The "Red Box" of Coke Machines Now at Moe's Southwestern Grill

The creative ways you can get a Coke, or soda, just got, well, more creative in the Brevard County Moe's Southwestern Grill Restaurants. You see, it's no longer just the delicious food drawing folks into Moe's these days. The drinks can call to you too. In dozens of flavors.

My wife and I visited the Moe's at Hammock Landing just off of Palm Bay Road on Cinco De Mayo. Sure, I waited through the line to get a Homewrecker burrito, but it was the shiny red Coke machine that I couldn't wait to try out. I have to admit, when I first saw it up close, I was reminded of a front loading washing machine with a TV on top.

106 Flavors? Yup!

A friendly Moe's employee, wearing a badge that read, Lauren, was stationed next to this shiny creation. She patiently explained how to operate the drink dispenser to each patron who approached. And how to get ice (you just push your cup forward by the way).

I later learned that underneath the machine there are around 30 different flavoring cartridges that supply the different flavors to your favorite selection.

How does it work?

Let's say you're in the mood for a Dasani Sensations Flavored Beverage. Pushing the corresponding button on the main menu takes you to a more detailed menu. (See/Click on photo #3 for a good look of this screen). At this point, you can choose the most prominent button for Lemon, or, maybe try something new such as Cherry, Orange, Strawberry, Raspberry, Grape, Lime or Peach. My wife picked the Dasani Sensation Lime. I picked Vault, the classic flavor, but some of the others look enticing too.

What Kinds of Drinks Are There?

From the main menu, there are the following drink categories: Powerade, HiC Flavors, Dasani, Desani Sensations, Vault, PowerAde Zero, Diet Coke, CocaCola, CocaCola Zero, Barq's Root Bear, Diet Barq's, Fanta Zero, Fanta, Caffeine Free Diet Coke, Sprite, Sprite Zero, Pibb Zero, Pibb Xtra, Minute Maid, Minute Maid Light, Seagram's and Water.

Keep in mind, this is just the main menu, additional flavors will be exposed once you choose a main category.

How High Will The Flavor Count Go?

While my wife and I were dining on the outside patio, District Manager, Ed, came by and explained that they're thinking of adding another 30 flavors to the machine -- bringing the total possible flavors to 136. Oh joy!

In the words of a teenage friend, "It's like Netflix for Drink Machines!"

Or, dare I say, a "Red Box" for Coke?

It's going to take a while to try all the flavors, especially with everyone coming up and recommending their favorites.

"You should really try the Red Blitz Vault, Mr. Masters." Said Nathan, another teen friend.

Thank's, Nathan, I'll add it to my list.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Tips on Becoming a Pro with Moe's New Drink Machine:

Here's some helpful tips so you won't feel too intimidated when approaching one of these new Coke machines:

1) Push cup forward, into slot, to dispense ice
2) Leave cup resting on shelf
3) Select main drink category from touch screen
4) Choose any flavor modifications on the next screen (the main drink is usually centered)
5) Press and hold silver "Push" button to dispense refreshment to desired level
6) Enjoy