I’ve been watching people tap away at those futuristic Coke Freestyle machines for years now. They stand there, eyes wide, scrolling through endless combinations, not just choosing a drink, but crafting a personal flavor statement. That’s how I’ve made wine in the past. My idea of what blending various parcels of Grenache and Syrah, with a few lesser-known, but flavor and taste-changing grapes like Mourvedre, Cinsault, Viognier, and yes, Counoise.
But let’s be honest. Not all of these exclusive soda concoctions deserve your cup space.
Since 2009, these touchscreen towers have been promising liquid innovation through their cartridge-based mixing system. Over 100 combinations that you can’t find bottled anywhere. It’s democratized beverage creation. But with great power comes great responsibility.
The question isn’t whether you can mix Sprite with raspberry. It’s whether you should.
That’s why I find The Takeout’s recent ranking of 20 Freestyle exclusives so fascinating. It’s not just a list. Instead, it’s a roadmap through the wilderness of experimental carbonation.
The bottom tier reveals what we’ve suspected all along: some combinations exist simply because technology allows them to. Fanta Fruit Punch delivers a watery disappointment. Various Powerade blends offer nothing but mellow mediocrity. Dave’s Orange Cream Soda somehow manages to miss the mark entirely.
These aren’t failures of imagination – they’re failures of execution.
The middle ground gets more interesting. Aguas Frescas varieties bring unexpected authenticity to the fast food beverage experience. Hi-C Orange Vanilla offers a nostalgic twist that actually works. Seagram’s Ginger Ale with cherry provides a subtle complexity that surprises the palate.
But it’s the top tier where the Freestyle concept truly justifies itself.
Coca-Cola Peach delivers something I didn’t know I wanted: a fruity warmth with hints of cinnamon that transforms the familiar into something new. It’s dessert in a cup without becoming cloying.
Coca-Cola Orange Cream creates a creamsicle experience that pairs perfectly with a vanilla Frosty (a combination I’d be determined to try if I drank soda). The citrus cuts through the sweetness in a way that feels both innovative and familiar.
And then there’s the champion – Barq’s Root Beer Vanilla. This isn’t just a good Freestyle option; it’s a resurrection of old-school draft root beer quality through modern technology. The vanilla smooths out root beer’s natural bite while enhancing its complexity. It’s not innovation for innovation’s sake. It’s an improvement on a classic.
What’s fascinating about these machines isn’t just the technology. It’s how they’ve turned beverage selection into a form of self-expression. Your Freestyle choice says something about you. Are you a traditionalist? An experimenter? Someone who appreciates subtle complexity or craves bold new combinations?
We’ve spent decades accepting pre-packaged flavor decisions from beverage companies. Now we’re taking back control, one touchscreen tap at a time. This approach sort of reminded me of Burger Kings “Have it Your Way” campaign of the ‘80s.
So the next time you find yourself facing that glowing Coke machine interface, skip past the disappointing bottom tier. Aim higher. The true value of Freestyle isn’t in having 100+ options. It’s in finding those few perfect combinations that transform an ordinary drink break into a moment of discovery.
Because in a world of endless choices, curation matters more than ever.