Last Updated on August 23, 2023 by Barry Gray
I was skeptical when I first heard about this new Coca-Cola hybrid, and I hesitated to try it, but as they say, you never know until you try.
After finally taking the plunge and cracking open a Coca-Cola with coffee, I was pleasantly surprised that it exceeded my initial expectations. All in all, it was quite an exciting experience.
Mixing coke with coffee gives a bit of a caffeine boost while also adding sweetness to the coffee itself. However, it takes time to get the perfect balance between the two drinks, or the result will be a horrific blend.
Coke With Coke Is A Stupendously Good Idea – For Some
We’re discussing a beverage with the bubbly sensation of Coke topped off with the deep roast of coffee beans lingering in the mouth.
It can initially be confusing for the brain, but I got the hang of it after a few hearty sips! The overall taste is Coke, with a hint of coffee as an undertone. It is layered, it’s different, it works.
It’s hard to describe but trust me, once you try it a few different ways, you will start thinking of it as a coffee possibility.
Who knows? Perhaps I Have Created A Great Idea For Your Next Coffee
Coffee and Coke could be your new favorite drink, so just on that score alone, I am willing to give you the details. Not all countries enjoyed the Coffee with Coke hybrid. Some countries like the UK never got to taste it at all.
So it remains a mystery to many.
This unusual combo was released as early as 2018 in Japan and has been enjoyed by over 50 different counties since then. You will only know if you love or hate it if you try it.
The exciting part is that each country has a different profile for its Coke and coffee mixes, strengthening my conviction that culture, food, and people enjoy different tastes.
Make Your Coffee and Coke Mix
If you cannot get hold of a can, then make your own! This way, you can have more control.
Besides, I suppose there was a time when people thought plonking ice cream in coffee was crazy, or even just cream, and look how famous Irish Coffees are. So never say never until you give it a go.
The drink has three flavors: Dark Blend, Vanilla, and Caramel. It is also available in a zero-sugar version.
Although first released in Japan in 2018, it began its marketing profile much later on worldwide. The United States first saw the drink in 2021.
Like anything new and unusual, it became a drink people loved or hated. People that loved it praised its qualities, citing that it was a drink that made you feel both like a child having a fizzy drink, with the sophistication of coffee thrown in for good measure.
Coke And Coffee Slowly Bowed Out of The USA
This sector of people was smaller than those that did not like it, so after a couple of years, Coca-Cola decided to discontinue the Coke and coffee drink in America in 2023.
The verdict is still out on whether other countries will continue receiving coffee and Coke or whether the hybrid will fade out, but remember, for those that loved it, there had to be alternatives, right?
If you have yet to try it, you can give it a go with the few recipes I will provide you with here. Go on, be daring; you never know until you know!
As I always say, experimentation with coffee is part of the fun. Learn your few essential recipes, then play around a little. The coffee mix possibilities are endless.
Experimentation Is Part Of The Fun
There are a few different types of coffees that you could use for a homemade coffee and Coke mix. Espresso, cold brew coffee, and instant coffee would all work well. Espresso is a strong, concentrated coffee that has a rich flavor.
Brazilian coffee, which has a deep and mellow roasted flavor, is used in the original mix, so that could be a good start-off point for your homemade Coke and coffee.
Cold brew coffee is made by steeping coffee grounds in cold water for several hours. The result is a less acidic coffee with a smoother flavor than hot brewed coffee. Instant coffee is a quick and easy way to make coffee.
Balancing The Drink Is Key
No matter what coffee you choose, the key to making a good coffee and Coke mix is to use a balanced amount of each ingredient.
Too much coffee will make the drink bitter, while too much cola will make it too sweet. Experiment until you find a combination that you like.
But to help, here is a recipe for a basic coffee and Coke mix:
Basic Coffee and Coke Mix
Ingredients:
- One shot of espresso or two tablespoons of instant coffee
- Cola of your choice.
- Ice cubes.
- Short study glass.
Instructions:
- Add the espresso or instant coffee to a glass once cooled.
- Top up with your cola of choice.
