Soda is having such a moment. It seems like every week innovative, new flavors are released, new brands emerge, discontinued products make a return, and international brands come stateside. And we’re not complaining. It’s great to have a big variety of tasty beverages to choose from. The latest soda release on my radar is based on a classic diner item, and I’ve never seen it canned.
This unique flavor is already earning a bit of a mixed reputation on social media. There are full-fledged fans, but also plenty of skeptics. Plus, it comes from a totally unexpected brand: Arizona Beverages. But I’m curious, so I guess I’ll have to pick one up and give it a try myself.
Arizona Introduces New Chocolate Egg Cream Soda
Arizona Beverages—yes, the company known for its 99-cent canned iced tea—just released a first-of-its-kind Chocolate Egg Cream Soda. If you’re not familiar with the drink, it may seem like there’s a lot going on here. Chocolate. Egg. Soda. How does it all add up?
Allrecipes / Arizona
Egg Creams don’t actually have eggs—or cream. It’s a nostalgic New York drink that was popularized in Brooklyn in the early 20th century. It’s simply milk, seltzer, and chocolate syrup—though vanilla variations did exist. What’s old becomes new again, so these days you’ll find versions of the Egg Cream being sold as “dirty soda.”
For some, it’s a nostalgic and tasty treat, for others it’s a bizarre combination. “It tastes like a watered down carbonated liquid tootsie roll,” one person said on Reddit.
“A carbonated Yoo-hoo,” added another.
However, others are excited for the new addition to the Arizona portfolio. “That sounds amazing,” shared one Redditor. “I love chocolate milk, so this is something I’m gonna have to start looking for.”
“I love Egg Creams,” added another. “Need to find this.”
Chocolate Egg Cream Soda is packaged in 22-ounce cans and sold in 12-packs for $24.99 on Arizona’s website. The release of this new soda was timed with the 24th anniversary of Sept. 11 and supports the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. A portion of the proceeds from each can of Chocolate Egg Cream Soda will go to the organization, which provides mortgage-free homes to the families of fallen first responders or active-duty military members, as well as aiding wounded veterans.
“America is the greatest country in the world, and we feel a deep responsibility to honor the men and women who protect it,” said Arizona founder, Don Vultaggio, in a press release. “This collaboration is our way of showing gratitude and support for the families of our heroes.”
Tunnel to Towers was started by Frank Siller, the brother of Stephen Siller, a New York City firefighter who died on Sept. 11, 2021. “We’re honored to partner with Arizona on this special Chocolate Egg Cream Soda, which pays tribute to a beloved Brooklyn tradition that my brother Stephen would have appreciated,” said Siller, chairman and CEO of Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
“Arizona’s commitment to supporting fallen first responder families through this partnership allows us to continue Stephen’s legacy of service while honoring the flavors and memories that make New York special.”
If you want to try this unique soda for a cause, check your local retailers or purchase directly from Arizona’s website.
