Pepsi vs Coke
Pepsi saw Coca-Cola partnering up with Bacardi and brought Captain Morgan to the rum and cola party!
Last month Coca-Cola announced their new partnership with Bacardi which will bring their rum and Coke around the world in cans starting with Mexico and select European markets in early 2025 before expanding to other countries/markets.
And now we have Pepsi Max x Captain Morgan that is debuting this month in the UK in a brand new partnership. This one doesn't have any specifics on when it will expand beyond the UK, but it would seem like Europe is where a lot of these products launch before expanding elsewhere.
These products are of course 21+ and not for the kids, of course!
Would you grab either of these in stores if they came here? We definitely think the can design of the Pepsi x Captain Morgan is extremely well done!
Okay, so I'm absolutely buzzing about the latest news in the beverage world – these ready-to-drink (RTD) collaborations are a game-changer! It's like the cola wars just got a whole lot more interesting, and definitely for the 21+ crowd. We've got Pepsi Max teaming up with Captain Morgan Spiced Gold, and then Coca-Cola joining forces with Bacardi. As someone who enjoys a good rum and cola, I'm already envisioning which one will become my new go-to. First up, let's talk about the Pepsi Max x Captain Morgan Spiced Gold. Knowing Captain Morgan, I’m expecting a really flavorful, spiced rum kick. Paired with Pepsi Max, which is already known for its bold, sugar-free taste, I imagine a blend that’s surprisingly refreshing yet robust. The image showed these in sleek silver and black cans, which honestly just adds to the cool factor! With a 5% ALC vol, it sounds like a perfect easy-drinking option for a casual get-together or a night in. I love that it’s got that signature spiced rum warmth, but now in a super convenient format. Then there’s the classic combination: Coca-Cola x Bacardi. This feels like an homage to the original rum and Coke, but in a ready-to-enjoy can. Bacardi rum is known for its smooth, light character, so I'm anticipating a crisp and familiar taste that many of us already love. The classic red and white can design just screams iconic. At 5.9% ALC vol, it offers a slightly higher kick than its Pepsi counterpart, making it an interesting choice for those who prefer a little more spirit in their mix. It’s definitely bringing that timeless 'Cuba Libre' vibe right to your hand. Now, for the big question: which one to try first? It really comes down to personal preference. If you're into a bolder, spicier profile with a sugar-free cola, then the Pepsi Max Captain Morgan might be your winner. But if you lean towards a smoother, more traditional rum and cola taste, the Coca-Cola Bacardi is probably the way to go. I'm honestly planning to try both! It's an exciting time when these brands innovate, especially with these 'Coming Soon in Select Markets' announcements – I heard UK, Mexico, and some European markets are first in line, and I'm eagerly waiting for them to expand. Beyond these exciting RTDs, it also got me thinking about homemade mixes. For those who want to experiment or can't wait for the canned versions, what liquor goes with Pepsi best? While Captain Morgan is a fantastic choice, I've also found that certain whiskeys or even a dark spiced rum can pair really well with Pepsi Max for a slightly different flavor profile. And for the traditionalists, mixing Captain Morgan with Coke or even Diet Coke (for a 'Captain and Diet Coke' drink) at home is always a solid choice. Sometimes, I even mix Coke and Pepsi together for a unique base for other spirits. The possibilities are endless when you get creative with your favorite cola and liquor combinations. I’m just thrilled that these new official collaborations are making it even easier to enjoy these classic drinks!