I was really excited about traveling to Peru for a lot of reasons, one of them being Guaraná. Yeah, I know you are thinking, “Pop, of all the things you were excited about traveling to South America for, the first post you make about your trip to Peru, is over pop?” Why yes, yes it is and there is nothing you can do about it. The truth, there is a dark side to this story, not a lie but merely a misunderstanding – a sad, sad misunderstanding.

I spoke of Guaraná and how it was my favorite drink while in Brazil just looking at the picture of the can makes my mouth water. When I was told of Guaraná, of course I became excited – scheming plans of smuggling back liters of it, gorging myself in its’ delicious elixir while in Lima. In fact, when I first settled into where I was staying my friend proudly pulled out a big bottle of this weird-looking red stuff and asked if I wanted some Guaraná. I was perplexed, it says Guaraná and in fact has the same little three red cherries on the label but this was different. I smiled an awkward smile, hesitating as I said yes and that proud smile my friend bore slowly faded as she realized I wasn’t as excited as I should have been over what was taking place before me.

In my defense, this was not what I was expecting. Sure we were in a sunny warm climate nestled in South America but this wasn’t the Guaraná I came to love a year before it was, it was red! I had to try it though, I’m not that closed off. She poured me a glass, I gave it the look over and did what any self respecting monkey would do – I downed the glass. It was good, I’m not going to lie – but it just wasn’t the same Guaraná.

For good measure, I was able to find a Brazilian Guaraná Antarctica smuggled over by my friend’s cousin who recently moved to Lima from São Paulo. It was a mini bottle but I enjoyed it in all its mini glory – for I too am mini. My overall evaluation is that Guaraná Antarctica easily reigns over the Peruvian Guaraná, but I also realize that if you want to talk Peruvian soft drinks you need to be talking about Inca Kola, but that is a whole other conversation. My challenge to you is travel to Brazil and Peru trying both versions for yourself, if that seems too much then your stuck with my evaluation – that or finding an import store near you.

Have you tried either (or both) of these drinks? What is your take on “The Battle of the Guaranás” , share your feedback on how they rate. Till then I’m on the look out for a good banana drink…or maybe a banana beer. Now that is a creation worthy of a monkey’s palate.

Since you can’t share a drink with me, share this post with others!