Last week, I visited the locally celebrated Eve restaurant who was serving up some delicious Cuban themed culinary delights as a preview to Eve Aronoff’s anticipated Frita Batido restaurant.
If you’re a “Top Chef” fan, you may remember Eve as one of the earlier contestants.
While at the restaurant, I helped out my boy Antonio “Shades” Agee display his art work (actually I was a lame helper, but help nonetheless.) & I wound up getting addicted to Mexican Coke, thanks to Eve who told me were the local supply could be found.
And so that you know, I’m not talking about the Coke you snort. I’m talking about that delicious dark caramel carbonated beverage that we all love to mix with spiced rum.
For those of you who are not in the know, the difference between Mexican & US Coke versions is that Mexican Coke is sweetener & way more delicious! Mexican Coke is made with pure cane sugar, while US Coke is made with high fructose corn syrup. US Coke bottlers switched to HFCS in 1985 as a cost saving measure because cane sugar was more expensive.
When I got home, later in the evening, I Googled Mexican Coke & was surprised to find so many articles related to it & how it’s something that people actually look for because it’s so much better than the US version.
I really tripped out when I found articles that told of US Coke bottlers trying to stop the import of Mexican Coke. Ultimately, they were unsuccessful.
Mexican Coke basically, can be found in most Mexican markets or other small world markets that cater to immigrant folk like ZZ’s market in Ann Arbor, MI.
If you get the chance to try Mexican Coke, you will taste the difference immediately! It’s so sweet & delicious & surprisingly even good without spiced rum.
As a side note, Suite Suzy noticed that the Kroger grocery store now has Mexican Coke for $1.79 a bottle. Hmmmm, I think I will just get it at ZZ’s when I need it. I like supporting the independent markets vs. corps whenever possible.
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Update:
Today, I got a call to tune into NPR & to listen to a discussion on the article recently published in the New York Times on this interesting debate. It’s so crazy to see that I’m ttally not alone in my love for Mexican Coke. And yes, I’m now one of 11,000+ fans on Facebook.
Los Angelista / October 14, 2009
You know I drink the Mexican Coke ALL the time. It's the bomb! The US needs to back off the HFCS. They just taste gross.
eve / October 14, 2009
Go Olympia J. Snowe AND Mexican Coca Cola! Power to the people:)!
Reel Whore / October 14, 2009
I was down in ATL and tried all the Cokes from around the world, but I missed the Mexican Coke. They probably hide it. I'm looking for a bottle next time I'm out.
Tafari / October 15, 2009
Liz – Sound like one true advantage to being in LA! I hate HFCS! YUCK!!!!
Eve – We are taking back out health care & give us the fucking sugar back while you're at it. LOL!!
Reel Whore – "Cokes from around the world…" Sounds like a sweet beverage overload. LOL!!! Did you notice flavor differences from the different countries?
Tafari
Reel Whore / October 16, 2009
It was more like Coke products. There was this great Inca Kola from Peru which had a sweet pineapple taste, but most of the selections were nasty! Plus after about a dozen or so samples they all blurred together.
Lola Gets / October 17, 2009
Yeah, Imma have to track me down somea that right there. I LOVE extra-sweet cola!
L
Tafari / October 21, 2009
Reel Whore – Blurred together sounds totally gross. I can imagine that over sweet taste as I type. LOL!!!
Lola – Look for a Mexican Mercado boo. Im sure you can track it down in DC.