First, arrive an hour early if you want the limited-edition glass bottle. The truck only brings about 500 per stop, and they vanish faster than a New Year’s resolution. Second, bring a dry erase marker to write a joke on the truck’s photo backdrop; the best ones get shared on their Instagram story.
Third, and this is a gold nugget—look for the “Behind the Red Door” secret tasting room. You have to whisper the password (it’s usually “Polar Bear”) to a staff member wearing a vintage apron. Inside, you get to try Coca-Cola Creations flavors that haven’t been released yet. Last year, it was a rosemary-thyme soda that paired shockingly well with shortbread.
If you’re in a city with multiple stops, like New York City (December 10th at Herald Square), go on a weekday afternoon. The crowds are half the size, the lighting is softer for photos, and you’ll have more room to soak in the atmosphere without being jostled by the frenzy.