The best Spezi

Here in Germany, we have some awesome mixed Beverages, most of them having their own Name. Schorle for example would be any Juice or even Wine mixed with sparkling Water.

A Radler would be made from Beer and Lemonade, and a Spezi… well that one is made from Cola and Orange Soda.

Spezi actually is one of the most generic Terms, even though it is also a Brand Name*. Ever since I was a kid, Cola mixed with Orange Soda was a Spezi. Even Cola and Pepsi have their Versions.

As it turns out, my favourite is not actually the original though. That one is also really good, but it just is not Paulaner Spezi.

That Stuff just is awesomely refreshing and really tasty. It is not all too sweet in flavour, but that actually does not mean it does not have a lot of Sugar. It does.

There is actually quite a cult following around Paulaner Spezi with the Drink even having its very own Subreddit with r/PaulanerSpezi.

Personally, I tend to enjoy my Spezi with a nice Burger, or fresh out of a Can or Glass Bottle overlooking a beautiful Vista.

As a kid, I actually knew Spezi long before I ever tasted any Cola. Ever since then, I actually prefer the Mix.

Spezi really has a special Place in my Heart, even though all that Sugar really is no good for anyone. I think I probably should check out their sugar-free Offering. Maybe that is good as well.

Spezi also has quite a bit of History. The Name was actually first used for a Beer by an Augsburg Brewery called Riegele in 1956. After a some Time, those Guys discovered that Cola and Orange Soda were being mixed at local Bars and Pubs.

That practice was Time consuming and left half empty Bottles that would go stale on the regular. So Riegele decided to offer a ready mixed Version, calling it Spezi Cola-Orange.

The Riegele Version today is made by several manufacturers to cover a larger Area. It might be the Original, but I personally prefer the Paulaner Version.

*The original Spezi is made by a Brewery called Riegele from Augsburg, there has been some kind of agreement in the 1970’s that allows Paulaner to use the name.