Source - Michigan Live
Published - Sep 19, 2017
Original Article
Just a matter of weeks ago, Mike and Jodi Pitsch opened the second Rocket Fizz shop in the state. While there are more than 80 Rocket Fizz shops across the country, this specialty soda and candy location is the first of its kind in West Michigan.
Offering about 360 different varieties of soda right in the store, located at 2090 Celebration Drive NE in Grand Rapids, Mike Pitsch said he has plenty of other flavors in the back but simply no additional room on the shelves.
While it isn't the only thing Rocket Fizz does, these storefronts are known for selling oddball soda. From the delicious to the disgusting, there is a flavor for everyone here.
When you walk into this independently-owned franchise, you'll hear music from the past and spot so many sweets, you might get a cavity with your eyes. The goodies span from candies of yesteryear to regional delights you usually wouldn't find in Michigan.
Mike Pitsch said, when it comes to soda, his new shop sells a lot of Flying Cauldron butterscotch beer, since those Harry Potter fans love it. If you are looking for the flavors Pitsch finds most delicious, he will point you to the Jimmy Hendrix Purple Haze grape soda and the KISS Kola.
Here's a look at 40 of the most interesting varieties of pop you'll find inside the new shop. If you want to see every flavor, you'll have to stop in.
If you aren't in the Grand Rapids area, you can head to the Rocket Fizz location in Novi or wait for one of the seven additional stores slated to open in Michigan, according to the Rocket Fizz website.
Ale-8-One
Kentuckians have long known the deliciousness that is Ale-8-One. You, too, can enjoy the ginger ale with a citrus kick, if you visit Rocket Fizz.
Apple pie soda
What could be more American than apple pie-flavored pop? Maybe hot dog-flavored pop? Luckily, they don't have that.
Bacon
Bacon love is the trend that just won't end. If you really want to prove you are bacon's biggest fan, drink up!
Bacon and chocolate
If basic bacon soda seems too boring for you, here is a twist you might enjoy. They added chocolate to the bacon pop. Why? Well, why not?
Banana nut
Banana nut soda? That's a new one. We love banana nut bread so maybe we should give this a try.
Barf! soda
If you haven't vomited in a while and are nostalgic for the taste, here is the soda for you. If you actually barf after drinking the Barf! soda, will the vomit taste like vomit because you are vomiting or because of the flavor of the pop? The world may never know.
Butter soda and birthday cake soda
Some people love butter so much that they talk about melting it down and drinking it. This soda will make that concept a little more acceptable.
Plus, here's a birthday cake soda. It's the perfect way to say "happy birthday" to the pop fanatic in your life.
Bloody nose
We're not sure what kind of sadists would need to punish themselves with a bloody nose soda, but Rocket Fizz welcomes such gluttons for punishment to come purchase this beverage.
Bubble gum soda
Whether you love professional wrestling or bubble gum, this soda might be calling your name. If you miss "Rowdy" Roddy Piper and want to honor the pro-wrestling star, this soda is definitely calling your name. We recommend you drink it while watching the 1988 Roddy Piper cult classic "They Live."
Buffalo wing soda
MLive's John "Gonzo" Gonzalez and Amy Sherman know a thing or two about wings. I'm not sure, however, that they've tried this soda. Perhaps a challenge is in order.
Candy cane train
If you are really missing the holiday season, we assure you it will be here before you know it. Until then, you can still taste Christmas with this "holiday soda." We can't confirm that it was made by Santa's elves but we have our suspicions.
Cheerwine
This cherry cola is beloved in the south, specifically in the Carolinas. Usually, you are hard-pressed to find this beverage in the northern states. Luckily, Rocket Fizz has you covered.
Churro soda
If you really want a churro but have lost the ability to chew, it's totally okay. From now on, you can drink your churros.
Coffee soda
Do you ever have trouble deciding whether you want a coffee or a soda in the morning? Now you don't have to choose! Grab a coffee soda and all your morning beverage dreams will come true.
Cucumber
You've heard of cucumber water, but have you heard of cucumber soda? According to the label, drinking it will be a revitalizing experience.
Dinosaur dung
We are simply confused by this flavor. We know no one who is currently alive was around to taste dinosaur excrement. Even if they had been, why would they want to taste it? And if they did taste it, why would they turn it into a beverage? So many questions!
Dirt soda
Hopefully no one reads this as "diet soda." Of course, how many calories could dirt possibly have? Really, though, if you are craving dirt, you might have some kind of deficiency. Go see a doctor.
