A departmental store owner, says there has been a demand for the bottled drink in recent times. “We usually have takers for the PET bottle versions of soda, but now customers want to experience the pleasure of drinking from the heavy, smooth-mouthed glass bottle. It may be the start of a revival of the traditional Goli Soda.

A young call-centre employee, regularly catches up with pushcart vendor and childhood friend Faiyaz Ali in the Shivajinagar area for a cool Goli Soda drink in the afternoons and chats about their favourite film stars and local gossip.

While usually the acidic properties and high sugar content points to negative health aspects from consuming soda, the drink is also positive as a good hydrating agent, a natural coolant and a source of sugar boost.

“It’s a regular weekly pastime for both of us to meet and stand in the shade drinking Goli Soda and catching up on what’s happening around us. I grew up on this drink and it’s an experience I would love to pass on to future generations.

Popular earlier in Tamil Nadu than in any other southern State, the Goli Soda is gaining ground in the city which is hitting temperatures higher than its neighbouring State capitals.

Refreshing soda can be gulped down from the green or cobalt-coloured, heavy glass bottle. Often mixed with lemon or orange juice, crushed ice, chaat masala and rock salt, the Goli Soda is slowly creeping its way back into the popular domain in Bengaluru, thanks to the heat and the revival of the soda drinking culture in the city.