You Can Make Your Own Zima, So We Did

Anyone who was conscious during the 1990s heard about Zima. The clear malt liquor hit the market in 1994 and took the drinking world by storm, selling 1.3 million barrels and — thanks to its ubiquitous, cheekily vague advertising (tagline: “Zomething different”) — becoming everyone’s favorite alcoholic punch line. With an ABV of 4.7 percent, similar to a light beer, Zima was marketed to beer drinkers, but was similar to a liquor or wine spritzer. It didn't quite know what it was, and tried to be too many things. Its identity crisis ultimately led to its downfall.

The first year it was released was the height of Zima’s popularity. By 1996, sales had declined by two-thirds, and it had all-but-entirely disappeared from liquor stores by the time we hit legal drinking age. But that didn’t stop the company from trying its hardest to keep the Zima flowing until 2008, when production finally ceased.

Is Zima drink still made?

Today, you can’t find Zima anywhere in the U.S., though it is sold in Japan. However, thanks to a recipe posted to Zima’s Facebook page, nostalgic Zima seekers can make something that tastes like it at home. We couldn’t resist. Here, DIY Zima.

Note from the Food & Wine Test Kitchen

If there was one thing that could take it over the edge into home run territory, it would be the fizz factor. It could use a bit more club soda. But aside from that, DIY Zima is a worthwhile endeavor — and a lot easier than home brewing.