The Reason Coca-Cola Once Created White Coke

Coca-Cola is a classic soft drink that has been recognized worldwide for over a century by its red and white logo, jade green glass bottles, and dark brown hue (via The Coca-Cola Company). Colors aside, Coke is known for its effervescent mouthfeel and refreshing taste.

Since its creation, the iconic soda has been sold in a variety of flavors, including vanilla, cherry, lime, and most recently, coffee. There have even been a few major flops, including New Coke in 1985, Coca-Cola Blak in 2006, Diet Coke Plus Green Tea in 2009, and Coca-Cola Life in 2017.

With such a wide selection of innovative flavors available, soda drinkers everywhere can sip on their go-to Coke whenever, wherever they please. However, there was one particular flavor that was so unique, it was considered controversial.

Once upon a time, a self-proclaimed Coca-Cola fanatic across the pond convinced the company to create a new variety that became, well ... a bit contentious. This fanatic's name was Georgy Zhukov, and he was the Marshal of the Soviet Union between 1943 and 1957 (via Britannica).

Why was White Coke so controversial?

According to Atlas Obscura, Zhukov was not only the most decorated Russian general officer in history; he was also a massive fan of Coke.

After World War II, General Dwight D. Eisenhower gifted Zhukov the drink in Germany. Zhukov loved it immediately, and he wanted more of it! What was the issue? Why did his love for the soft drink have to be kept such a big secret? To put it simply, Coca-Cola was seen by the USSR — and people all around the world — as a symbol of American patriotism. To drink Coke was to love and honor everything Americana. So, he came up with a clever workaround.

According to Thrillist, Zhukov eagerly contacted President Harry Truman to get his Coke fix. He requested a clear version of the drink so that it resembled vodka, a widely popular spirit in Russia. Truman then got in touch with James Farley, the chairman of the Board of the Coca-Cola Export Corporation. The company successfully satisfied Zhukov's craving. Coke chemists concocted an innovative, one-of-a-kind recipe by removing the caramel color but retaining the classic cola flavor. To further disguise the beverage, it was shipped in straight bottles adorned with the Soviet Union red star.

Behold! White Coke — perhaps the strangest limited edition product the soft drink giant has ever created. And talk about the impeccable timing of this scheme ... Coca-Cola didn't officially arrive in the Soviet Union until 1985. Zhukov had died 11 years prior (via Mental Floss).