Dragon drool
You would have to be a very committed "Game of Thrones" to drink the drool of dragons. I am pretty sure it won't give you magical powers, but I haven't tasted it. I could be wrong. Drink at your own discretion.
Duff
If you've ever wanted to watch an episode of "The Simpsons" with a can of Duff in your hand, here's your chance. No, it isn't beer. It's an energy drink, which means you can stay up all night and watch a marathon of Homer and the gang guzzling Duff at Moe's. What does it taste like? According to the can, it has a "wonderful orange flavor."
Fluids
Even if you really want to, don't EVER drink the coolant, transmission fluid or any other liquids you put into your car. If you want to pretend you are drinking vehicle fluids, here is a safe way to do it. There are a few varieties to choose from, too.
Fog soda
What would fog taste like, if you could drink it? Rocket Fizz has answered that age-old question with this San Francisco fog soda, in honor of the famously foggy California town.
Cookie dough bites
If you are sick of eating your candy, you can grab this cookie dough bites soda and sip it instead. You'll find three varieties of this soda to satisfy your sweet tooth -- fudge brownie, red velvet cupcake and cookies 'n cream.
Grass soda
Some people simply love the smell of freshly cut grass. We're not sure if that translates into a craving for something grass flavored. If it does, maybe this soda will hit the spot. Or if you grass lovers just need a reminder of your beloved lawn trimmings during the winter months, stock up.
Hello Kitty fizzy pop
Hello Kitty fizzy pop is a cherry limeade-flavored beverage with no caffeine. It's perfect for the soda-loving Sanrio fan in your house.
Hot ginger ale
Rocket Fizz offers plenty of ginger ale options, including this hot ginger ale. Who knew the Aussies were into spicy ginger drinks? Apparently, this kangaroo is on board.
King Kong cola
If you feel like capturing an actress against her will, we've seen that film and we want to tell you that it won't end well. Just drink this soda instead.
KISS Army root beer
Members of the KISS Army can find their very own root beer at Rocket Fizz. You'll also find KISS Kola, which owner Mike Pitsch said is one of his favorite flavors offered at the store. Basically, you'll want root beer every night and kola every day.
Marshmallow soda
We wouldn't be surprised if you could find sodas to match every s'more ingredient inside Rocket Fizz. Here's the marshmallow flavor, but we don't think you could toast it. Another idea -- take a swig of this after each gulp of hot chocolate you take, in case you don't have any mini marshmallows on hand.
Martian poop
One thing the aliens have over us? They apparently have excrement that is suitable for use in a beverage. According to the label, it has a marionberry flavor (not to be confused with Marion Barry).
Moxie
Moxie is so beloved in New England, it is actual the official soft drink of Maine. Many Michiganders have never had the pleasure of partaking in a Moxie cola. Watch out, first-timers, it's said to be an acquired taste.
Peanut butter soda
Everyone knows an extreme peanut butter enthusiast. If they find out you got info on a peanut butter soda and didn't tell them about it, they will be upset. Send that text. Send it now.
Pickle soda
Stop hiding in the corner of your kitchen to drink the liquid out of the pickle jar. Instead, grab this soda and drink it publicly. Next time you grab a burger, this could be the perfect chaser.
Pimple pop
If this was a contest, pimple pop might win our award for the most disgusting concept for a soda. Just look at that label. Halloween is coming up and this sounds like the perfect beverage to scare your party guests.
Ranch dressing
We know Michiganders love ranch dressing, but is this a step too far? Couldn't you just drink straight ranch dressing from the bottle? According to owner Mike Pitsch, this is the most disgusting soda in the store.
SEAL ya later
"Knock knock ... who's there? America!"
That's what you'll see on the label for this selection featuring Osama Bin Laden. The name obviously refers to Bin Laden's death via SEAL Team Six. The contents of the bottle? A basic cola.
Shirley Temple
Instead of taking the time to mix your own Shirley Temple, grab a bottle of the bubbly drink named after the bubbly childhood star with the ringlet curls. Not familiar with this beverage name? You might know it as a kiddie cocktail.
Strawberry shortcake soda
Dessert time? Why not drink your dessert? That way, you don't have to actually make a dessert. You're welcome.
Wink Martindale
From what we can tell, Wink Martindale is the only game show host with a soda bearing his name. The Tic-Tac-Dough host is seen on the label of an exotic soda featuring orange, passion fruit and guava. He is looking especially festive in his pink blazer.
Wizard of Oz cherry cola
There's no place like home, when you're on the couch, watching "The Wizard of Oz" and drinking this cherry cola.