I’ve recently come into the happy ownership of a second case of Jolt Espresso. It’s a fine product, don’t get me wrong. Leaving aside the dubious veracity of its claim to the title of "WORLD’S STRONGEST BEVERAGE" (can it beat up my other colas by the bike rack?), I’m quite fond of it. 120 milligrams of caffeine per can is just enough to get past the years of tolerance I’ve been acquiring since I took early-morning AP Spanish in high school, and coffee-flavored soda is much tastier than it sounds (which I realize isn’t saying much, as it sounds pretty vile - but seriously, it’s good).

I can’t help but notice, though, that the can proudly announces the glorious union of its contents WITH NATURAL CAFFEINE; there’s even a cute little stylized plant icon, so we’re really clear on the NATURAL part. Maybe I’m missing something, here, but would the same people - myself included, mind you - who are willing to drink coffee-flavored cola really be concerned about whether their 120 milligrams are natural or unnatural in origin? I mean, it’s not like there’s anything else natural about this beverage; there’s no precedent to maintain. I would go so far as to say that coffee soda is not only unnatural but unholy, in fact. Would someone who is already willing to ignore all basic human instincts about the blending of flavors in a liquid context then change his or her mind - the can already opened, condensation glistening outside and bubbles bubbling inside - if not assured of the presence of natural caffeine within?

Stranger things have happened, I suppose. Anyway, right on: Jolt Espresso is tolerable at room temperature (when you forget to add more cans to the fridge), delicious chilled (when you don’t), and fits snugly in the side pocket of my bag for easy mid-commute access. The buzz is mild but distinct (perhaps thanks to the natural caffeine) and I’ve finally been convinced that carbonated coffee isn’t inherently evil. Bravo.

Love,
emma