The quest for innovative ways to add carbonation to coffee has captured the attention of many. Both coffee enthusiasts and soda aficionados have explored various methods, from transforming iced coffee with fizzy cola to the rising trend of coffee tonics. However, this fascination is not new; soda brands have been attempting to capture the essence of coffee in a bottle for decades. Long before major players like Coca-Cola and Pepsi joined in, the Mexican soda company Jarritos was already venturing into coffee-flavored beverages.
Jarritos was founded in 1950 by Don Francisco “El Güero” Hill, an inventive soul with a keen interest in beverages. In the late 1940s, Hill observed that Mexico’s traditional aguas frescas were increasingly competing against sodas. With his family as taste testers, Hill began developing his first soda at the dining table in his Mexico City home. However, his initial coffee-flavored experiment failed to resonate with consumers.
During that era in Mexico, coffee was primarily a morning drink enjoyed with milk. The concept of a carbonated coffee soda served cold did not catch on. Fortunately, Hill did not let this setback deter him; he pivoted to more conventional flavors, ultimately finding success in the soda industry.
The story of Jarritos
Jarritos’ second flavor, mandarin, was more conventional and quickly gained popularity. Following its success, the company expanded its offerings to include tamarind, lime, and tutti-frutti—commonly known as fruit punch. Today, the full range of Jarritos flavors showcases many unique varieties not commonly produced by other soda brands. Tamarind remains a favorite, alongside distinctive flavors like passion fruit, mango, and guava, reflecting the diverse culinary heritage behind this beloved beverage.
The packaging of Jarritos continues to reflect its original aesthetic, featuring clear glass bottles that highlight the vibrant colors of the soda and the three jug illustrations designed by Hill himself. The name “Jarritos” translates to “little jugs,” nodding to the clay vessels traditionally used to serve aguas frescas. Through his brand, Hill embraced and showcased the unique flavors of traditional Mexican beverages to a global audience.
Despite the initial setback with coffee flavor, Jarritos has enjoyed tremendous success. It is widely considered the best grapefruit soda for a paloma, and its cold, authentic flavors complement any Mexican meal perfectly. The challenge of creating a successful coffee-flavored soda is not unique to Jarritos.
Coffee sodas just can’t seem to make it in the market
Many companies have attempted to introduce coffee sodas, but most have not succeeded. Smaller companies like Keepers, which briefly offered a citrus and coffee soda, faced the same challenges. Even industry giants have struggled; Coca-Cola’s coffee soda, Coca-Cola Blak, was discontinued after two attempts, with a third attempt, Coca-Cola plus Coffee, ceasing production in 2022. Similarly, Pepsi’s coffee-flavored variant, Pepsi Kona, was never launched beyond initial testing.
There is, however, a notable exception: Manhattan Special. Founded by Italian immigrants in Brooklyn in 1895, this coffee soda is made using hand-brewed espresso and cane sugar, crafted “the old-fashioned way.” Though it does not boast the same level of recognition or distribution as Coca-Cola, this brand has maintained a devoted following in New York, excelling for over 130 years—an impressive feat for a niche market.
Coffee sodas may not dominate the broader soft drink market, but perhaps this is a blessing. Had that initial Jarritos coffee flavor achieved success, the vibrant array of fruity options we cherish today might never have materialized.
Key Takeaways
- Jarritos launched coffee-flavored soda in 1950 but it failed to gain traction.
- Don Francisco “El Güero” Hill shifted to more familiar flavors, leading to the brand’s success.
- The name “Jarritos” means “little jugs,” celebrating traditional Mexican beverages.
- Despite attempts by many companies, coffee soda remains a challenging market.
- Manhattan Special is a notable success story in the coffee soda category.
- The failure of coffee sodas has allowed innovative flavors to flourish in the market.
FAQ
What is the history of Jarritos?
Jarritos was founded in 1950 by Don Francisco “El Güero” Hill, who initially attempted to create coffee soda before shifting to flavors that gained popularity.
Why did coffee sodas struggle in the market?
Consumers have traditionally viewed coffee as a morning beverage consumed with milk, making the idea of a carbonated version less appealing.
What is Manhattan Special?
Manhattan Special is a longstanding coffee soda brand founded in 1895, known for its hand-brewed espresso and cane sugar formulation.
What are some popular flavors of Jarritos?
Popular flavors include tamarind, lime, passion fruit, mango, and guava, showcasing the brand’s Mexican heritage.
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Read the original article on Tasting Table.
