Step aside, rum and Coke. There’s a new contender in town, and its name is Pepsi. The soft drink giant is on a mission to revolutionize the world of cocktails by showcasing their superior taste when paired with the popular spirit.

As we all know, there seems to be a designated day or month for just about everything these days. And guess what? August is Rum Month, and companies far and wide are pulling out all the stops to revel in the celebration. Pepsi, being ever the innovator, has decided to throw their hat into the ring and initiate a debate as old as the drink itself: Coke or Pepsi?

Under the hashtag #BetterwithPepsi, this campaign aims to challenge the preconceived notion that rum and Coke are an unbeatable duo. Pepsi wants us to rethink our drink choices and consider the delicious possibilities that arise when rum meets the refreshing taste of Pepsi. And they’re not stopping there.

In a brilliant stroke of marketing genius, Pepsi has even worked their way into renowned rum company Captain Morgan’s own bottle. With a subtle yet undeniable secret Pepsi logo hidden within its design, it’s almost as if Captain Morgan has been covertly hinting at this impeccable pairing all along.

But this campaign isn’t all about gimmicky branding. Pepsi has the numbers to back up their claims. In a recent consumer preference survey, a staggering 56 percent of participants expressed a strong preference for mixing Pepsi with their spiced rum over Coke. And the research delved even deeper by consulting flavor experts.

According to Chef Kyle Shadix, PepsiCo’s corporate executive research chef for global beverages, rum has warm, sweet flavors reminiscent of caramel and vanilla, thanks to the aging process in oak barrels. Pepsi, on the other hand, brings crisp, sweet, and citrusy notes to the table, perfectly complementing the warm spice notes of rum, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This harmonious blend creates a smooth and well-rounded taste profile, perfect for savoring during those hot summer months.

But let’s face it, the ultimate verdict lies in the hands of the consumers themselves. To settle the debate once and for all, Pepsi proposes a blind taste test. Because, really, what better way to determine the true champion than through the unbiased judgment of our taste buds?

So, whether you’re a long-time rum and Coke devotee or a curious newcomer to the world of mixed drinks, why not step out of your comfort zone this Rum Month and give rum and Pepsi a try? You might just discover your new favorite summer cocktail. Cheers!