Banta

This article is about the drink. For the film of the same name, see Goli Soda. For other uses, see Banta (disambiguation).

Goli Soda
A lemonade seller with Banta soda bottles, Rishikesh, India.
CourseBeverage
Place of originIndian subcontinent
Associated cuisineIndia
Serving temperatureChilled
Main ingredientsSoda

Banta Soda, or Banta (Hindi: बंटा), also Goli Soda or Goti Soda and Fotash Jawl, is a popular carbonated lemon or orange-flavoured soft drink sold in India since the late 19th century in a distinctly shaped iconic Codd-neck bottle. The pressure created by the carbonated liquid seals the bottle by forcing a glass marble up into the neck of the bottle where it snugly locks into a rubber gasket. Opening the bottle by pressing on the marble thus releasing the pressurised gas is seen to be a fun experience.[1][2][3] The drink is easily available at street-sellers, known as bantawallahs, at prices ranging from ₹5 (6.0¢ US) – ₹30 (36¢ US).[1] The drink is sold in glass tumblers and plastic cups,[3] and used to be served in kulhars.[1]

Due to the continued popularity, the bottle and drink have become part of Indian popular culture.[1] The drink, which is highly in demand during April–May summer months, is often sold mixed with lemon juice, crushed ice, chaat masala and kala namak (black salt) as a carbonated variant of popular traditional lemonades shikanjvi or jal-jeera.[2] The Banta Soda is popular in Delhi, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh; and its variation the Panneer Soda, which is mixed with rose water, is popular in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.[a][1] In Delhi it is known as "Delhi's local drink", where it remains popular, especially in Old Delhi and the Delhi University college campuses.[3][4][1]

Due to its popularity, it is also available in "fancy" bars,[5] and commercially mass-manufactured versions in several flavours are also available.[3]

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