Best Drinks in Iceland: An Ode to Collab
When people think about drinks in Iceland, a few classics usually come to mind.
Maybe it's a cold glass of Icelandic tap water (arguably the best in the world). Perhaps a warm mug of hot chocolate after a windy hike, or for the adventurous, a taste of Brennivín—often nicknamed "Black Death."
But ask anyone who's traveled with Compass what drink they remember most, and you'll probably hear a different answer.
If you know, you know.
If you don't, let us introduce you.
What Is Collab?
Collab is a sparkling, caffeinated energy drink made in Iceland.
It's lightly carbonated, refreshingly crisp, and available in a growing variety of flavors. Unlike many energy drinks, Collab isn't overwhelmingly sweet or syrupy. It feels lighter, cleaner, and somehow fits perfectly with Iceland's culture of simple, high-quality ingredients.
You'll find it everywhere:
Grocery stores
Gas stations
Convenience stores
Coffee shops
Airport kiosks
By the end of most Compass trips, participants can spot a Collab cooler from across the parking lot.
Why Is It Called Collab?
The drink was launched as a collaboration between Icelandic entrepreneurs, athletes, and creators who wanted to build an energy drink with cleaner ingredients and a distinctly Icelandic identity.
The name itself reflects that idea: Collab—a collaboration.
Today, it's become one of Iceland's most recognizable modern beverage brands, especially among younger Icelanders.
What Does Collab Taste Like?
That's surprisingly hard to answer.
Each flavor has its own personality, but most share a few characteristics:
Crisp rather than syrupy
Light carbonation
Clean finish
Less sugary than many American energy drinks
Refreshing enough to drink even if you don't usually like energy drinks
Favorites seem to emerge quickly.
Some travelers become fiercely loyal to one flavor by Day 2 and spend the rest of the week convincing everyone else they're wrong.
It's become something of a Compass tradition.
Why We Love It at Compass
Let's be honest.
Some of our days in Iceland start early.
Very early.
Between airport pickups, service projects, hiking waterfalls, conversations that somehow stretch late into the evening, and long drives through landscapes that never stop amazing us, a little caffeine can go a long way.
Collab has become our unofficial road-trip companion.
Someone inevitably asks:
"Does anyone want to stop for Collabs?"
The answer is almost always yes.
It usually means we're pulling into an N1 or Olís gas station, stretching our legs, grabbing a pastry, and laughing about whatever happened that morning.
The drink itself is great.
The memories attached to it are even better.
More Than Just an Energy Drink
Every destination has its little rituals.
Italy has espresso.
Japan has convenience store snacks.
Mexico has fresh agua frescas.
Iceland has pulling into a gas station in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by lava fields or snow-covered mountains, and grabbing a Collab before the next adventure.
It's one of those wonderfully ordinary experiences that somehow becomes unforgettable.
Years later, we've had alumni send us photos when they find Collab in specialty stores back home.
We've watched participants pack cans into checked luggage to share with friends.
We've even had debates over which flavor deserves the title of "best Collab."
(We're staying out of that one.)
The Best Drink in Iceland?
Is Collab the best drink in Iceland?
That depends on who you ask.
Some people will always choose Iceland's famous tap water.
Others prefer locally roasted coffee or a craft beer after a long hike.
But if you're looking for the drink that instantly transports Compass alumni back to Iceland, it's hard to beat cracking open a cold can of Collab while driving through landscapes that barely seem real.
Sometimes it's the smallest traditions that become the strongest memories.
Don't Leave Iceland Without Trying One
If Iceland is on your travel list, do yourself a favor.
Walk into the nearest grocery store or gas station, pick out a flavor that catches your eye, and give Collab a try.
Who knows?
It might just become part of your Iceland story, too.
And if you happen to be traveling with Compass, don't be surprised if someone in the van asks whether it's time for another Collab stop.
The answer is probably yes.
Explore Iceland with Compass
At Compass, we believe travel is about more than checking destinations off a list. It's about discovering the moments—big and small—that make a place memorable. Whether you're serving alongside local communities, hiking to hidden waterfalls, or sharing a Collab during a roadside break, Iceland has a way of staying with you long after you return home.
Join one of our Iceland programs and discover why the best souvenirs aren't always the ones you pack.
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