5 Drink Brands From the Gulf Coast
The Gulf Coast has always had a thing for good drinks—whether they are complementing Mardi Gras celebrations or keeping people cool in the summer. In recent years, this easygoing culture has sparked a new wave of beverage brands. Some drinks are classics, while others are experimental.
Though one thing that binds them is that these drinks reflect the region’s personality in one way or another.
Gulf Coast Brands Worth a Mention
Below are five drink brands that capture that Gulf Coast spirit, from hemp-derived THC seltzers to time-tested Southern staples.
1. Crescent Canna and the Rise of THC Seltzers
The Gulf Coast isn’t shy about innovation, especially when it comes to drinks. Crescent Canna fits very well with that mindset. The brand’s Crescent 9 THC Seltzer has become the no. 1 selling THC drink in the country, thanks to award-winning flavor profiles and a range of potencies, from 5 mg THC to 50 mg THC. Its popularity along the Coast reflects a broader shift toward social drinking alternatives that feel lighter and are easier to enjoy at outdoor gatherings and waterfront hangouts.
2. Abita Brewing Company’s Soft Drink Roots
Most people know Abita for its beer, especially Abita Amber and Purple Haze. Few realize that the brand started by paying close attention to water quality and flavor clarity. Those same principles apply to its non-alcoholic offerings. Abita root beer and sodas are made with cane sugar and natural flavors. The result feels nostalgic but clean. On the Gulf Coast, these drinks are often seen at family cookouts, seafood boils, and diners. The brand’s commitment to small-batch character and regional pride has helped it maintain a loyal following beyond Louisiana.
3. Barq’s Root Beer and Its Biloxi Origins
Barq’s Root Beer is integrated into the Gulf Coast soda culture. It started in Biloxi, Mississippi, long before it became a national name. Strong regional heritage, bold flavors, and some caffeine have resulted in it becoming a staple both locally and nationally over the decades. Along the Coast, Barq’s is less about nostalgia and more about familiarity. You can see it at shrimp boils, backyard grills, and gas stations. Comfortable in hot weather and full of attitude, it remains an all-time local favorite with a firm spot in people’s minds.
4. Buffalo Rock and Its Regional Appeal
With deep Southern credibility, Buffalo Rock doesn’t chase attention. Based in Alabama for more than a century, the brand became known for its ginger ale and classic soft drinks. A dependable drink, its strong presence can be seen in parts of the Southeast, including Alabama, Georgia, and Florida. For many Gulf Coast families, Buffalo Rock is woven into road trips, tailgates, and quiet evenings on the porch. This is the drink most people grab to unwind with music drifting by because they grew up with it.
5. Dr. Pepper and Its Southern Soda Heritage
One of the oldest major soft drink brand names in the US, Dr. Pepper was created in Texas, and its Southern roots show. It carries a distinct flavor profile that’s easy to recognize, blending a mix of sweet, spicy, and subtly fruity notes that set it apart from traditional colas. This is a drink that has stayed relevant across generations, and its broad appeal comes from that unmistakable taste. Whether poured over ice at a diner or pulled from a cooler at a beach, it is a part of everyday life.
A Region That Drinks With Intention
Gulf Coast brands have real staying power. With an emphasis on flavor and balance, these brands reflect real habits and real gatherings.
Whether it’s a THC seltzer on a warm evening, a deliciously bold soda at a family event, or a bottle of cold water after a day in the sun, these drinks have their place in Gulf Coast moments. They are chosen with purpose, shared with friends and loved ones, and remembered long after the ice has melted.
