Finding soft drinks that feel like a treat without being overloaded with artificial ingredients isn’t always easy — especially when you’re looking for something the whole family can enjoy. But Jolly’s Drinks, a Cornish brand that’s been crafting sodas since 1896, strikes a rare balance: nostalgic flavours, made with natural ingredients, and a family-friendly approach that doesn’t compromise on taste.
Jolly’s sent over a selection of their drinks to try, and they delivered on every level — especially for families looking to cut back on artificial sweeteners and colours, without cutting out the fun.
The standout flavour? Cream Soda. It’s smooth, sweet, and laced with just the right amount of vanilla. A proper retro-style soda, but cleaner and more refreshing. It’s the kind of drink that feels like a treat for kids, but won’t send them into a sugar spiral — making it a solid option for occasional rewards or weekend movie nights.
Next up was the Cloudy Lemonade — sharp, citrusy, and made with real fruit juice. It’s got that zingy, grown-up lemonade feel but remains totally kid-approachable. Perfect for hot days, after-school refreshment, or pairing with lunch outdoors. It’s not overly sweet, and it doesn’t have that artificial aftertaste many supermarket lemonades tend to carry.
Jolly’s also offers a Ginger Beer with a warming kick that’s ideal for grown-ups looking for a soft drink that isn’t overly sugary. Then there’s the Dandelion & Burdock, a traditional British flavour that brings a nostalgic twist and sets Jolly’s apart from mainstream fizzy brands.
All their drinks come in glass bottles (great for the environment, and even better chilled), and every flavour is made using natural ingredients — with no artificial colours or sweeteners. That alone makes them stand out in the fizzy drinks aisle, especially for families keeping an eye on what’s going into their cupboards and lunchboxes.
Whether it’s for parties, BBQs, weekend treats, or just an occasional swap for sugary supermarket sodas, Jolly’s Drinks bring a sense of fun and flavour, without the artificial extras. A modern take on classic British fizz — and one that fits right in with the needs of today’s families.
