It was a clear summer day in the Czech mountains. The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm golden hue over the vast green landscapes. After a long morning of trekking, the Novák family – Anna, Michal, and their two kids, Vojtěch and Tereza – finally spotted a quaint mountainside restaurant. Tired and sweaty, they took a table outside, basking in the sun's rays. The children, eager and thirsty, exclaimed in unison, "We want Kofola!" Anna laughed, "Ah, Kofola, the taste of our childhood!" Michal nodded in agreement. "Do you kids know the story behind this unique drink?" The kids shook their heads, their curious eyes wide open. "Kofola," began Michal, "is neither entirely Czech nor entirely Slovak. Its story starts in the 1960s, in former Czechoslovakia. The country was looking for a substitute for the popular Western colas, which were not widely available then. And thus, Kofola was born." Anna chimed in, "It was a blend of herbal extracts, carbonated water, and a touch of caffeine, giving it a distinctive sweet and sour taste that was different from any other soda." Vojtěch questioned, "But why did it become so popular, Dad?" Dad replied, "Well, apart from being a local product, it was a symbol of pride and unity for Czechoslovakia. Over the years, even after the country split, both the Czech Republic and Slovakia embraced Kofola as their own." Tereza asked, "Is it made differently now, Mum?" Anna answered, "The recipe remains a closely guarded secret. But what's incredible is that it has stood the test of time. Even today, Kofola is produced using traditional methods, and the drink has no preservatives." The waiter arrived, placing four chilled glasses of Kofola on the table. The frothy bubbles on top danced as the sunlight hit the glasses.