milk pouring from a small jug into a glass of dark brown soda with ice – holy_ff/Shutterstock
For coffee enthusiasts and soda lovers alike, the quest to combine these two beloved beverages has been an ongoing fascination. From coffee tonics to innovative methods of mixing fizzy drinks with coffee, the collaboration has seen various attempts over the years. While major brands like Coca-Cola and Pepsi have recently joined this trend, it was actually the Mexican soda brand Jarritos that first ventured into coffee-flavored soda decades ago.
Founded in 1950 by Don Francisco “El Güero” Hill, Jarritos emerged during a time when traditional Mexican drinks, such as aguas frescas, were facing stiff competition from sodas. Hill, an inventive spirit, began his journey in his dining room in Mexico City, crafting sodas with the help of his family. His initial attempt at a coffee-flavored soda, however, did not resonate with consumers.
At that time, coffee in Mexico was traditionally enjoyed with milk as a morning beverage, and the concept of a carbonated coffee soda simply didn’t catch on. Despite this setback, Hill quickly pivoted to more familiar flavors and found success, laying the groundwork for a diverse lineup of popular sodas.
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The story of Jarritos
many flavors of Jarritos soda lined up in a v shape against a white background – Habanero Pixel/Shutterstock
The subsequent launch of Jarritos’ mandarin flavor marked a turning point for the brand, resonating positively with consumers. This success paved the way for additional flavors such as tamarind, lime, and tutti-frutti, also known as fruit punch. Today, Jarritos offers an impressive range of flavors, each reflecting the vibrant culinary heritage of Mexico. Unique options like passion fruit, mango, and guava stand out as highlights of this beloved soda brand.
The design of Jarritos bottles also pays homage to its roots, featuring clear glass that showcases the colorful sodas and a distinctive illustration of three jugs, drawn by Hill himself. The name “Jarritos” translates to “little jugs,” referencing traditional clay vessels used for serving aguas frescas. Ultimately, Hill aimed to share the rich flavors of Mexican beverages with a broader audience through his innovative sodas.
Despite the initial setback with coffee-flavored soda, Jarritos has enjoyed remarkable success and is known as the best grapefruit soda for a paloma. A cold Jarritos soda perfectly complements any Mexican meal. The challenges of creating a coffee-flavored soda are not unique to Jarritos.
Coffee sodas just can’t seem to make it in the market
a can of Coca-Cola Plus Coffee sitting atop a mound of coffee beans – Tetiana Shumbasova/Shutterstock
Numerous companies have attempted to introduce coffee sodas to the market, but few have found lasting success. Smaller brands like Keepers launched brief experiments with coffee-soda combinations, yet even the larger corporations have struggled. Coca-Cola Blak, a cola-coffee hybrid, was discontinued not once, but twice. More recently, Coca-Cola plus Coffee also met its end when it was taken off the market in 2022. Pepsi, Coca-Cola’s primary competitor, similarly found its vintage Pepsi Kona flavor, inspired by Hawaiian coffee, unable to secure a lasting presence beyond test markets. Nevertheless, a rare success in the coffee soda realm exists.
Manhattan Special, an iconic coffee soda, has maintained its foothold since its establishment by Italian immigrants in Brooklyn in 1895. Their product is crafted “the old-fashioned way,” integrating hand-brewed espresso with cane sugar. While it may not boast the recognition of larger brands, it has cultivated a dedicated following in New York and has remained in business for over 130 years, a remarkable feat considering the difficulties other brands face in this niche.
While coffee sodas may struggle to capture the wider soda market’s attention, this may ultimately benefit consumers. Had Jarritos’ inaugural coffee soda succeeded, we might have missed the diverse and colorful flavors available in the brand’s selection today.
Key Takeaways
- The quest to blend coffee and soda has intrigued many for years.
- Jarritos was one of the first brands to attempt a coffee soda in the 1950s.
- Don Francisco Hill founded Jarritos with a vision to celebrate traditional Mexican flavors.
- The brand now offers a wide range of unique soda flavors.
- Many attempts to launch coffee sodas, including those by major brands, have failed.
- Manhattan Special remains a rare success story in the coffee soda market.
- Innovative coffee sodas may not have gained traction, leading to the success of Jarritos’ vibrant flavors.
FAQ
Why did Jarritos initially fail with coffee soda?
At the time, coffee was primarily consumed in the morning with milk, and the idea of a carbonated coffee beverage did not appeal to consumers.
What other flavors does Jarritos offer?
Jarritos features a variety of flavors including tamarind, lime, mango, and passion fruit, which are rooted in Mexican culinary traditions.
Are there any successful coffee sodas on the market?
Yes, Manhattan Special has been successful in selling coffee soda since 1895, using hand-brewed espresso and cane sugar.
What is the significance of the name “Jarritos”?
The name translates to “little jugs,” referring to traditional clay vessels used for serving drinks, symbolizing the brand’s connection to Mexican culture.
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Read the original article on Tasting Table.
