Traditional Milk-Based Sodas Around the World
While many people assume a standard cream soda contains milk, the creamy texture and flavor typically come from vanilla and sweeteners, not actual dairy. For genuine milk-based sodas, you have to look beyond mainstream American brands and explore international offerings and regional trends.
Doodh Soda: The Pakistani and Indian Staple
Perhaps one of the most famous examples of a milk-and-soda mix is Doodh Soda, which is beloved in Pakistan and India. The name literally translates to "milk soda" and it's a popular summer refreshment, often enjoyed during Ramadan.
How Doodh Soda is made:
- A lemon-lime soda, like 7 Up or Sprite, is mixed with milk.
- Some versions use other sodas, like the popular Pakistani Pakola ice cream soda.
- The drink is often aerated by pouring it between two glasses or blended to achieve a frothy texture.
- Sweeteners or flavoring syrups, such as rose-flavored Rooh Afza, are sometimes added.
Milkis: The Korean Creamy Soda
Another well-known option is the Korean soda, Milkis. Developed by Lotte Chilsung Beverage, Milkis is a carbonated soft drink that comes in a variety of flavors and is known for its creamy, milky taste. Unlike Western sodas, Milkis specifically includes milk powder in its recipe, which is a key ingredient for its signature texture. It is often compared to American cream soda but is distinctly different due to its actual milk content.
Other International Variations
Beyond these two, other countries have their own unique concoctions:
- Soda Gembira (Indonesia): A colorful and festive drink made by mixing condensed milk, cocopandan syrup, and carbonated soda water.
- Pilk: A modern, sometimes viral, trend where Pepsi is mixed with milk.
- Egg Cream (United States): A traditional New York drink that, despite its name, originally contained milk and seltzer but no egg. Modern bottled versions sometimes exist.
The "Dirty Soda" Trend
In recent years, the "dirty soda" trend has taken hold, especially in the United States, popularizing the idea of mixing soda with milk. The concept is simple: add a splash of flavored syrup and cream or milk to a carbonated drink. This trend allows for endless flavor combinations and has gained a following for its customizable and indulgent nature.
Popular "Dirty Soda" Combinations:
- Cola with coconut cream or half-and-half.
- Root beer with vanilla cream or oat milk.
- Dr. Pepper with coconut and lime.
Comparison of Dairy in Sodas
To help understand the differences, here is a comparison table outlining the key features of various sodas and concoctions involving dairy.
| Feature | American Cream Soda (Modern) | Doodh Soda | Milkis | Dirty Soda | Egg Cream | Traditional Cream Soda (1852) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Contains Dairy? | No | Yes (Milk) | Yes (Milk Powder) | Yes (Milk/Cream) | Yes (Milk) | Yes (Milk) |
| Origin | US, 19th Century | Punjab, South Asia | South Korea | US (Modern Trend) | New York, US | US |
| Primary Flavor | Vanilla, sweet | Citrusy, sweet | Creamy, milky, fruity | Varies by customization | Chocolate, vanilla, or other syrups | Various, original recipe was not vanilla |
| Key Ingredient | Vanilla, sweeteners | Soda (e.g., 7 Up), milk | Carbonated water, milk powder | Soda, cream/milk, syrup | Seltzer, milk, syrup | Water, milk, cream of tartar, egg |
Is Soda with Milk a Healthy Choice?
From a nutritional standpoint, milk and soda beverages should be considered a treat rather than a healthy daily staple. Combining milk with highly-sugared sodas can increase the overall calorie and sugar content of the drink significantly. For example, commercial cream sodas and traditional sodas often contain large amounts of high fructose corn syrup. Adding milk introduces fat and additional calories, and in the case of sweetened condensed milk, even more sugar.
That said, some regional perspectives see drinks like doodh soda as a beneficial refresher during hot weather due to the electrolytes, and a healthier option than soda alone. Certain modern versions, such as those from the brand OLIPOP, use prebiotics and fiber to offer a lower-sugar alternative. For those with dietary concerns, options like non-dairy milks (e.g., oat or almond milk) can be used to achieve a creamy texture without lactose, which is a common practice in the "dirty soda" trend.
Conclusion
While the search for what soda has milk in it? might not lead to a bottle of commercial American cream soda, it does uncover a fascinating global tradition of combining carbonation with dairy. From South Asian Doodh Soda to Korean Milkis and the modern "dirty soda" trend, milk and soda blends offer a wide array of creamy, fizzy refreshments. These drinks provide a nostalgic and flavorful experience, though they should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet due to their typically high sugar content. Ultimately, exploring these unique beverages reveals that the combination of milk and soda is a surprisingly delicious fusion found in various cultures worldwide. The next time you crave a creamy, bubbly drink, you might find yourself exploring one of these international flavors or creating your own creamy concoction.
Key takeaways
- Traditional cream soda does not contain milk. Its "creamy" texture comes from vanilla flavor, not dairy.
- Doodh Soda is a popular South Asian drink that mixes milk with lemon-lime or other fizzy sodas.
- Milkis is a Korean dairy-based soda that gets its milky flavor and creamy texture from milk powder.
- The "Dirty Soda" trend involves adding cream or milk, along with flavored syrups, to various soft drinks.
- Nutritionally, most milk-and-soda mixes are high in sugar and calories, and should be consumed in moderation.
- Dairy-free alternatives can be used in concoctions like dirty sodas to achieve a creamy texture without lactose.
- Historical recipes for cream soda existed, with an 1852 version actually calling for milk and eggs.
- The combination of milk and soda is a global concept, with different cultures offering their unique takes on the blend.
