Christmas Cola

A while back, I mentioned that I found Vanilla coke to be increasingly more difficult to obtain. Now Coca-Cola has released a new limited edition "Holiday Creamy Vanilla" flavor. Is this taking a "discontinued" item and making it a special event - a McRib situation? Well first off, Vanilla Coke still hasn't officially been discontinued though I continue to not see it around. Secondly, an online review claims this isn't Vanilla Coke re-packaged, it's distinctly different. I am both skeptical and keeping an open mind - I don't detect anything significantly different such that it warrants a new flavor but I acknowledge I could be in the wrong.

What I want to know is: what is Holiday Creamy Vanilla? This is not a thing. Do you remember spending time with friends and family in the Christmas Days of yesteryear, sitting around enjoying some Holiday Vanilla? What are we talking about? My mind goes immediately to Egg Nog but I don't think that's what they intend.

What is the real official soda of Christmastime? Who is the real hero?

While admittedly there is no such thing as a Christmas soda, I have one suggestion: Fentiman's Curiosity Cola. It tastes like Coke mostly - classic cola taste - but it adds a heightened cinnamon flavor that's just right. If you're looking for a soda for Christmas (quite a niche), that's my pick for the Official Soda of Christmas 2025.

You can get it on Amazon (not a sponsor).

Vanilla Coke Discontinued?

 A few weeks ago, I got the inexplicable urge to buy a Vanilla Coke.

I first visited a pharmacy, but it wasn't there. No surprise, this particular location is slowly going out of business. Then I went to another pharmacy, then another, then a Wawa. On this fourth location, I found one. 

Since then I've been curious. I looked for it at a Wegman's then a Weiss, then a 7-11. None available. Not a big deal, I just went back to the Wawa... not there this time.

Though I see no official word anywhere online, I theorize that Vanilla Coke is being discontinued. Everywhere where I might have found it, I see Coke Zero or the NEW Orange Coke, which is pretty good. It's possible that Coke is slowly and quietly phasing it out so as not to create a panic - a run on the bank if you will. 

Or not. But if you're a fan of Vanilla Coke, maybe keep an eye out and stock up. My impression is nobody really likes it much. It came out when I was in college so I suppose maybe I only like it due to some nostalgia.