# Worst Beverage? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Tags:** soda-softdrinks\ **Created:** [March 14, 2024, 11:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worst-beverage/998850 "2024-03-14T23:38:41Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 6
**Author:** ![That\_Don\_Guy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/that_don_guy/32/538_2.png) [@That\_Don\_Guy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/That_Don_Guy)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2024, 7:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worst-beverage/998850/101 "2024-03-15T19:12:13Z")
Do they still make Fresca? (It was the Sprite equivalent to Tab.) It’s between that, and Shasta Diet Chocolate Soda. ---
**Author:** ![CalMeacham](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/calmeacham/32/35_2.png) [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2024, 7:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worst-beverage/998850/102 "2024-03-15T19:28:46Z")
> [@WildaBeast](#): > > In either Kenya or Tanzania I was offered [banana beer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banana_beer), which as you might expect is a rather thick, foamy beverage made from fermented bananas. To put it diplomatically, it’s an acquired taste. ETA: As I recall it had kind of a sour note to it, which makes sense since it seems to be brewed in a manner not unlike certain sour styles of beer. I remember reading about this as a kid in a somewhat religious magazine called **Treasure Chest** (NOT the comic book-sized Roman Catholic **Treasure Chest of Fun and Fact** published by George H. Pflaum, which I eagerly read. This wasn’t a comic book, and appeared to be some sort of Protestant mag with a missionary bent.). It frequently wrote about Banana Beer, which made me wonder what the heck the stuff was. I wasn’t able to learn more about banana beer at the time, and now I can’t even locate the magazine online or elsewhere. ---
**Author:** ![CalMeacham](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/calmeacham/32/35_2.png) [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2024, 7:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worst-beverage/998850/103 "2024-03-15T19:33:05Z")
I know there are aficionados of this stuff out there, but I couldn’t stand it. It’s a Chilean ultra-high alcohol “wine”. It might have been **pisco** , which clocks in at 33-50% alcohol. It gets its high alcohol kick from distillation, of course. It’s colorless and almost tasteless. I couldn’t stand it. > **[Pisco](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pisco)** > > Pisco is a colorless or yellowish-to-amber colored spirit produced in winemaking regions of Peru and Chile. Made by distilling fermented grape juice into a high-proof spirit, it was developed by 16th-century Spanish settlers as an alternative to orujo, a pomace brandy that was being imported from Spain. It had the advantages of being produced from abundant domestically grown fruit and reducing the volume of alcoholic beverages transported to remote locations. > The oldest use of the word pisco... ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2024, 7:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worst-beverage/998850/104 "2024-03-15T19:56:30Z")
> [@That\_Don\_Guy](#): > > Do they still make Fresca? I love Fresca. Sugar free without the horrible taste of artificial sweeteners. Of all the sugar free carbonated beverages I’ve ever tried, I think Fresca is the best. ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2024, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worst-beverage/998850/105 "2024-03-15T19:57:54Z")
[Becherovka](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Becherovka) is a bitters liquor that is produced in the Czech Republic. I first came across it when I was on a job in Prague in the 80s. It supposedly is made with a secret blend of more than 20 herbs and spices. I got a very strong sense of allspice from it, but it was mainly undrinkable for me. The Czechs drink it as a digestif. One of the guys on the team would drink shots of it. Of course he was a painter, so all his olfactory senses were burned out along with his taste buds. > [@Railer13](#): > > I believe that the worst I’ve had is Cañazo, which is a type of rum made from the juice of sugar cane. All rum is made from the juice of sugar cane; what is it that makes this one so nasty? ---
