Whiskey and Coke gets a bad reputation in craft cocktail circles, which is just snobbish. It’s a actually a pretty good combination (although I do love a Whiskey Ginger more). The caramel and vanilla notes in bourbon or American whiskey are a natural fit for cola, and the two are great when you want a super easy sip, plus a hit of caffeine in your cocktail.

The version most people make is fine. But with a little attention to ratio and a decent(ish) whiskey, the version you make at home can be even better.

Which whiskey works best?

Bourbon is the classic choice for a whiskey and coke (yes, I know the name is deceiving).

The sweetness and oak in a good bourbon, something like Maker’s Mark, Wild Turkey 101, or Four Roses, complement cola without getting buried.

Tennessee whiskey, like Jack Daniel’s, is the most popular bar choice, though, as it is smooth, slightly sweet, and blends easily.

Avoid heavily peated Scotch, as it clashes with the cola rather than complementing it. Save the peated stuff for sipping neat (or in a smoky whisket sour. Trust me, once you try it you will be so excited).

Which Cola?

Mexican Coke, made with cane sugar instead of high-fructose corn syrup, makes a better whiskey and Coke than the usual stuff we get here in the USA.

The sweetness is less aggressive, and the finish is cleaner. It’s worth tracking down if you can find it at a local Mexican grocery or simply buy it online. Here in California, it’s super easy to find just about anywhere.

Otherwise, Coke is Coke. Pepsi makes a slightly sweeter drink, although I think it has better carbonation. RC Cola is also a big favorite, but I honestly have no idea why.

Whiskey and Coke Ratio

Start with 2 oz whiskey to 4 oz cola, but this standard ratio can run slightly sweet for my taste. I prefer 2 oz whiskey to about 3 to 3.5 oz cola. You get more whiskey character, and the drink feels less like a mixer.

3-Ingredient Upgrade: Citrus Lift

Express an orange peel over the glass before dropping it in. The citrus oils add brightness that cuts through the sweetness of the cola and brings out the fruit notes in the bourbon.

You can also add a dash of Angostura bitters for depth without sweetness. Either addition takes about four extra seconds.

A channeling knife or a fruit peeler makes it easy to get a clean orange peel.

Find more garnish techniques in my cocktail garnishes guide.

Mocktail Version

Cola with a squeeze of orange and a cherry garnish is decent on its own. For something with more depth, muddle a couple of Luxardo cherries at the bottom of the glass before adding cola. The tartness makes the drink more interesting.

Non-alcoholic whiskey also works well here, specifically because the caramel notes in NA whiskey work with cola.

Glassware

Grab a Highball for a longer drink, or a lowball if you’re pouring a shorter, stronger drink. I keep both lowball glasses and highball glasses at home and reach for the lowball when I want to actually taste the whiskey.

Whiskey cocktails to try next:

• Date Cardamom Whiskey Sour
• Apple Cider Bourbon Smash
• Blackberry Maple Bourbon Smash

More 2-Ingredient Bourbon and Whiskey Cocktails:

• Bourbon Cola
• Bourbon & Soda
• Bourbon & Sweet Tea
• Whiskey Apple
• Whiskey Coffee
• Whiskey Coke
• Whiskey Ginger
• Whiskey Lemonade

Whiskey and Coke

Serves 1

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon or Tennessee whiskey
• 4 oz cola
• Orange peel or cherry, for garnish

Instructions

1. Fill a highball or lowball glass with ice.
2. Add whiskey.
3. Top with cola and stir gently.
4. Garnish with an orange peel or cherry.

Citrus Lift (3-Ingredient Version)

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon
• 4 oz cola
• 1 orange peel
• Luxardo cherry, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Fill a glass with ice.
2. Add bourbon.
3. Top with cola and stir gently.
4. Hold the orange peel skin-side down over the glass and bend it to express the oils, then drop it in.
5. Add a cherry if using.