Kinnie

Kinnie is a cherished Maltese soft drink with a bittersweet flavor, first introduced in 1952 by the Simonds Farsons Cisk brewery in Malta. Made from bitter oranges and wormwood extracts, Kinnie offers a distinctive taste that sets it apart from other beverages. This brown-colored drink can be enjoyed on its own or mixed with alcohol, earning its place as Malta's favorite non-alcoholic beverage—often considered the 'national soft drink.'

The creation of Kinnie is attributed to Anthony Miceli Farrugia, the managing director of Simonds Farsons Cisk, who aimed to provide a unique alternative to cola drinks like Coca-Cola that dominated post-war Europe. While the exact recipe remains a closely guarded secret, it is rumored to include intriguing ingredients such as ginseng and rhubarb.

Over the years, Kinnie has evolved with various versions to cater to different tastes. In 1984, a Diet version was introduced, followed by Kinnie Zest in 2007, which offers a low-calorie option with a bolder orange flavor. In 2014, Kinnie Vita was launched, naturally sweetened with a mix of sugar and stevia leaf extract.

Kinnie's appeal extends beyond Malta, with exports reaching countries like the UK, Italy, Germany, Poland, the Netherlands, Libya, Canada, and Japan. The drink is also produced under license in Australia by Maltese Beverages Pty Limited, further expanding its international presence to places such as Russia and the UK.