Original Spezi cola-orange soft drink

Spezi is a classic German beverage culture icon, famously known as the first ready-mixed drink of its kind. Introduced in 1965 by Brauhaus Riegele in Augsburg, the name was originally registered as a trademark for beer in 1956 before being applied to the refreshing blend of cola and orange soda. Traditionally, Bavarian pub visitors would mix their own cola and orange sodas, a practice that inspired the brewery to create a standardized, bottled version to save bartenders time and ensure consistent quality.

The brand has a unique history regarding its name. While 'Spezi' has become a generic term for cola-orange mixes in German-speaking countries, the trademark is strictly owned and defended by Brauhaus Riegele. The widespread availability of another popular 'Spezi' from Paulaner is the result of a historic 1974 agreement between the two breweries. Today, the product featured in the image is the 'Original Spezi', which distinguishes itself by its specific recipe containing real fruit juices and mandarin oil. It is produced in Germany, often under a franchise system managed by the Spezi Markengetränkeverband, which allows various local breweries to bottle the drink using the original recipe.