Zima Zensation The ‘90s Legend Returns for a Limited Time
BY DELIA SIMPSON, CRAFT, SPECIALTY, AND IMPORT MANAGER, CHOICE BRANDS, INC.
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ET YOUR SCRUNCHIES AND HAIR crimpers ready, because the ‘90s are back. The past couple of years, we have seen the resurgence of several popular brands of the decade. From Pokemon to Crystal Pepsi, none have been more eagerly anticipated than the return of Zima, the clear malt beverage that became highly popular among Gen Xers in the ‘90s. Zima was released in 1994 and was immediately a roaring success. A refreshing citrus beverage, it was often enhanced with the addition of Jolly Rancher candies or a splash of Grenadine. The marketing campaign was equally as intriguing. The tagline, “Zomething Different,” had drinkers substituting Z’s for S’s all over the place. When it was discontinued in 2008, fans of the drink were so heartbroken that recipes for homemade Zima started to pop up on the internet. “It was brought back, because ’90s inspiration is everywhere, from food to fashion, and more – it’s clear the decade has made a comeback. That’s why it’s the perfect time for our very own ‘90’s legend, Zima, to return for a limited time,” explained MillerCoors spokesperson, Marty Maloney. To keep the authenticity factor, the company did not change a thing about the recipe. It will look and taste just the same as it did nearly three decades ago. “People will be able to purchase it in a 6-pack and drink it out of the fluted bottle while tasting the refreshing citrus beverage they remember.” Nostalgia is a powerful thing. It will be on the shelves through July, but will be gone not long after, so you’ll want 8 JULY 2017 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM
to stock up while you can. Maloney noted, “Once it’s gone, it’s gone.” Below are some fun ways to mix it up with Zima at your next ‘90s themed party. The Classic Ingredients: 12oz Zima 1 Watermelon (or preferred flavor) Jolly Rancher Instructions: Drop Jolly Rancher candy into bottle of Zima and prepare to be transported to 1994. Ztrawberry Zima Ingredients: 12 oz Zima 1 1/2 oz Strawberry Liqueur Instructions: Combine in a tall glass. Zimatron Ingredients: 1 ½ oz Citrus Vodka 12oz Zima Instructions: Pour over ice in a Collins glass and garnish with a lemon wedge. Nuclear Zima Ingredients: 12oz Zima 1 ½ oz Grenadine (or to taste) 1 ½ oz Vodka Instructions: Mix all ingredients in a large glass. This one packs a punch so it’s
definitely a sipper or zipper. Zummer Punch (Party Punch) Ingredients: 3 Bottles Zima 1 Pint Vodka 1 Can Frozen Limeade Instructions: Pour all the ingredients into a pitcher and serve over ice. If too strong, add water. So, pick up a zix pack, crank up some Zmashing Pumpkins, and party like it’s the ‘90s! To find out where Zima is available near you, go to facebook.com/choicebrands. Be sure to like Choice Brands on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram to keep up with local happenings and new product releases. In addition, you’ll find links to beer related articles, fun recipes and much more! As a bonus, we will be posting a trivia question each month for a chance to win cool, beer related prizes. This month’s question is: In May of 1994, the year Zima originally hit the shelves, a popular Gen X songstress released the song, “Stay (I Missed You).” The song was used in the film Reality Bites and went on to hit number 6 on the Billboard Top 100 that year. What was the singer’s name? Go to our Facebook page, post your answer in the comments section (the trivia post will be pinned to the top) and you’ll be entered to win (must be at least 21 years of age)! Find us at facebook.com/ choicebrands, twitter.com/choicebrandsinc, and instagram.com/choicebrands. Good luck!