OK, well as long as this thread is "hip" again.
I prefer the darker colas for their depth and mature vigor. When aged in their fine aluminum barrels for weeks, they pick up the inherent earthiness of their respective region. A fine cola must be opened properly and it must breath a bit before drinking. Sometimes it becomes necessary to "burn" the pop for better aeration. Lighting a match and then watching it go out over a fine glass of vintage cola is the main part of the process. As said before the colas are for a more sophisticated palette. To put into barbaric terms, a cola is a sexy young woman in an expensive car, a citrus pop would be akin to a toothless redneck woman in a plastic pedal car.
The citrus pops are not without merit, however, they should only be consumed for the caffeine. One can't watch the glittering playfulness of citrus pops in the presence of a more refined and stoic cola.
The proper container comes into question with fine sodas as well. For a citrus soda, I would recommend a chilled white ceramic mug. For the cola, a clear white glass is the only way to go.
This brings Me to the final point-ice cubes. Depending on the soda's week and clarity ice cubes may subdue the flavor of your costly beverage. Again, ice cubes may compliment the sparkly spittyness of a citrus pop, but the smooth taste of a cola may be diluted via too many cubes.
In a public setting it is quite acceptable to slurp cola, aeration of the palette only makes the refined taste stronger. If the table waiter looks annoyed at your professional slurping, politely spill the drink on his dress then flip him off and leave.
Also, when trying new drinks follow these simple rules.
Slurp for aeration. The drink may gain a more robust flavor.
Color is an indicator of quality. If the color is unnatural the cola may contain traces of cancer causing substance.
Stop what you're doing. Action can cause distress and may affect the taste in a noticable fashion.
We Hope that you will continue drinking one of the most historic and important beverages in the world. It's been with us through wars, love,loss marriage and divorce. It is who we are as humans. One doesn't see chimps brewing cola, nay this wonderful gift is reserved for us and us alone.
