The History of Evansville’s ‘Westside Water’

What liquid sensation has been known in Evansville, Indiana, for decades as "Westside Water"? Well, here is a hint: it doesn't come from your kitchen faucet. In fact, it's carbonated!

Taste The Wake

If you guessed Ski Soda, you might be a Westside Lifer! Ski soda was created in Chattanooga, Tennessee in 1956 at the Double Cola Factory. Named after a weekend trip to Chickamauga Lake, Dot Meyers, a then employee of the bottling company won the contest to name the soon-to-be debuted beverage. Ski was registered in 1958 and was launched that very summer. Ski Soda prides itself on using real orange and lemon juice in its soft drink.

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Why The Nickname Westside Water?

There is a unique cultural connection between Evansville Indiana and this soda pop that has long been considered a community staple. Ski brings fond childhood memories for those living in the area, the drink being one of a kind with its natural fruit extracts. The recommended accompaniment for a bottle of Ski varies, but the true midwestern heart reaches for that trusty bag of Grippos! The loved beverage turns 70 next summer!

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Local Roots

October of 2020 brought Ski Soda closer to home for the West Side Water fanatics when Working Distributers brought the Double Cola trademark agreement to Evansville. Working Distributors overtook the rights from the former RC Evansville, and the almost fifth anniversary of the city's partnership with the company is nearly here!

"Slaw-burger, Fries And a Bottle of Ski"

Dumas Walker, a tune made famous by the legendary Kentucky Headhunters Mentions the beloved citrus soda in one of their biggest hits that landed on the radio in 1990. The song plays homage to an old country store that sat right around the Tennessee/Kentucky state line owned by the very real Dumas Walker.

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So there you have it the mystery of Westside Water, some history of Ski Soda and why Evansville has such a big connection to the classic cola. Looking for your own bottle? Check out the store locator here.