- Add ice cubes (optional).
- Stir until the coffee is well-mixed.
Add some of your favorite syrup, perhaps hazelnut or vanilla if you want to change the taste a bit. Again, this is part of the fun of experimenting with coffee as you have so many options available.
Coconut Root Beer Coffee and Coke – With Or Without Rum
But to show there’s a whole lot more to this combo, here’s a different recipe that I think most people would have never thought of.
This recipe is a delicious combo with a coconut overtone.
Make your espresso and allow it to cool. With these types of gourmet coffees, attention should also be focused on the coffee glass you serve your coffee in and the garnishes. I use sturdy, tall glass—just a little tip from me, and I prefer to eyeball the glass.
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup of cooled dark roast coffee
- 1/4 cup of root beer Or Dr. Pepper
- Two tablespoons of coconut creamer
- Lime wedge for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Fill a glass with ice cubes.
- Pour in the cola and root beer.
- Add the coconut creamer and stir until it is dissolved.
- Garnish with a lime wedge, if desired.
- Enjoy!
Some Alternative Ingredients You May Want to Mix with Coffee
I feel that this entire concept opens up a door to adding various drinks to coffee and experiencing the different flavors. I know they won’t be for everyone, but we are all different and who knows what you may end up actually enjoying.
- Cola: You can use cola for this drink, but I recommend dark colas like Coke Classic or Dr Pepper. The dark cola will help balance the sweetness of the root beer and coconut creamer. If you feel like it, add a shot of rum, this is particularly good if you are using Dr Pepper.
- Root beer: I recommend using a root beer that is not too sweet, such as Barq’s or A&W. The root beer will add a unique flavor and help cut the cola’s acidity.
- Coconut creamer: Coconut creamer is a dairy-free creamer made with coconut milk. It adds a rich, creamy flavor to the drink and helps to make it more decadent. You can add more if you like the idea of a creamier drink. You can add some to start, then use the creamer as a garnish by dribbling it over the ice cubes.
- Lime wedge: The lime wedge adds a refreshing citrus flavor. It is optional, but I recommend garnishing the drink with it for a more flavorful experience.
Once you get the hang of it, you can mix it up. I’ve used mocha and cola. Again a nice smooth blend iced cold, then a shot of cola. I have used cream on top, like Irish Coffee, with peppermint crisp chocolate as a garnish.
Two Shots of Caffeine and Maybe Too Much Sugar
I mentioned at the outset that it would give you something of an extra caffeine hit, but there are various pros and cons associated with this combo that I think you should know about.
The Pros
- Coffee and Coke are both caffeinated drinks, so that they can give you a caffeine boost.
- The combination of the bitter coffee and the sweet cola can be refreshing and invigorating.
- Coke can help cut coffee’s acidity, making it more palatable to some people.
The Cons
- Coke is high in sugar, so mixing it with coffee can add a lot of calories to your drink.
- Coke is also acidic, so mixing it with coffee can make it even more acidic, irritating the stomach.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to drink coffee and Coke is up to you. If you enjoy the taste and don’t mind the potential health risks, go for it! But drinking coffee or Coke alone is best if you’re looking for a healthier option.
Tips to Make a Better Coffee and Coke Mix
I know this is all a new concept to most people, so here are just a few quick tips that could make the coffee and Coke combo a bit tastier and more enjoyable.
- Use a good quality coffee. The better the coffee, the better the taste of the mix.
- Use a balanced amount of coffee and cola. Too much coffee will make the drink bitter, while too much cola will make it too sweet.
- Add ice cubes to make the drink more refreshing.
- Garnish with a coffee bean or a lime wedge for presentation.
- Experiment with different flavors of coffee and cola to find your favorite combination.
Final Thoughts
Perhaps you loved Coke with coffee, and the drink vanished for you, or maybe you have yet to try it in the first place.
Give these recipes a go and see what you think. It’s always the same adage the more you try, the more inventive you can become; I particularly love iced coffee and cola. The iced coffee allows me to experiment with more flavors and garnishes.
