We, as American, all enjoy icy cold soda, either from a chilled soda can, or loaded lots crushed ice. The 90’s plastic bottles are great, it performs well at keeping soda from going flat, but it doesn’t keep the soda cold for very long.
When flying to Europe, I am a bit surprised to learn many of the passengers around me didn't want ice with their soda, I wonder who wants warm soda, that's wired.
Later I learn they were European. They would trade 'cold soda' for "cool soda" for the full flavors. I guess we like the watered down "American Coffee" - as long as it hot to hold in a cold day; and we like our soda served icy cold too.
May be there is another reason – economics. Years ago, I was told to fill the 1/2 of the drink cup with ice before dispensing soda. Ice is cheaper than the carbonated soda & syrup, the restaurateur makes more money that way. May be European are smarter -wanting "full flavor" of the soda, not washed down version because – it’s €4 for a 12oz soda, accompany that €22 3-course dinner at corner café.
I usually finish my “brown bag” lunch in no time; I end up with 1/2 cup full of ice. I am copying European way of ordering drinks now, Coke - no ice please..
