Why was Marshal Georgy Zhukov's Coca-Cola required to be colorless during the post-WWII period?

Answer

To blend in with spirits like vodka and avoid the political stigma of an American capitalist icon

The primary motivation for creating White Coke was geopolitical discretion rooted in Marshal Zhukov's personal preference and his standing within the Soviet elite. Although he enjoyed the taste of Coca-Cola after operating with Allied forces, openly drinking the standard brown bottled beverage carried negative political connotations in Soviet circles. By removing the signature caramel coloring, the liquid became visually indistinguishable from clear spirits, most notably vodka, which Zhukov preferred. This allowed him to consume the beverage without overtly signaling allegiance to American consumer culture, thereby solving a delicate political problem for a high-ranking military commander.

Why was Marshal Georgy Zhukov's Coca-Cola required to be colorless during the post-WWII period?

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