Brown Sprite

Everybody remembers the charm of Crystal Clear Pespi back in 1992.  The nation was going through a clear frenzy, and Pepsi wanted to get on the bandwagon.  The product sold well initially, but then consumers backed away once the novelty wore off.  I mean, if it tastes the same, what's the difference beyond aesthetics?  And if you are can collector like me, you don't even see the drink anyway unless you pour it in a cup.

2014 Wal-Mart Pineapple Soda

A clever humor troupe recently capitalized on this forgotten marketing ploy by releasing a video of a daffy Pepsi executive attempting to market "Brown Sprite." (He's humorously oblivious to the fact Pepsi doesn't even own Sprite.)  He presents a commercial for the product, played cleverly on a VCR, that markets Brown Sprite as a product for the dark and polluted times we live in.

As I watched the commercial, I couldn't help but realize the commercial used the same soundtrack as the original Crystal Clear Pepsi commercial that aired in 1992. It even played off some of the same motifs: a guy soaring through the sky and the message "right now" is the correct time in history for the drink.  I admittedly laughed aloud.  Firstly, because the video was funny, but secondly, because since I am an amateur cultural historian of soda brick-a-brac, I actually picked up that the commercial the executive shows actually parodies the original.  I don't think many people would have caught that.  Then again, not many people blogged about that actual commercial as I did, and not many people collect soda cans.

But I do.

Yes, I do.  And it is the "right time" for you to start as well.

Coca-Cola Wine Glass

I am a soda can collector, so I drink most of my Coke and related sodas out of aluminum cans.  It's strong, cool, and crisp.  I love the crackling pop tab.  However, if you feel the desire to be a bit more classy with your soft drinks, RIEDEL has you covered.

2013 Kmart Lemon Lime

RIEDEL is a wine glass company that was commissioned by Coca-Cola to make the perfect Coca-Cola drinking glass.  I'm not kidding.  Coke tastes best they say, and I am prone to agree, out of the original barrel-shaped glass bottle.  Unfortunately, since that is not always available, this glass is supposedly the next best thing.  You can order one here. Coke has always been classy, but this product provides some tangible tableware for it.

Coca-Cola Life?

There was news back in December that Coca-Cola may be coming out with a new flavor in early 2014.  Supposedly its called Coca-Cola Life and it's already selling well in Argentina and Chile.

Tops Cola 2013

The secret to this new Coke is that it's a blend of real sugar and Stevia, which some folks think is safer than the humdrum aspartame found in Diet Coke.  This slices the calorie count by over half. What does this mean?  First and foremost, it means I need to be on the look out for a new can soon.  Secondly, all credit due, the Bloombergs and Obamas of the world need to realize soda is here to stay.  It's gonna adapt, it's gonna change, but it ain't going anywhere.

Dieter's Ginger-Ale

This past summer I was driving down to a meeting away from home.  On a lark I stopped at Save-A-Lot and picked up a cheap twelve pack of soda just for the can.

Save-A-Lot Brand Ginger-Ale 2013

Yup.  I got ginger-ale, that good old type of soda that even when you are an adult still makes you remember staying home from school sick to watch cartoons on the couch.  Dieter's tasted fine, although a bit watered down and tad spicy, like your brother dumped some oregano in your glass and it melted the ice cubes or something when you weren't looking.  Oh well, at least the can is dapper. I like that red dot...it's like an eco-version of the Japanese flag.

Adirondack Black Cherry Soda

My wife sent me out to get ice cream one evening once the weather warmed up.  Turns out they only took cash but no problem!  I bought some soda and got cash back.  Adirondack Black Cherry Soda.

Adirondack Black Cherry Soda 2013