Video games partnering with soda brands to cross-promote is such a natural partnership. It’s a synergy of two things that already tend to be consumed by the same people and often allows for a bump in sales/game play. This summer, Coca-Cola partnered with Riot Games’ massive game League of Legends to release a new limited edition drink under their Creations banner: Coca-Cola Ultimate. Described as being +XP (experience point) flavored, the sixth addition to the Creations line is just as odd and unique as the other offerings.
+XP is often earned in games through tasks/challenges that contribute to you gaining a level, so I was extremely interested to see how they would interpret that concept into a flavor. Its smell was that of a sweet berry that almost gave me the vaguest hint of Pepsi Blue. Don’t worry, to all that hated that drink; the initial aroma was the only thing that reminded me of the divisive blue beverage.
The first sip was overwhelming to my pallet as it didn’t match the berry smell. I should have known better with the Creation line than to assume it would taste how it smelled. Taking my time to savor the soda, I tasted peach on the front with a hint of citrus on the back. The tried and true Coca-Cola flavor isn’t really present. The sweetness you expect from a Coke is absolutely there, but the signature “cola” taste is barely there.
The lack of a strong cola flavor didn’t detract from my overall enjoyment. While I am sure that will turn some off, I genuinely enjoyed that this tasted like a whole new concoction because other Creations varieties drank like “Coke with added flavor.”
When researching the connection between the drink and League of Legends, I was a little bummed to find it wasn’t inspired by anything directly from the game. However, you can access some interesting benefits by scanning the QR code on the bottle or can. It will take you to the Coca-Cola Creations page, where you can access different activities tied to the game. It’s worth noting you don’t have to buy the drink to access these benefits: in-game missions can yield you an exclusive emote, AR lenses can turn your likeness into an LoL emote, and you can add your face into a video to share.
While I cannot speak to whether or not I gained XP drinking Coca-Cola Ultimate, it was an overall enjoyable drink. The connection to League of Legends doesn’t seem as deep as other soda x game collabs have been, but I think it will work in Coke’s favor: LoL fans can enjoy in-game rewards and limited edition soda fans can enjoy a new offering.
Purchased Price: $2.29
Size: 20 fl oz bottle
Purchased at: Target
Rating: 9 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (1 bottle) 240 calories, 0 grams of fat, 0 grams of saturated fat, 0 milligrams of cholesterol, 55 milligrams of sodium, 65 grams of carbohydrates, 0 grams of fiber, 65 grams of sugar, and 0 grams of protein.
I wanted so badly to like this, but I couldn’t get over the banana smell/taste, and I haaaaaaaaate banana ?
Pick have cans of this and have yet to figure if it tasted like anything. Sweet and fruit- like is about all I have picked up so far.
It’s awful…
Can’t figure out the taste, what is it supposed to be?
Peach and citrus huh? That’s the first time I’ve heard those flavor notes for this variety LOL it seems like the overwhelming majority think it tastes like Laffy Taffy banana very fake and candy-like banana. Not at all my cup of tea but of course I will try it in the name of science 😀
I’m a little scared to try it, because of the banana people talked about (I like actual bananas at the perfect point of ripeness, but hate anything banana flavored.), But peach citrus sounds good…
The people saying banana flavored candy (not an actual banana are right). I couldn’t quite pinpoint the flavor when I tried it (I don’t think its peachy citrus like this review says). It was sorta fruity, but I couldn’t quite place it. So when I searched online to see what others were saying, it all clicked into place with the banana candy. It taste a lot like banana laffy taffy or those banana runts candies. Hadn’t had those in ages
I just bought Ultimate Coca-Cola zero sugar, XP Flavoured. I find the taste very odd, to my friend and I it taste banana flavored and it was not a pleasant taste.
So I won’t be purchasing another bottle.
Why mess with something that works.
This is our opinion, so please do not leave any nasty comments.
Thanks.
“pallet”? Did you buy THAT many?
I think you meant “palate”.
Came here to say this. +1, Knox!
Count me as one of those people who was turned off by the taste. It reminded me of an overpowering air fresher. Like you know how you can sometimes taste the things you smell? It was like that.
Total @$$. Definitely has the artificial banana flavor to it.
Took 2 sips and poured the rest out, yuck
I got a strong banana laffy taffy taste out of it. I don’t know if I like it or not…
I love diet coca cola. I hated the ultimate cola. I kept thinking I would just drink it and be done with it (I don’t like wasting money) but it just wasn’t going to happen. I had to dump it before the flavor made me sick. I’ll stick with my diet coca cola. Thanks, but no thanks.
It was awful!! I cold only get through two sips. If you remember the “New Coke”…this is even worse. Don’t waist your money.
I got no peach, citrus, or banana flavor from it. Just a weird taste that I can’t pinpoint at all. I finished it (I’ve had far worse), but definitely not something I’d buy again.
I tasted a slight peach and an even slighter cucumber… actually, that’s exactly what it is. You heard it here first folks.
I just tried it and thought the same thing- it tastes like cucumber water. My wife and I both thought it was gross.
One word for this – BLEH!!!
No worries, I’m sure you still have plenty of Bud Light in the fridge
I thought it was gross and dumped it out. Leave well enough alone and just make regular coke!
Tasted like Vanilla Lemon, which individually would be fine but together are pretty awful. I want my $ back. Please stop tricking people into buying flavor mashups that Coke is too ashamed or embarrassed to identify. Even a ‘cool’ name or edgy artwork can’t save this one.
Disappointing. Tastes sweet but no real flavor. Not knowing anything about it, I saw it in the cooler case and expected it to taste like more intense Coca-Cola (more coke syrup in the recipe). Not even close. What a waste of $2.29. Give people a hint on the label—that would be helpful
I don’t like it.
I generally don’t like the flavoured coke varieties but this one seemed unique and interesting. To me, it was reminiscent of spiced rum and Coke. On balance, I liked it
It’s so nasty. Waste of money and calories. It might explain why it was $2.99 a case at Aldis. Nobody needs banana in their coke
Nasty is the word! Why would Cole even do this?
By the advertising i was expecting something way different…maybe cane sugar, bold taste, etc,……Tasted like ????….flat Coke…Disappointing
Grabbed it by mistake. Thought it was just a special can, and boy was I surprised when I took a drink. If there was ever a generic cola this is what it would taste like…..Nasty
yucky