Before Coca-Cola became America’s go-to soft drink, a bracingly bitter, root beer–like beverage called Moxie was taking the country by storm. First bottled in the late 19th century, Moxie became one of the earliest mass-produced sodas in the United States—and by the 1920s, it was outselling Coca-Cola nationwide.
With its distinctive bite and unmistakable orange-and-black label, Moxie became more than just a drink; it became a cultural touchstone. In fact, the very word moxie—meaning grit, courage, or determination—comes directly from the soda’s name.
While Moxie’s national dominance eventually faded, its spirit never left Maine. Today, the Pine Tree State is its unofficial capital, home to a Moxie Museum and the Moxie Festival, an annual celebration in Lisbon Falls that draws thousands of fans for parades, tastings, and plenty of good-humored Moxie pride.
For newcomers to Maine, trying a Moxie is a rite of passage. Some describe the flavor as pleasantly medicinal, others as an acquired taste—but everyone agrees it’s a sip of authentic Maine heritage.