Topo Chico, mineral water sourced from Monterrey, Mexico, has been around since 1895 and his since become a hipster darling, first among Austinites, then nationally, helped in part by the 2017 acquisition of the company by beverage behemoth Coca-Cola. Topo Chico has always had a strong presence in the Lone Star state, but with the rise in popularity of sparkling water combined with the resources of its new overlord has catapulted the brand in markets outside the Southwestern US and Mexico.
Hard seltzer, another hipster phenomenon that still seems to have some momentum, inspired Coca-Cola’s latest extension of Topo Chico’s brand, with the Atlanta firm announcing it will soon debut an alcoholic beverage using the Mexican mineral water as its base.
Coca-Cola has so far provided scant details about the new product, other than to say it will launch later in 2020 in select Latin American markets, with more information to follow. It did tease an image of the new can, a slim, silver-hued affair, with two yellow bands along the middle and Topo Chico’s wordmark and logo. The packaging is labeled “Tangy Lemon Lime,” hinting at a possible range of flavors. The alcohol strength is also unknown, though it would be reasonable to guess that the ABV percentage will be on the lighter side, in line with the bevy of hard seltzers already on the market.
Will this cause an existential crisis among thirsty hipsters looking to catch a buzz while chilling with their bros and listening to mumble rap? Likely, we will have to wait until later this year to see where those allegiances ultimately lie.
