An attic discovery inspires the Trappist monks of Koningshoeven to bring back Ariston soft drinks

An old bottle sparks a revival
The story of Ariston begins in the attic of the abbey, where a forgotten bottle was discovered. It was a bottle of a soft drink that had been produced within these walls for decades shortly after the Second World War. The discovery inspired the monks: if an abbey can brew beer and make cheese, why shouldn’t it create a Trappist soft drink that is just as distinctive?

Ariston is therefore not entirely new, but rather a reinterpretation of something that already existed, translated into the tastes of today. It is low in calories and sugar and contains no unnecessary artificial additives. Ariston is back. Under the supervision of the monks of Koningshoeven, the brand has been reborn.

A community from all corners of the world
Within the walls of Koningshoeven lives a community of monks originating from all corners of the globe. This international composition is not only the strength of the abbey but also the direct inspiration behind Ariston. Fruits and herbs from diverse cultures and climates come together in a single glass, just as the monks live together under one roof.

Ariston is being introduced in four varieties, each with its own distinctive character:

• Blueberry – Yuzu – Lemongrass
• Blood Orange – Blueberry – Juniper Berry
• Lime – Ginger – Elderflower
• Mango – Mandarin – Cardamom

Trappist quality beyond beer
With Ariston, Koningshoeven demonstrates that the Trappist tradition extends beyond beer. Just as La Trappe has proven itself for decades through quality and craftsmanship, Ariston seeks the same: authenticity and character with a clear sense of origin.

"We cherish our traditions and history, but we also move with the times—by innovating while remaining true to who we are. Ariston is a worthy addition to the beers we brew: a beverage that reflects our values and fits the world of today.”

— Abbot Isaac Majoor of the Trappist Abbey of Our Lady of Koningshoeven

An orphanage as a shared responsibility
Part of the proceeds from Ariston will support orphaned children in a small village in Kasasa, in the heart of Uganda. In this remote village, approximately five kilometers from Kyotera—where the monks of Koningshoeven Abbey maintain a daughter monastery—four elderly women care for 140 children whose parents have died of AIDS. It is a deliberate choice for an abbey whose way of life has for centuries been guided by simplicity, care for creation, and a connection to the world beyond its walls.

Availability
Ariston will be available from June 4, 2026, on the terrace of the Proeflokaal in Berkel-Enschot. From June 12, it will also be available through the (online) Monastery Store and during the La Trappe Spring Weekend, taking place from June 12–14, 2026.