Not Coca-Cola Or Pepsi: This Is The Hands-Down Best Vanilla-Flavored Soda Money Can Buy
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The sweetness of vanilla-flavored sodas can make for the perfect afternoon beverage, but not every brand delivers refreshing sips that are balanced and not cloying. After sampling seven options, our writer ranked Virgil's Vanilla Cream Handcrafted Soda as the clear winner, calling it the best vanilla-flavored soda of the bunch. The brand even beat out Vanilla Coke, which came as a surprise to our writer. In the review, the taste of vanilla is the highlight of Virgil's version, and it offers a sweet, creamy richness that is both complex and satisfying. Because it isn't a vanilla cola, the vanilla doesn't compete with other flavors and shines through.
Virgil's doesn't use artificial sweeteners, preservatives, or colors in its recipes, and its flavors are blended in small batches. To make the vanilla flavor, Virgil's doubles up on bourbon vanilla to result in the decadent taste samplers love. "This stuff is amazing," said one reviewer on Amazon. "My husband loves this vanilla cream soda," added another shopper at World Market.
A creamy beverage that doubles as a decadent treat
More fans have chimed in online. "Oh I love this one, god tier," wrote a fan on Reddit. "That is dynamite," added another on TikTok. Not every drinker is thrilled with Virgil's Vanilla Cream Handcrafted Soda, however. On Reddit, one user was underwhelmed, writing, "When I drank it, it wasn't as smooth or as sweet as I would've liked." This user also noted a sharp aftertaste and gave the drink a 4 out of 10 rating, writing that it wouldn't become a repeat or recommended purchase. Still, the soda has earned praise elsewhere.
In a separate ranking of cream sodas, Virgil's claimed third, with a different Tasting Table writer praising the soda's decadence and rich vanilla aroma. For those who do appreciate the taste of Virgil's or want to pair spiced rum with the cream soda at home, a four-pack of Virgil's Handcrafted Vanilla Cream Soda in 12-fluid-ounce cans is sold for under $13 at Walmart, as of this writing. The product has also been spotted at Wegmans, Whole Foods, and Trader Joe's at varying price points, so you can keep an eye out for it on your next shopping trip. We recommend making a delicious ice cream float with it when the craving strikes.