US Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has weighed in on Scotland's other national drink after trying Irn-Bru for the first time – and said it reminded her of Puerto Rico.
The high-profile American politician is in Glasgow for COP26, arriving for Gender Day yesterday and raising issues such as the link between fossil fuel extraction and gender violence.
As well as heavyweight political questions directed at her on Instagram, she addressed the many people asking whether she had tried Irn-Bru – saying she would try to find some.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon was on-hand to serve up a solution, handing over the drink as she met with senior US politicians including Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi for talks.
Posting a video of herself sampling the drink, Ocasio-Cortez wrote on Instagram: “Moment of truth for Irn Bru [Scotland emoji] (for those not fully caught up, I have been in Scotland for #COP26 and sharing my thoughts and behind the scenes in my stories. Irn Bru is a very popular drink here that I have been trying to get a hold of and finally did today)
“Upon further tasting, it’s not EXACTLY like Kola Champagne (or Inca Kola) but it’s in a similar family of flavor. I was so shocked at having something in Glasgow that tasted like HOME [Puerto Rican flag emoji] however Irn Bru is also very unique on its own. It’s got pizazz. I like it! Will bring some cans home to NY for sure! Cheers 🥤”
In the video, she says: “Okay, guys. I found it. Irn Bru, let’s see how it is. Ready?
“They’re watching over there.
“Okay, so it’s orange. Okay, here we go."
After sampling Irn-Bru for the first time, an impressed AOC added: “This tastes like the Latino soda – Kola Champagne. Have you had Kola Champagne? I don’t know whether it’s Dominican or Puerto Rican ... this tastes just like a Puerto Rican soda. This is Kola Champagne.
“Oh my God. I love it. Love it.
“Oh my gosh, this tastes just like Kola Champagne.
“Irn-Bru. Count me in. I love it.”
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