When you think of tropical islands like Palau, root beer probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. I wasn’t expecting it either—least of all in a small store in Koror. But there it was, nestled between cans of Coke and Sprite: Mug Root Beer.
Naturally, I had to grab one. Cracking it open, I was hit with that familiar fizzy sweetness. It tasted like childhood, summer afternoons, and a faint hint of regret for not ordering a root beer float to go with it.
And how was it? Damn good and even better than my Sarsoarilia of yesterday.
The Quirky History of Mug
Mug Root Beer isn’t exactly a newcomer. Its story began back in the 1940s in San Francisco under the name Belfast Root Beer. Sounds fancy, doesn’t it? But this wasn’t some artisanal hipster drink—just a straightforward soda that appealed to a post-war American palate craving sweetness and fizz.
By the 1950s, it was rebranded as Mug, and the bulldog mascot came along later. Unlike its sassier rivals like Barq’s or the creamy A&W, Mug took the middle ground. Smooth, sweet, and easy to drink, it found its niche.
Fast forward to the 1980s, and PepsiCo swooped in. They plastered that bulldog on cans and shipped Mug across the globe. While it’s easy to find in the U.S., Mug has also made its way to places like the Philippines, Palau, and even South Korea.
Mug in the Wild
The thing about Mug Root Beer is that it’s a chameleon. In the U.S., you’ll spot it at fast-food joints, often accompanying a greasy burger and fries. In the Philippines, it’s the star of many root beer floats. And in Palau? Well, it’s the drink you don’t expect but are happy to find after wandering around the local shops.
Why Mug Stands the Test of Time
Here’s the thing about root beer—it’s weird. Let’s be honest, the taste is polarizing. Some say it reminds them of medicine; others, like me, enjoy its creamy sweetness as a guilty pleasure. Mug Root Beer isn’t the fanciest or the spiciest, but it’s reliable. It’s like that old hoodie you always go back to—comfortable, familiar, and never trying too hard.
My Take
Sipping Mug Root Beer in Koror felt strangely perfect. Maybe it was the juxtaposition of island life and this soda with its Americana vibe. Or maybe it was just that I hadn’t had one in ages. Either way, it reminded me why Mug has been around for decades. It doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel—it’s just root beer, and it owns that.
So, if you’re traveling, keep an eye out for Mug. You’ll find it in the most unexpected places, and when you do, grab a can. It might just taste better than you remember.
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