Styling and Photography by Laurie Mosco

Summertime gatherings are heating up and one thing’s for sure – candy and soda will be on the menu. According to the National Confectioners Association 89% of consumers include candy at their backyard barbeques. Even though candy and soda are regular guests doesn’t mean it needs to be the same old same old.  Here’s a refreshing idea – create excitement and drive upsell opportunities by offering up candy and soda pairings.

Here are some classic and unique pairings from our “fizzics” experts sure to make your selection pop.

Cola & Cherry:  The classic pairing of  bright cherry and the bite of cola gets a refresh with  Clever Candy Sour Twin Cherries and Sprecher Puma Kola.

Sour & Sweet: The yin and yang of flavors, Sour & Sweet is a great way to highlight the super sour flavors of new Warheads Sour Lemon Soda tamed by Clever Candy Mini Gummy Bears.

Strawberries & Cream: The iconic summer pairing of tart strawberry and sweet cream is enjoyed in a whole new way with Clever Candy Strawberry Pink Puffy Puffs and Hank’s Vanilla Cream Soda.

Coffee & Chocolate: Everyone loves the bite of coffee with the creaminess of chocolate. Offer them something “brew” with Lester’s Fixings Coffee Soda and Nassau Candy’s 3 Ring Chocolate Pretzels.

Watermelon & Mint:  Watermelon and mint are a cool pairing of the moment. They’re extra refreshing when it’s Jones Watermelon Soda paired with airy Party Mints.  

Bourbon & Lemon: Take a page out of a mixologists’ playbook — pair woodsy bourbon flavor of Kopper’s on the Rocks Barrel Aged Bourbon Cordials with notes of bright citrus from Jones Berry Lemonade Soda.

Maple & Peach: Warm maple syrup and bright sweet peach are an unexpected pairing that will make quite an impression.  Make it even more memorable with Lester’s Fixins Maple Syrup Soda and Clever Candy Gummy Peach Rings.

Root Beer & Vanilla: Tangy root beer and vanilla always floats their boats. When you pair vanilla cake flavored Nassau Candy Birthday Cake Malt Balls   with Hank’s Root Beer, it’ll be smooth sailing.

Candy and soda pairings sure to make you the “liter” of the pack!