One of Germany’s most popular sodas, Spezi, is hitting the United States thanks to the brand Paulaner. A mixture of cola and orange soda, the idea of Spezi was originally introduced in 1965 in Germany and has been produced by many different brands. It is generally regarded as a “hit” in Germany. In fact, when doing my research for this piece, I reached out to a few friends of mine who are in Germany and they all had nothing but positive things to say about Spezi.
Well, now Spezi is looking to make a splash in America. Produced and sold by Paulaner (maker of some of the best Oktoberfest beer), this American version of the German soda is going by the name Sunset instead of Spezi. Paulaner very generously sent over both their full sugar and zero sugar versions of Sunset, so let’s crack them open to see what all the hype is about!
- Paulaner Sunset
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Pros: A lot of times with cola you get that heavy, almost syrupy taste—but I’m happy to report that is NOT the case here. It has a very light and pleasant taste. Two more huge pluses: Sunset is made with real sugar and also contains both orange juice and lemon juice. Also, if you know me, you know I’ve always got to call out awesome packaging when I see it. The Sunset can is gorgeous. I am a huge fan of the retro/nostalgic look, which is almost identical to Spezi’s branding in Germany. Massive props.
Cons: Honestly? This German soda is fantastic. I could nitpick and say that the orange juice or the lemon juice should be stronger, but who am I to come in and judge one of Germany’s favorite sodas? This is great.
Credit: Liv Averett / Paulaner
- Paulaner Sunset Zero Sugar
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Pros: Like the full sugar, Sunset Zero Sugar is very crisp and light. I was glad to see that it too contains both orange juice and lemon juice. And they shine as well in the zero sugar as they do in the full sugar.
Cons: I hate to hate on zero sugar drinks for being zero sugar drinks (particularly since I do not tend to drink zero sugar drinks on the regular), but I’ve got to do it here. Sunset Zero Sugar is made with aspartame and ace-K, and unfortunately it leaves that “zero sugar aftertaste” in your mouth. It’s not enough to completely ruin the drink for me—I still drank the entire can—but I think it’s enough for me to say that I definitely prefer the full sugar version.
Credit: Liv Averett / Paulaner
When and where can I find Sunset aka Spezi in the U.S.?
If you’re located in the L.A. area in California, Sunset is on store shelves right now (they have a handy product locator on their website). If you’re anywhere else, you can score some cans on their website! And, bonus, if you want free shipping (and to also be entered for a chance to win one of their jerseys) enter code TEBOW at checkout. As Rhett & Link say sometimes on GMM: Not a sponsor, just a really cool product.
Thoughts? Questions? Complete disagreement? Leave a comment!