Squirt (soft drink)

Squirt is a grapefruit-flavored, caffeine-free soft drink that originated in the United States. It was created in 1938 by Herb Bishop in Phoenix, Arizona, as a result of an experiment aimed at making a soft drink that required less fruit and sugar than other sodas, due to the Great Depression. Bishop's creation, initially called "Citrus Club," was later renamed "Squirt" to reflect the drink's crisp, fresh taste.

History

The history of Squirt dates back to the late 1930s when Herb Bishop created a new carbonated drink that was less sweet, not as harsh, and more affordable than many of its contemporaries. Bishop, who was inspired by the citrus groves of Arizona, aimed to produce a soft drink with a refreshing taste that could quench thirst effectively. The unique flavor of Squirt, derived from its grapefruit base, quickly made it a popular choice among consumers, especially in the southwestern United States.

In the 1940s and 1950s, Squirt became known for its marketing campaigns that featured the character "Little Squirt," which helped to increase its popularity by emphasizing the drink's refreshing qualities. Over the decades, Squirt has maintained its reputation as a thirst-quenching and flavorful soft drink, appealing to a wide range of consumers.

Ingredients

The primary ingredients in Squirt include carbonated water, high fructose corn syrup (or sugar in some regions), concentrated grapefruit juice, citric acid, natural flavors, and sodium benzoate as a preservative. The drink's distinct tartness comes from the grapefruit juice, while the sweetness is balanced by the high fructose corn syrup or sugar.

Varieties

Over the years, Squirt has introduced several variations to cater to different tastes and dietary needs. These include:

• Diet Squirt: Introduced in the 1980s, Diet Squirt offers the same refreshing taste as the original but without the calories, appealing to consumers looking for a low-calorie soft drink option.
• Ruby Red Squirt: A variation that includes the addition of ruby red grapefruit juice, providing a slightly sweeter and more robust flavor than the original.
• Squirt Zero Sugar: The newest addition to the Squirt family, offering the classic Squirt taste without any sugar, catering to consumers seeking sugar-free beverage options.

Cultural Impact

Squirt has made a significant impact on the soft drink industry and popular culture, particularly in the southwestern United States, where it has been a staple beverage for decades. Its unique flavor profile has also made it a popular mixer in cocktails, especially in tequila-based drinks like the Paloma, enhancing its appeal beyond just a standalone soft drink.

See Also

• Soft drink
• Grapefruit
• Citrus
• Carbonated water