Could SKI Become Illinois’ Official State Soda?

Illinois residents might soon have even more reason to celebrate their favorite citrus soda. Illinois House Bill 4318, recently introduced in the Illinois House, aims to officially recognize SKI as the state’s official soda, according to the Journal-Courier. The proposal comes from Representative Charlie Meier, whose family has been bottling SKI in Breese, Illinois, since 1961 through Excel Bottling Company.

Meier’s district includes Breese, Highland, and Edwardsville, and he says the community takes pride in Excel and its products. “This is an old-school small family business that continues to thrive and grow in our modern world of mega-companies,” he said. At Excel, visitors can enjoy SKI served in its iconic glass bottles—a timeless way to experience the citrus flavor generations of fans have loved. Even at the state capitol, Meier keeps a fridge stocked with SKI, sharing a taste of home with anyone who stops by.

Legacy in the Making

This isn’t the first attempt to make SKI the official state soda—Meier introduced a similar bill in 2019, but it didn’t move forward. With the new proposal and strong community support, maybe this time SKI will get the recognition it’s long deserved.

Whatever the outcome of the bill, SKI’s place in Illinois, and across the Midwest, remains firmly rooted. For decades, this citrus soda has been more than just a drink; it’s a shared experience, a small but meaningful part of family gatherings, local festivals, and everyday moments. From vintage bottles to ice-cold cans and slushies, SKI continues to bring people together, creating memories and connecting generations. Its legacy isn’t measured in legislation, but in the smiles, stories, and traditions it inspires, one fizzy sip at a time.

Read the full article: Journal-Courier, “Illinois lawmaker tries again to make SKI the official state soda”