Have you ever wanted a Tropical Coke, Strawberry Dr. Pepper or Grape Sprite? The Coca-Cola Freestyle machine makes this fantasy a possibility.
Customers can purchase a fountain drink at any restaurant or retail shop with a Freestyle machine and explore the different flavor combinations of some of the most well-known beverages.
Looking specifically at the flavor variants of Coke, the Freestyle offers 10 options for fanatics.
The Daily Illini tried each of the variants offered at the Noodles and Company located on Green Street, which excluded the Coke Lemon and Coke Orange.
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- Coke Lime: 3/10
The green hue that Coke Lime takes on should have served as a warning for its flavor. The sour flavor of the lime is completely inappropriate for the base Coke profile. This is one flavor combination that could’ve used less of the original Coke taste with the more prominent lime. However, this was not the case; the result was a beverage that tasted like someone poured their leftover Sprite into a half-drunk Coke.
- Coke Créme Soda: 5/10
Overall, Coke Créme Soda is a very interesting combination of flavors. This beverage did not taste strongly of Coke or créme soda and was just plain confusing. Some sips tasted reminiscent of Coke Cherry, while others left an odd, indescribable aftertaste. This flavor’s creamy combination had lots of promise, especially with the popularity of adding cream to soda with the “dirty soda” trend on social media, but its poor execution led to a flop of a flavor.
- Coke Vanilla: 6/10
With such a high standard set from Cherry Vanilla, Coke Vanilla was nothing short of disappointing. It lacked any unique flavor, proving that the cherry flavor did most of the legwork in earning Cherry Vanilla a higher spot. Despite its lack of original flavor, there was nothing explicitly wrong with the beverage, and it would suffice in a pinch.
- Coke Peach: 6/10
Surprisingly, Coke Peach’s flavor combination was not terrible. When one thinks of flavors that pair well with Coke, peach is most likely not the first thought. However, the two flavors combined fairly well. Interestingly, the result tasted similar to Welch’s Sparkling White Grape Juice. Unfortunately, the artificial peach flavor led to an unpleasant aftertaste following just a few sips.
- Coke Tropical: 6.5/10
Coming out of left field and missing any original Coke flavor, this beverage was very enjoyable. Its neon orange tint created some fear before tasting, but the final product was what one could imagine carbonated fruit punch to taste like. As long as a consumer is not expecting the typical Coke flavor, Tropical does not disappoint in terms of being a refreshing beverage.
- Coke Cherry: 7.5/10
Another cornerstone of the franchise, Coke Cherry, is always there when you need something refreshing and just slightly different than usual. Although the cherry flavor tastes slightly artificial, it blends well with the original Coke flavor to create an elevated bubbling beverage.
- Coke Original Taste: 8/10
The distinct flavor of Coke Original Taste has stood the test of time — almost 138 years — and for good reason. Very few beverages can top the crisp, refreshing taste. The common phrase “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” rings true with this flavor, as it has hardly any faults.
- Coke Cherry Vanilla: 8.5/10
The flavor that takes the cake for the best Coke Freestyle flavor is Coke Cherry Vanilla. The cherry adds a complex tartness to the beverage that gets balanced out by the subtle creamy flavor of vanilla. The two flavors pair perfectly with the original Coke flavor to create an unstoppable flavor combination. Any Freestyle amateurs who are looking to step beyond the comfort of Coke Original Taste should strongly consider Coke Cherry Vanilla as their new go-to.
Within a five-mile radius of Champaign, 21 Coca-Cola Freestyle machines can be located for anyone interested in trying these unique combinations.
