Atkins craze, it fell into a no-man’s land between full and diet. Despite the flop, some still recall it as a noble try.
17. Pepsi AM (1989)
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Yes, this was a cola literally made for breakfast. It had more caffeine than regular Pepsi and targeted early risers who wanted to swap their coffee for soda. The idea fizzled out fast, but the memory of “morning cola” lives on.
18. Tab (1963–2020)
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The original diet soda, Tab outlived most of its peers, even after Diet Coke took the spotlight. It had a fiercely loyal fan base, particularly among women in the ‘70s and ‘80s who embraced it as a symbol of glamour and control. Its discontinuation in 2020 marked the end of an era of low-calorie products.