**Author:** ![Pork\_Rind](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pork_rind/32/111_2.png) [@Pork\_Rind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pork_Rind)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2024, 8:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worst-beverage/998850/106 "2024-03-15T20:02:36Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > Orbitz. It was like drinking Karo Syrup with little bits of multicolored Play-Doh suspended in it. I always thought of Orbitz as “that drink with boogers in it.” ---
**Author:** ![wguy123](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wguy123/32/3161_2.png) [@wguy123](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wguy123)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2024, 8:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worst-beverage/998850/107 "2024-03-15T20:04:50Z")
> [@Chefguy](#): > > [Becherovka](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Becherovka) is a bitters liquor that is produced in the Czech Republic. I first came across it when I was on a job in Prague in the 80s. It supposedly is made with a secret blend of more than 20 herbs and spices. I got a very strong sense of allspice from it, but it was mainly undrinkable for me. The Czechs drink it as a digestif. Similar to this and the Italian version, Frenet-Branca which has been mentioned plenty, there is the Latvian treat named Riga Black Balsam. Now contrary to most, I’ve had enough Frenet as well as Black Balsam that I actually like them, in small quantities after a meal (that’s how my Italian and Latvian friends drank them). I think Frenet would be considered refined compared to Black Balsam. ---
**Author:** ![teelabrown](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/teelabrown/32/8412_2.png) [@teelabrown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/teelabrown)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2024, 8:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worst-beverage/998850/108 "2024-03-15T20:10:09Z")
Well, I never tried it, but if I remember correctly, Mexican _pulque_ is about the only thing that made Anthony Bourdain vomit. He was seemingly able to drink anything, but the murky, slimy pulque was too much for him. It’s fermented fresh agave juice, which sounds okay, but if Tony couldn’t take it it must have been pretty icky. ---
**Author:** ![snowthx](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowthx/32/10660_2.png) [@snowthx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snowthx)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2024, 8:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worst-beverage/998850/109 "2024-03-15T20:15:49Z")
Scotch. I thought I had tasted a chemical intended to treat leather or clean machine parts. And don’t tell me “I need to try a good one”, because every time that situation has arisen it’s been the same result. Revolting. ---
**Author:** ![Pork\_Rind](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pork_rind/32/111_2.png) [@Pork\_Rind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pork_Rind)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2024, 8:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worst-beverage/998850/110 "2024-03-15T20:16:06Z")
I believe my calibration is totally off. I really like Fernet-Branca, Black Balsam, Underberg, Cynar (the artichoke liqueur), pisco, Becherova, all of those. I’m on the hunt for some Malört and Kvass now. ---
**Author:** ![DocCathode](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/doccathode/32/18773_2.png) [@DocCathode](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DocCathode)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2024, 8:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worst-beverage/998850/111 "2024-03-15T20:54:06Z")
I think kvass tastes a bit like beer. I think beer tastes like boiled, rotten grains. I love mead, Bailey’s, Kaluha and Mannishewitz. I recognize that Mannishewitz wine is horrible but #1 I grew up with the stuff #2 It is fantabulous mixed with a good chocolate milk ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2024, 8:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worst-beverage/998850/112 "2024-03-15T20:58:07Z")
> [@DocCathode](#): > > I recognize that Mannishewitz wine is horrible When I was 17, a very cute 18 year old girl was kissing me when she suddenly pulled away from the kiss and began projectile vomiting MD 20/20 all over me. Young love! ---
**Author:** ![ParallelLines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/parallellines/32/3575_2.png) [@ParallelLines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParallelLines)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2024, 9:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worst-beverage/998850/113 "2024-03-15T21:32:56Z")
> [@DocCathode](#): > > I think kvass tastes a bit like beer. I think beer tastes like boiled, rotten grains. I love mead, Bailey’s, Kaluha and Mannishewitz. I recognize that Mannishewitz wine is horrible but > > #1 I grew up with the stuff > > #2 It is fantabulous mixed with a good chocolate milk I have largely similar tastes when it comes to booze and beer, probably due to an equally similar early exposure. My brain thinks booze should taste SWEET dammit. But a solid no on # 2. Just… no. It may be great, and you may love it, but I don’t find the image tannins (even the mild ones in Mannishewitz) mixing with milk appealing. Granted, if we ever meet in person, and you make me one, I will try it. But I’d never pay my own money to make such an experiment. ---
