Since 1985, when the Coca-Cola Company swapped out cane sugar for high-fructose corn syrup in its secret recipe, so-called Mexican Coke, sweetened with cane sugar, has developed something of a cult following among purists for its crisper, cleaner flavor.
Until recently, die-hard fans tracked the soda down wherever they could find it: taquerias and Mexican-food trucks, specialized groceries and kosher delis.
But Mexican-made Coke has begun appearing in mainstream bars and restaurants like New York's Hill Country, where owner Marc Glosserman wanted to re-create the barbecue experiences of his youth, down to the glass bottles of real Coke.
At Atlanta's Holeman & Finch Public House, bartender Greg Best uses it in cocktails like the Perfect Serve, made with Mexican Coke, amaro, and an ice cube made from frozen lime juice. At Manhattan's Tailor restaurant, you can order the Waylon, a bourbon and smoke-infused Coke concoction.
Even big-box retailers such as Costco, Wal-Mart and Sam's Club have started stocking limited quantities of the cane-sugar pop.
Still, the Coca-Cola corporation has yet to introduce a domestic cane-based bottle, claiming that the difference between the two products is imperceptible (we--and many others--disagree).
Pepsi, on the other hand, is getting in on the action with Pepsi Natural, made from sparkling water, sugar caramel and kola-nut extract, and packaged in sleek 12-ounce glass bottles. Is this the start of the next cola war?
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