DO You Have Moxie ! ? , (A very popular Drink that very few actually Drink )
When I was growing up in Northern Maine,there were few choices if you wanted a soft drink. There was the two big ones of course, Coke and Pepsi, and then other guy, Moxie.
Moxie was actually pretty popular around our area and I believe they still sell it today in corners stores all up and down the East coast, but it is mainly regional although you can order it online, I think a 6 pack is about 12 bucks. Is it worth the 12 bucks? I would have to say, yes ! It has a very unique taste unlike either of the other two. For me, Coke is too sweet and I like Pepsi just fine, but the sugar content makes me crash after an hour.
Around 1885 to 1899, Moxie made an appearance as a nerve tonic with a ‘secret ingredient’ ( gentian root) that was supposed to cure everything from athletes foot to baldness and give you great human powers. It was not popular anywhere but the Atlantic states, There may be conflicting reports about when Moxie soda pop was introduced to the public, but the one thing that is clear is that Moxie was the first ever carbonated soft-drink as we know them today. Although marketed as a cure all/nerve tonic/ refreshing drink it contained the magic ingredient that made it a real star, carbonation! Oh, and as a kid, we also used to buy the Moxie lozenges that came in a tin box. I do not think they make them anymore. Too bad, they were great too.
The taste has been described,( and I agree) as slightly medicinal and a bit bitter. I like it because it IS a bit bitter and quite a taste change from the overly sweet sodas. If you ever get up around the northern states, look around and try some Moxie, you may disappointed...maybe not.
