Mexican Coke
Mexican Coke (informally "MexiCoke") is Coca-Cola that is made and bottled in Mexico[1] in a thick glass bottle.[2] Although intended for consumption in Mexico, Mexican Coke has become very popular in the United States because of a flavor that Mexican Coke fans call "a lot more natural tasting."[1] This "more natural" taste can be partially attributed to the use of refined cane sugar in Mexican Coke, as opposed to the high-fructose corn syrup[2] found in nearly all soft drinks bottled in the United States because of tariffs on imported sugar.
Taste tests
In taste tests, tasters have noted that the Mexican Coke has "a more complex flavor with an ineffable spicy and herbal note[3]" and that it contained something "that darkly hinted at root beer or old-fashioned sarsaparilla candies."[3] Some have suggested that the flavor resembles that of the kola nut.[3] Tasters have also commented that the Mexican Coke lacks the acidic, chemical taste of American Coke[2] and that it "tastes a lot more like a naturally sweet beverage such as juice." [2]
Bottle
Mexican Coke is bottled in a thick 355 mL or 500 mL glass bottle, which some have described in contrast to the American Coke plastic bottles as being "more elegant, with a pleasingly nostalgic shape."[3] Also, instead of having a vinyl label wrapped around plastic, the glass bottle has its enamel label painted on, with a smaller paper nutritional facts sticker attached.
U.S. availability
Mexican Coke is becoming more widely carried throughout the United States, appearing in some chain grocery stores such as Publix, Kroger, Wal-Mart (as well as Sams Club), Costco, WinCo Foods, Sack 'n Save, and Target, along with local ethnic grocery stores. Certain branches of the Circle K convenience store chain carry the drink as well. In addition these stores may also sell imported Fanta orange soda with refined cane sugar alongside this Coke type.[1] The World of Coca-Cola also sells Mexican Coke in its gift store, giving a subtle nod from the Atlanta headquarters to the beverage's popularity in the United States. Mexican Coke has become so popular that a website, WhereToFindMexicanCoke.com, dedicated to listing Mexican Coke retail store locations has sprung up[4].
References
- ^ a b c Walker, Rob (2009-10-11). "Cult Classic". New York Times.
- ^ a b c d Wright, Justin (2009-09-10). "Mexican Coke vs American Coke".
- ^ a b c d Sexton, Jule (2010-02-22). "Mexican Coke Hits the County: A Blind Taste Test". Westchester Magazine. Today Media, Inc.
- ^ "Mexican Coke Proves a Winner with US Fans". 2010-09-24.
External links
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- Melnick, Meredith. "Study: Hey, Hipsters, Mexican Coke Might Be a Myth." TIME. Thursday October 28, 2010.