The raspberry soda stands as a cultural emblem of the Parsi community; a cherished link to the past found within the fading corners of Mumbai's Irani cafes. Beyond its electric red hue and syrupy sweetness lies a story woven into the very fabric of India's soft drink history, with Parsis at its heart. The community's influence in shaping India's taste for carbonated beverages over the past two centuries is undeniable. Goa Brewing Co., a microbrewery by 'beer geeks', pays homage to this legacy with their latest creation – the 'non-conformist' Dikra. A blend of Washington state red raspberries, ginger, and Persian black limes, this beer draws inspiration from vintage Raspberry Sodas crafted by Bombay's Parsi community in the early 1900s.
The choice of raspberry, a non-native berry flourishing in the Persian wilderness, invites contemplation. It mirrors the geographical origin of the Parsi community, who migrated over a millennia ago. The Dikra, brewed exclusively with old-world ingredients and spices that would have been available to brewers 100 years ago becomes a vessel for cultural memory and nostalgia, echoing the identity and flavours uniquely linked to Parsi heritage.
Intriguingly, the Dikra's inception prompts reflection on the concept of identity, reminiscent of the obscure but familiar brands encountered in small-town India during the '90s. These names, like 'Adibas' or 'Parke Ji', quietly offered affordable alternatives, subtly echoing the originals, unseen by the spotlight of big cities. Were they the unsung pioneers of a 'copy-left' movement, laying the groundwork for absurdist brands like Supreme? The question lingers, inviting contemplation on the evolution of consumer culture.
Amidst the brew's rich narrative, sustainability emerges as a critical note. The vintage soda glass bottle, a vessel for the Dikra, remains infinitely recyclable, embodying the epitome of sustainable packaging. As the Dikra becomes more than just a beverage, it encapsulates a blend of tradition, history, and the Parsi spirit, preserving the essence of a bygone era within its effervescent depths.
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