Coke’s League of Legends Inspired “Coca-Cola Ultimate” [Our Review]

In 2023, Coca-Cola unveiled the “Coca-Cola Ultimate,” a unique new flavor that saw its inception from a collaboration with Riot Games, the force behind the worldwide phenomenon, League of Legends. 

This unique flavor carries the tagline, “electrifying taste of +XP,” a reference to the game’s experience points, and a pretty well-known gaming term across the board.

Why Limited Edition?
The “limited edition” tag on Coca-Cola Ultimate isn’t just/only a marketing gimmick. It’s a hallmark of the brand’s Coca-Cola Creations program. This initiative by Coca-Cola aims to keep the brand dynamic by rolling out distinct flavors for a limited duration. 

It’s a strategy that not only retains brand loyalists but also invites new consumers to sample a taste that’s off the beaten path so that consumers loyal to the Coca-Cola brand get to try new things without straying from the brand itself.

Coca-Cola Ultimate Ingredients
Looking at what goes into Coca-Cola Ultimate, we find ingredients familiar to the soda world, as well as some that cater to specific dietary needs. The drink contains:

• Carbonated water: A staple in sodas, responsible for that signature fizz.
• High fructose corn syrup: Derived from corn, this is the agent behind the drink’s sweetness.
• Caramel color: Offers Coca-Cola Ultimate its recognizable brown hue, sourced from caramelized sugar.
• Phosphoric acid: Beyond pH balance, this additive lends a tart edge to the flavor.
• Natural flavors: Sourced from organic origins like fruits and spices, these remain Coca-Cola’s trade secret, possibly crafting the drink’s distinct taste.
• Caffeine: A stimulant commonly found in beverages like coffee, it provides that energy kick.

What Does Coca-Cola Ultimate Taste Like?
Feedback from across the web suggests that Coca-Cola Ultimate sports a fruity undertone, most closely matching that of peach and/or citrus. Some have, also said they can taste subtle hints of cherry and cinnamon, comparing the taste to something like Dr Pepper.

While there are a few differing opinions over the flavor, there seems to be consensus over its sweetness, placing its sweetness somewhere between the sweeter Coke options like Coke Vanilla, and the Classic Coke.

How Does It Measure Up Against Other Coke Flavors?
When lined up against the extensive Coca-Cola options on the market, Ultimate carves out its own identity with its distinctive fruity notes. For a clearer picture, here’s a simplified comparison:

Flavor	Characteristic Taste
Coca-Cola Ultimate	Predominantly fruity with traces of peach and citrus
Coca-Cola Classic	A mix of cola, vanilla, and caramel
Coca-Cola Cherry	Cola with a pronounced cherry twist
Coca-Cola Vanilla	Cola complemented by vanilla notes
Coca-Cola Zero Sugar	Cola, vanilla, caramel sans the sugar

What are people saying about Coca-Cola Ultimate?
While the majority of people seem to have taken a liking to Coca-Cola Ultimate, liking its refreshing fruity profile,  it isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, with a few finding its sweetness a tad overwhelming.

Here’s a glimpse of what some of them shared:

• “Coca-Cola Ultimate has a really interesting flavor. It’s kind of like a mix of peach, citrus, and cinnamon. It’s definitely worth trying if you’re a fan of Coca-Cola or unique flavors.“
• “I really enjoyed Coca-Cola Ultimate. It’s a lot sweeter than regular Coca-Cola, but it’s also more refreshing. The flavor is really unique and I can’t quite put my finger on it. It’s kind of like a mix of peach and citrus, with a hint of spice.“
• “I wasn’t a big fan of Coca-Cola Ultimate. It was too sweet and too fizzy for me. The flavor was also a bit strange. I couldn’t quite put my finger on it, but it wasn’t something I enjoyed.“

So, Should You Try Coca-Cola Ultimate?
The final verdict on Coca-Cola Ultimate, as usual, boils down to individual taste. While many people seem to like its fruity, sweet flavor profile, others find it too sugary or bubbly for their liking.

That being said, if you like Coke, why not give this a go? For something that has a relatively low price barrier, we think it’s worth a shot if you ever stumble across it!

Where can you find Coca-Cola Ultimate?
From what we can see, here are the places you’ll have the most luck finding this limited edition soda:

• Grocery Stores: Kroger, Safeway, Albertsons, Publix, Harris Teeter
• Quick Stops: 7-Eleven, Circle K, Wawa, Speedway
• Online: Amazon, Walmart, Target

However, remember, being a limited-time offer, its availability will be fleeting (unless they extend the production). 

This means that invariably the soda will pop up on eBay for eye-watering prices. So if you really want to try Coca-Cola Ultimate, we suggest getting out there and giving it a go before its too late!