New Orleans Nectar Soda: New Orleans Nectar Soda

The self-proclaimed "Mardis Gras in a bottle", New Orleans Nectar Soda is, as expected, a uniquely flavored soda. Developed by a New Orleans soda shop during the 19th century, the drink was only regionally available as a fountain soda for most of its history. Today, New Orleans Nectar is sold in a single serve bottle -- so you can try the sweet cherry-almond flavor and keep a safe distance from New Orleans. We like the sweet but mellow body of the soda, but we have several suggestions for the manufacturer. First of all, outside of New Orleans, the phrase "Nectar Soda" implies a fruit base, which is not at all what this drink is about. Given its long history, we don't expect a name change. Instead, we'd recommend that the brown glass and foil label (which give the impression of a beer bottle) are the elements that should be changed. A clear bottle and a different label material would improve its appearance. Overall, good flavor and a lot of potential -- but New Orleans Nectar Soda needs some refinement to maximize its marketability outside of New Orleans.