Cook County soda drinkers are about to swallow the reality of a penny-per-ounce soda tax, taking effect Wednesday. A lawsuit challenging the tax as unconstitutional was dismissed yesterday.

The tax applies to sugar and artificially-sweetened drinks.

Some quick math:

• A Super Big Gulp will cost 40 cents more
• A 2-liter bottle of soda will cost 68 cents more
• A case of 12-ounce cans will cost $2.88 more

Barista-poured lots-of-syrup-achinos are exempt.