May 17, 2017
Peanut butter and jelly, cookies and milk – cinnamon and Pepsi?
The curious new flavor of the cola classic is set to hit store shelves next week, according to a news release from Pepsi. The soda company is calling the new flavor "Pepsi Fire," and it's described as "refreshing cola with a cinnamon-flavored twist."
The drink will be available for purchase starting Monday, though Pepsi's urging customers to "Get It While It's Hot"– the limited-edition flavor will only last until about mid-July.
"Summer is one of the most anticipated times of the year, and Pepsi Fire is going to ignite this season with an unexpected and spicy twist to our classic cola taste," Pepsi marketing director Lauren Cohen said in a statement.
Maybe it's a "don't knock it until you try it" kind of thing, but social media users are already questioning the unusual combination.
Pepsi to try out Cinnamon-Infused “Pepsi Fire. Because who doesn't want a nice, cold hot drink?
— Happy 103.1 (@happy103_1) May 17, 2017
Is #pepsifire a real thing? Pepsi with cinnamon in it? 😷
— Carly✌️ (@carlypaigeklein) May 17, 2017
Cinnamon flavour Pepsi?! Hmm nah I'm good thanks 😷 anyone gonna try this?? Jez pic.twitter.com/efgbEEqpjU
— Capital XTRA (@CapitalXTRA) May 17, 2017
There is a long list of things that never needed to be real. Cinnamon Pepsi is pretty high on that list
— Comic Nate (@MrMindsplosion) May 14, 2017
A Slurpee version of the drink is available at select 7-Eleven stores from now until June.
It's gotten its fair share of mixed reviews, but one thing's clear – those who have already had a taste are comparing Pepsi Fire to Fireball, the cinnamon-flavored whiskey, minus the alcohol.
I just tried @Pepsi Fire. I had a sip. It’s like someone was like “Let’s mix Pepsi & Fireball, but take out the fun of Fireball.” #ifeelsick
— Stephanie Miller (@thegingerpire) May 15, 2017
That new @pepsi cinnamon slurpee at @ 7-11 tastes like fireball.
— cecile↓ (@cecilesites) May 12, 2017
Some, however, seem into the holiday-esque taste.
Pepsi Fire slurpee - Reminds me of Pepsi Holiday Spice...except it has more Cinnamon.
— NJ_ (@NJ_) May 9, 2017
i am ALL ABOUT that cinnamon pepsi slurpee
— succ4satan (@pagthulu) May 13, 2017
Anxious to try it? Philadelphians may have to shell out a bit extra and search a little harder for the new flavor, thanks to the soda tax.
Pepsi responded to the city's tax by pulling 12-packs and 2-liter bottles from shelves in Philadelphia. Pepsi Fire is said to be sold in 20-ounce bottles and 12-ounce cans in 12-pack boxes.
Pepsi also said that it was forced to lay off 80 to 100 workers at a distribution center serving Philadelphia due to slumping sales from the new tax.
