For many enthusiasts, discovering new ways to add effervescence to coffee has been a long-standing quest. From coffee bar innovations to home experiments, there are multiple methods to enjoy this caffeinated treat, such as transforming iced coffee with a splash of fizzy cola or the emerging trend of coffee tonics. Interestingly, for decades, soda companies have been attempting to bottle this unique blend. While recent products from major brands like Coca-Cola and Pepsi are fresh in our minds, the Mexican soda company Jarritos actually made its debut with a coffee-flavored soda long before these giants ventured into the market.
Jarritos was founded in 1950 by Don Francisco “El Güero” Hill, an inventive spirit with a passion for beverages. In the late 1940s, Hill observed that Mexico’s traditional aguas frescas were facing fierce competition from sodas. Working from his dining room table in Mexico City, with his family as taste testers, Hill crafted his first offering and entered the soda industry. Unfortunately, the initial coffee-flavored product was not well-received.
At that time, coffee in Mexico was typically enjoyed as a morning beverage with milk, and the notion of carbonating it for cold consumption simply didn’t resonate. Hill, however, did not let this setback deter him. He pivoted quickly to flavors more familiar to consumers, eventually discovering the success he was after.
The story of Jarritos
many flavors of Jarritos soda lined up in a v shape against a white background – Habanero Pixel/Shutterstock
The next flavor introduced by Jarritos, mandarin, was more conventional and ultimately achieved success. This success was followed by other popular flavors such as tamarind, lime, and tutti-frutti (commonly recognized as fruit punch). Today, Jarritos boasts a wide variety of flavors, some of which are quite unique and not commonly offered by other soft drink brands. Tamarind remains particularly popular, while distinctive options like passion fruit, mango, and guava reflect the brand’s culinary roots.
Jarritos’ packaging is a nod to its origins, featuring clear glass bottles that beautifully display the vibrant colors of the sodas alongside an illustration of three jugs designed by Hill. The name “Jarritos,” which translates to “little jugs,” pays homage to the traditional clay vessels used for serving aguas frescas. Through his brand, Hill has revitalized traditional Mexican flavors and shared them with consumers globally.
Despite the initial setback with the coffee flavor, Jarritos has experienced remarkable success. The brand is recognized as the best grapefruit soda for a paloma, and a chilled Jarritos soda pairs perfectly with any Mexican dish. The challenge of creating a successful coffee-flavored soda is not exclusive to Jarritos, however.
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 brands have attempted to introduce coffee sodas to the market without much success. On a smaller scale, companies like Keepers once offered a coffee-citrus soda but failed to gain traction. Even major brands have faced challenges; Coca-Cola Blak, an ill-fated cola-coffee hybrid, was discontinued, as was Coca-Cola Plus Coffee in 2022. Pepsi’s foray into this arena, a variety named Pepsi Kona, named after the Hawaiian coffee, never progressed beyond test markets. However, there is one notable success story in the coffee soda realm.
Manhattan Special has established a foothold in the market since its inception by Italian immigrants in Brooklyn in 1895. Crafted “the old-fashioned way” with hand-brewed espresso and cane sugar, it may not match the scale of Coca-Cola or Pepsi, yet it has developed a dedicated following in New York. The brand’s resilience in an industry where larger counterparts struggle speaks volumes about its appeal.
The struggle of coffee soda to capture a wider audience might reflect a blessing in disguise. If Jarritos’ initial coffee offering had succeeded, we might not have enjoyed the diverse, vibrant flavors that fill our glasses today.
Key Takeaways
- Jarritos, a Mexican soda brand, ventured into coffee soda as early as the 1950s.
- Don Francisco “El Güero” Hill started Jarritos, overcoming initial failures to find success with traditional flavors.
- Jarritos features a wide range of unique flavors, showcasing the rich culinary heritage of Mexico.
- Many attempts to create successful coffee sodas have failed, even among major brands.
- Manhattan Special is a long-standing success story in the coffee soda market, having survived since 1895.
FAQ
What is Jarritos?
Jarritos is a Mexican soda brand known for its vibrant flavors, some of which are inspired by traditional Mexican beverages.
When was Jarritos founded?
Jarritos was founded in 1950 by Don Francisco “El Güero” Hill in Mexico.
Why do coffee sodas often fail?
Consumer preferences for coffee typically favor hot beverages, making carbonated coffee less appealing to many.
What is Manhattan Special?
Manhattan Special is a coffee soda that has maintained a loyal following since 1895, known for its hand-brewed espresso and cane sugar formula.
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Read the original article on Tasting Table.
