Nesbitt's Orange

Nesbitt's Fruit Products Company was founded in Los Angeles in 1924 by Hugh Nesbitt, originally to manufacture syrups used in soda fountains or as toppings. Nesbitt's sodas came about around 1938 and was said to be 10% California orange juice. Hugh Nesbitt was in St. Louis attending a convention of the National Association of Carbonated Bottlers in 1943 when he died after suffering a fatal blow during a fight in the lobby of the Jefferson Hotel while intoxicated. In addition to that rich history, Marilyn Monroe modeled for Nesbitt's advertising while early in her modeling career. Nesbitt's was also the only orange drink sold in Disneyland for a decade. In 1972 the company was bought by Clorox who later sold the brand to Big Red.

While this soda has a pleasant citrus smell, it isn't unlike Fanta in flavor. It has a minimal carbonation level and an almost radioactively bright orange color. If it indeed used to contain 10% actual orange juice it doesn't anymore. With nothing to differentiate it from other orange sodas in flavor or authentic ingredients it's not surprising that it lost so much market share to Fanta behind the behemoth of Coca-Cola. That said, it's still nice to sip on a fruity soda on a warm day.