Fizzy Drinks

Fizzy drinks from Sri Lanka taste nothing like colas. Cream soda there is clear or pale gold, sweet and vanilla-scented, and ice cream soda is its creamier cousin. Red fruit sodas are bright and sweet, orange barley is a sweet, cloudy citrus soda, and sparkling nelli is made from Indian gooseberry, amla, sharp and refreshing. These sit within our soft drinks and juices range.

They are poured at birthday parties, Avurudu gatherings, weddings and Sunday rice and curry, and they cut through chilli heat. Cream soda is also mixed with ice cream for a float, or with milk for a Sri Lankan-style milkshake. Many families keep a large bottle for guests and smaller bottles for children. Brands include Niru.

Serve these sodas well chilled, and pour gently down the side of a tilted glass to keep the bubbles. Once a large bottle is open, squeeze out the air before closing the cap and keep it upright in the fridge. For still drinks, try fruit drinks or coconut water.