Mr. Pibb is back. Coca-Cola revives spicy cherry soda after nearly 25 years – Hartford Courant

By Amy Wenk, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

A spicy cherry soda is making a comeback after almost 25 years.

Coca-Cola said Thursday it is bringing back Mr. Pibb, a brand it originally launched in 1972 to compete with Dr Pepper. The soda gained a following for three decades, but it was discontinued in 2001 and rebranded Pibb Xtra.

Now, a reformulated Mr. Pibb returns with 30% more caffeine then Pibb Xtra and new packaging, the Atlanta beverage giant said. Coca-Cola will also offer a zero sugar version.

The sodas are launching in Florida, Chicago, Las Vegas, Michigan and California, with a national rollout planned for 2026. A Coca-Cola spokesperson didn’t immediately respond to a request asking when it would come to Atlanta.

“Consumers have been asking for Mr. Pibb’s bold kick of cher