Abby:

Ever since Swig was established in Utah 15 years ago, it has been a rising star in the drink world. Swig, the drive-through soft drink chain, currently operates across 14 states in 93 different locations, and its popularity has been spreading like wildfire. There are many other places that rival it, like Dutch Bros, and Sonic, who have similar drinks on their menus. With this being said, a controversial question arises: Is Swig worth it when stacked up against major-league competitors like these?     

The answer is, without hesitation, an absolute yes. Although the drive to Swig may be lengthy, it easily rises above competitors in other categories. For OC students especially, there are many other places that are much more easily accessible. However, many students would argue that the drive is part of the overall experience, everything else set aside – that it is part of the teenage experience to drive far places just for the fun of it, regardless of how negligent decisions like that may be. Furthermore, even though Dutch Bros is close to OHS, that also does not mean it will always be the closest option for students, depending on where they live or where they are at any given time, not at school.

Swig offers a considerable lineup of drinks for customers to choose from, but it has gained most of its notoriety from its “dirty sodas.” One of the most notable features attributed to Swig is the various ways in which customers are able to customize their soda.

Not to mention, especially compared to places like Starbucks or Dutch Bros, Swig is much less expensive. For example, a 24-ounce “Electric Berry Sparkling Soda” from Dutch Bros is nearly a dollar more than the same drink from Swig. A medium blended “Rebel” from Dutch is $6.25, while its counterpart from Swig, the “Reviver”, is $4.75, with no extra charge to have it blended.

Swig also has a much wider variety on their menu when it comes to crafting a dirty soda. With a total of 17 bases and 35 flavors, Swig is the place to go for an extremely personalized drink. They also have fruit purees, frozen fruit, boba, cream, and even candy like gummy sharks available to be put in drinks. Another unique trait Swig has that helps boost it above its competitors is that you are able to add a “splash” of any of the soda options for no added cost. Swig has a wide variety of options for their drinks, but the same can not be said about its competitors. 

Swig is, without a doubt, worth the hype, and rises above places that are similar to it due to its cheaper prices and wider level of diversity when it comes to crafting a drink.

Avery:

Everyone knows that Swig is good, but it is just not special enough for the drive to be worth it. Although the drinks themselves can be unique in what flavors they use, they can very easily be recreated, either at home or at other drink places. Establishments such as Dutch Bros and Sonic can make the same drinks and have the same concept while being a lot less of a drive. 

The closest Swig to OHS is off of Cactus and 83rd Ave, which is over 17 miles away. If you were to break down the cost of gas to get there, just from the school and back, it would cost you $4.07. When adding that to the cost of the drink itself, assuming you only buy one, you are  spending about $7 total just for one trip. Therefore, even if you like going, “just for the drive,” it may not be worth it. 

Some may argue that these drinks taste so good that they do not mind driving very far, but realistically, most of them can be made from home. Swig’s ‘Unlucky Ducky’ drink contains Sprite, lemonade, strawberry, and a gummy shark. For a total of about $8, a person could go to the store and buy full sizes of each of those ingredients, allowing them to make many of the same drink instead of just having it once. This is only $1 more than driving all the way out and purchasing a singular drink.

Furthermore, with companies such as Dutch Bros who have numerous locations that are all more local than Swig, there is no need to drive further than 1 mile away from school. With the addition of ‘dirty sodas’ to their menu, they essentially have the same items that Swig has. Sonic also does the same thing, and their menu is dedicated to creating special drinks similar to Swig’s. Sonic is only 3 miles away from OHS, which is just another reason why it is more convenient.

While Swig is undoubtedly good, it is simply not worth it to be driving so far for drinks that you could make for yourself at home or purchase locally.