Mexican Coke

Mexican Coke. That title will probably bring in a lot of traffic for all the wrong reasons. But I'm writing about Coca-Cola products bottled in Mexico.

I bought one the other day at a locally operated family taco stand. There really is a difference, besides the fact that the bottle has "NO RETOURNABLE, REFRESCO CONT. NET. 355ml "printed on the side. The main difference is Mexican Coke is made with cane sugar. No corn syrup is used, unlike in the U.S. and most other countries. Corn syrup has been the primary sweetener for soft drinks since the mid-1970's. It was cheaper than sugar, so the industry switched. Apparently, the average consumer never noticed.

Mexican Coke is old school soda pop. Cane sugar just plain makes the beverage taste different. There's a vague spiciness to the flavor, with the smallest hint of cinnamon. A swig of Mexican coke also has a caramel candy finish. A friend told me it tastes like Mexico. I haven't been there, so I can neither confirm nor deny her claim. But if "It tastes like Mexico" shows up as a catchphrase in Coke advertising, remember you heard it here first. And also remember, Coca-Cola owes my friend some royalties. Also, I think there's a little less carbonation. In fact, I find that by the time I get to the bottom of the bottle, a lot of the carbonation has already disappeared. The last couple sips being less bubbly seems to highlight the caramel flavor .

I wish I could say that it tastes just the way I remember Coke tasting in the 1970's. But I've drank a lot of cola since then, and I have no clear recollection of how Coke tasted when I was a kid. But I do guarantee a surprising difference if you compare a Mexican Coke with a locally bottled Coke from your favorite convenience store.

Besides the flavor, there are some aesthetic differences when drinking a Coke bottled in Mexico. First, there's the bottle. I prefer a green glass bottle to the common plastic bottles with paper labels. That preference is probably driven by nostalgia, but so be it. A Mexican Coke comes in a tall green glass bottle. Glass feels especially cold in your hand. When you take a drink , the bottle will feel colder against your lips. I think that makes it a little more refreshing.

Now, there are some possible drawbacks. First, the lid doesn't twist off, you'll need a bottle opener. But I consider that yet another aesthetic treat. Second , you'll pay about $1.95 for 12 fluid ounces (355 ml), which is often the going rate for 2 liters in the plastic bottle. Sure, you're paying more, and getting less beverage. But I hope I've convinced you you're getting other worthwhile extras instead. So take my advice and buy yourself a Mexican Coke.