Monada Craft Cola

The name Monada comes from a regional expression in Rijeka, meaning “nonsense” or “foolery” — a fitting name for a product that began as an experiment.

Monada is produced by a trio of entrepreneurs from the Croatian coastal city of Rijeka, who also operate a bar and an associated microbrewery.

As interest in craft sodas and mixers began to grow in Croatia, the three decided to take on the challenge of creating a craft cola, drawing on their background in beer brewing. One notable result of this crossover is the use of hops — an ingredient typically associated with beer — which adds a subtle bitterness to the soft drink.

Monada was launched in early 2020, during Rijeka’s year as European Capital of Culture. The first batch—just 200 bottles—was made specifically for the opening ceremony. The positive feedback from that evening gave the entrepreneurs confidence that they were on to something promising.

The creators explain that Monada is less sweet than mainstream alternatives, with a flavour profile defined by complex herbal and caramel notes. The taste is deliberately mild, avoiding the sharp acidity and intense aroma often found in industrial colas.