Why can't they chill sodas in Europe?

[Chupa Chupa]

Because they understand this is the only thing worthy of their refrigerators:

[Dennis S]

I was at a resort in Sweden and they had an ice cream display in a deep box in the isle. Every morning I would take 2 Diet Cokes and put them in the bottom of the ice cream box. The next morning, I would get the 2 cold Diet Cokes and replace them with 2 more for the next day.

[davester]

It's just a custom. It was always that way when I lived in england. Even in a major heat wave you could go into a store and find the sodas sitting stacked NEXT TO the refrigerator. I pretty much avoid soda nowadays (to preserve my health and teeth), but when I do partake I've adapted to the american way and like them chilled now. One thing I still don't like that much is the practice of putting large quantities of ice in sodas. I remember when I first arrived here I thought the diluted taste of sodas due to ice floating in them was awful...I've adapted somewhat but it's still not that good.

[N-OS X-tasy!]

One theory goes that this custom is a throwback to days when Europeans has less than perfect teeth -- cold drinks caused too much discomfort to drink.

[Stavs]

Didnt they have cold sodas in the case in Shaun of the Dead? I'll have to rewatch to verify.

[bfd]

Don't know about the ice … but don't ask for Iced Tea. You'll get ice and hot tea. (and lots of laughing behind your back)

As far as sugared Coke goes, Costco here in the far Southwest corner of the US carries it by the case. Kind of expensive, though, at $7.29/case (compared to less than $5/case for the canned gunk)

[PeterB]

Because they're nutcases?

Seriously... there was one European woman I knew who just could not understand having cold drinks (not just sodas, ANY cold drink).

[Racer X]

[quote Stavs]Didnt they have cold sodas in the case in Shaun of the Dead? I'll have to rewatch to verify.
I think so. he grabbed a soda and an ice cream something. I've gotta watch that one again. I just loved Queen's "Don't Stop Me Now" as they were bashing zombies with cricket bats.

[mrthuse]

It's because there's one ice machine on the entire continent, and when you arrived it was broken.

...that's my story and I'm stickin' to it.