**Author:** ![DocCathode](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/doccathode/32/18773_2.png) [@DocCathode](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DocCathode)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2024, 9:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worst-beverage/998850/114 "2024-03-15T21:35:54Z")
I used to adore Chocovine. Then, I read right there on the lable (I forget if it said Carmine or Cochineal Extract). Either way, that’s crushed bug shells and not kosher. ---
**Author:** ![Dr\_Paprika](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr_paprika/32/3042_2.png) [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2024, 9:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worst-beverage/998850/115 "2024-03-15T21:50:30Z")
In my experience, patriotic drunk people often buy dubious shots for tourists (or, if chintzier, merely recommend them). Brennivín, the Icelandic aquavit, has perplexingly failed to find much popularity outside of the country. It’s not terrible, at least in comparison to puffin or fermented shark. These drinks should always be compared to recommended foods. If a Canadian offers you _screech_, just know that this is rum most Jamaicans would refuse to drink. Aguardiente is as harmless as ouzo. ---
**Author:** ![Slow\_Moving\_Vehicle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slow_moving_vehicle/32/291_2.png) [@Slow\_Moving\_Vehicle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slow_Moving_Vehicle)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2024, 10:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worst-beverage/998850/116 "2024-03-15T22:04:36Z")
> [@DocCathode](#): > > I think kvass tastes a bit like beer. I think beer tastes like boiled, rotten grains. I love mead, Bailey’s, Kaluha and Mannishewitz. I recognize that Mannishewitz wine is horrible but > > #1 I grew up with the stuff > > #2 It is fantabulous mixed with a good chocolate milk …wait, _what?_ If that’s not _treyf_, then it should be. ---
**Author:** ![Slithy\_Tove](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slithy_tove/32/18248_2.png) [@Slithy\_Tove](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slithy_Tove)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2024, 10:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worst-beverage/998850/117 "2024-03-15T22:28:18Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > > [@That\_Don\_Guy](#): > > > > Do they still make Fresca? > > I love Fresca. Sugar free without the horrible taste of artificial sweeteners. Of all the sugar free carbonated beverages I’ve ever tried, I think Fresca is the best. Like Sprite, Fresca was flavored with grapefruit. Too bitter for most tastes. A few years ago a New Zealand bar caught the world’s attention with Stag Semen Stout. Just the teensiest amount, but since it’s a substance where the smallest parts per million is culturally significant, it attracted notice ---
**Author:** ![Disinfectus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/disinfectus/32/11085_2.png) [@Disinfectus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Disinfectus)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2024, 10:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worst-beverage/998850/118 "2024-03-15T22:34:42Z")
I’m torn between diet soda and cheap American beer. Both are disgusting to me. ---
**Author:** ![nearwildheaven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/90db22/32.png) [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2024, 11:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worst-beverage/998850/119 "2024-03-15T23:09:44Z")
I wasn’t impressed with a Green River, either. ---
**Author:** ![nearwildheaven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/90db22/32.png) [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2024, 11:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worst-beverage/998850/120 "2024-03-15T23:15:03Z")
It is. My maternal grandmother drank a can most evenings before going to bed, and she lived to be 91. > **[Old Milwaukee](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Milwaukee)** > > Old Milwaukee is a brand of American dry lager owned by the Pabst Brewing Company. The brand currently consists of three different brews: Old Milwaukee Lager, Old Milwaukee Light, and Old Milwaukee Non-Alcoholic. Old Milwaukee is brewed throughout the United States and various packages are currently distributed in all 50 U.S. states, many Canadian provinces, and in select international markets. > Old Milwaukee Beer was first brewed in the 1930s as a value-priced beer by the Joseph Schlitz Brewing ... [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worst-beverage/998850.md?page=5) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worst-beverage/998850.md?page=7)