What Is Beverly Soda? Everything You Need To Know

Your first visit to Club Cool at EPCOT, you may have been subjected to a popular prank among Disney fans. “Try the Beverly!” your friend, or sibling, or Dad may have urged.

So, you grabbed a cup, got a sample, and took a big swig. And … then, we’re predicting, you puckered your face like you had just tasted the worst thing ever.

OK, maybe not the worst thing ever, but it wasn’t what you were expecting, right? Soda is supposed to be sweet — usually with a fruity flavor. And Beverly? Well, that’s not at all the vibe.

So, what is Beverly, and why does this bitter drink exist? Let’s take a look!

What Is Beverly?

Beverly is a carbonated, non-alcoholic aperitif that is made by the Coca-Cola Company. It was created for the Italian market to be served as part of a common ritual to have a drink and small bite before dinner. The aperitivo typically includes a drink that’s on the bitter side, and food like olives, nuts, and cheese. An aperitivo is believed to stimulate appetite and aid in digestion. Beverly would typically be served in Italy over ice, garnished with an orange slice.

Many aperitifs are cocktails, and you’ve probably heard of some of them — like an Aperol Spritz or a Negroni. They are usually a combination of an herbal spirit — like Aperol or Campari, wine, and something with fizz (like club soda or sparkling water). But there are also other non-alcoholic “soda” aperitifs similar to Beverly, including Sanbitter, Chinotto, Stappi Red Bitter, and the most popular in Italy — Crodino.

What Is the History of Beverly?

Coca-Cola created and started marketing Beverly in Italy in 1969. By 1978, there were two  versions — “Beverly” and “Beverly White.” Beverly was competing against some of the older brands listed above. As the global beverage market consolidated, with bigger brands buying smaller ones, Coca-Cola found itself competing with San Pellegrino (which owns Sanbitter), and the Campari Group (which owns Crodino).

Coca-Cola stopped producing Beverly for the Italian market in 2009. Now, the company only produces Beverly soda for a few tasting locations.

What Does Beverly Taste Like?

So, as we said above, Beverly is BITTER. But it’s not entirely awful. We think a lot of people think it’s terrible because they just don’t associate bitter tastes with soft drinks, so they are caught off guard.  1971 ads for Beverly described it as “Cold as Helsinki, sparkling as Rio, dry as El Paso.” And yeah, we have no idea what Helsinki, Rio, and El Paso have to do with how soda tastes, but it sounds glamorous, at least.

Beverly actually has a lot of sugar in it (it’s the second ingredient on the label). It is dry, so it produces the same mouth feel that a dry wine or dry cocktail would. And, if you get past the bitter you will taste some citrus flavors.

Where Can You Taste Beverly?

Beverly is no longer available in Italy, but there are a couple of places where you can try it. First up is the aforementioned Club Cool in EPCOT. Trying Beverly — and a variety of other Coca-Cola sodas from around the world — is free (once you have paid to get into EPCOT, that is).

You can also taste Beverly at the Coca-Cola Store Rooftop Beverage Bar in Disney Springs. You will need to pay to sample Beverly here — it’s part of the “Around the World Tray,” which includes 16 soft drinks from around the world.

If you are headed to the World of Coca-Cola Museum in Atlanta, GA, you can taste Beverly and about 60 more flavors Coke produces around the world.

And you can try Beverly on the Las Vegas Strip! Head to the Coca-Cola Fountain inside the Coca-Cola Store in Las Vegas, NV. You’ll be able to order the same “Around the World Tray” available at Disney Springs.

That’s a look at everything you need to know about Beverly! Join the All Ears newsletter to get all of the latest Disney news — straight to your inbox!

Have you tried Beverly or fallen victim to a Beverly prank? Tell us in the comments!

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