Pepsi to launch 'Cocoa' Cola next winter
Over the years, we've seen plenty of special cola flavors released into the market, including cherry, vanilla and coffee. But no other drink brings the image of Christmas to mind like a steaming cup of hot chocolate with marshmallows.
PepsiCo is set to release a new limited edition "Cocoa" Cola flavor in early 2021, combining a wintery mix of hot chocolate and cola.
The beverage brand shared the intriguing product idea up in a Tweet posted Thursday (Dec. 17) with the caption: "What’s sweeter than saying “bye” to the worst year ever? Pepsi “Cocoa” Cola - the latest concept from the Pepsi Test Kitchen. Want to try and get your hands on it? 2,021 RTs and we’ll make a batch.
#PepsiCocoaCola"
What’s sweeter than saying “bye” to the worst year ever? Pepsi “Cocoa” Cola - the latest concept from the Pepsi Test Kitchen.
Want to try and get your hands on it? 2,021 RTs and we’ll make a batch.#PepsiCocoaCola pic.twitter.com/WbZeGDGxVM— Pepsi (@pepsi) December 17, 2020
After exceeding the number of likes and retweets, Pepsi followed up the post the next day: "Well, it looks like you’re all pretty thirsty for some Pepsi “Cocoa” Cola. Stay tuned for details coming in 2021!"
“There is nothing more classic than hot cocoa on a winter day, but this year has been anything but typical” said Todd Kaplan, Vice President of Marketing at Pepsi, in a statement. “So why not bring together the delicious taste of a Pepsi with the delicious, wintery taste of chocolate and marshmallow and bring some unexpected joy to our fans this season? We are confident we nailed Pepsi ‘Cocoa’ Cola and can’t wait to get this in the hands of cola fans this winter.”
While traditionally “hot chocolate” is not served ice cold in a can, the flavor sounds interesting enough to try if you ever chance upon it on store shelves. With people spending more time at home, everyone's keen to try something new, and cocoa is a drink everyone naturally loves.
As reported by Nerdist, the limited edition flavor is the latest seasonal small batch release from the Pepsi Test Kitchen.
Earlier this year the company gave away bottles of Pepsi Apple Pie, inspired by the classic Thanksgiving dessert. The cola was described by the company as having “warm notes of cinnamon, the taste of a buttery crust, and the crispness of a fresh apple.”
☑️ Burnt crusts
— Pepsi (@pepsi) November 17, 2020
☑️ Too much salt
☑️ Undercooked creations
Share a pic of your baking fails with #PepsiApplePieChallenge to get Pepsi Apple Pie.
With hints of warm cinnamon, buttery crust, and fresh apple, it’s the best pie you’ll never have to bake ?. pic.twitter.com/gcPD7I0a1x
We may not have winter here in the Philippines, but we're hoping those limited edition flavors will eventually make their way to our shores, too.
(Images via Pepsi)