Many months ago I found China Cola first stocked on the shelves of Busch's in Saline, Michigan. I didn't get around to buying it until it went on sale. I was excited to finally try this cola which is caffeine free. This cola was made by Reed's, who are known for their ginger brew. The ingredient list is intriguing: Purified carbonated water, raw cane sugar, szechuan peony root, cassia bark, Malaysian vanilla, oils of lemon, lime and orange, nutmeg, cloves, licorice, cardamom, caramel color, citric and phosphoric acids. It's called China Cola, because it was imported from China. In China it is called Future Cola (in English).
I think I was expecting something a little more spicy than I got. From drinking Reed's Ginger Brew, which was pretty strong stuff, I was at first disappointed with the lack of a kick. But after I had another bottle, the cola grew on me. All the ingredients work well together. You can't really taste the cloves or licorice on their own. They just add to a more complex flavor. Even the vanilla is not overpowering. The makers of this cola did a wonderful job balancing out their ingredients.
Where to Buy
Busch's (southeast Michigan) is currently the only place I have seen this cola. If you find it elsewhere, feel free to leave a comment with the name of the store and location.
Click here to read about other caffeine free colas.
Heather
Can you still get it? They seem to have discontinued it π
Eric Samuelson
I have not seen it in years. I think you might be correct. I would need to contact the company that made it to be sure.