Pepsi or Coca-Cola goes well with a number of alcoholic beverages, chiefly whiskey, vodka, and rum. There are many famous alcoholic beverages that have Pepsi or Coca-Cola as the main ingredient, with Cuba Libre, Calimocho, and Batanga Tequila cocktails being the most famous of those.
As with everything in life, people tend to search for the most pleasure possible. As such, even those who drink alcohol and might not like the taste of certain liquors can come up with inventive and creative ways to enjoy a responsible night out.
One of the main ingredients that is a surefire way to make any drink tastier is Pepsi or Coca-Cola. The bubbly, vanilla-tasted goodness naturally pairs well with many alcoholic beverages. But what are these beverages exactly? And what cocktails can be made with Pepsi or Coca-Cola?
In this article, we take a look at what alcohol goes well with Pepsi or Coca-Cola and list specific cocktails that any casual drinker will enjoy.
What Alcohol Goes With Pepsi or Coca-Cola?
Pepsi or Coca-Cola goes well with all kinds of alcohol, but the best combinations are made with whiskey, vodka, and rum.
As Cola has a sweet, acidic taste and is carbonated, it naturally pairs well with stronger, distilled liquors which tend to have more of a sting and a strong alcoholic aftertaste.
Although there are many combinations of Pepsi or Coca-Cola and alcohol, the three main ones are the following:
- Whiskey
- Vodka
- Rum
1. Whiskey
As whiskey tends to have a smokey flavor with a slight alcoholic burn going down, it might turn off some people who do not enjoy stronger drinks, even though many enjoy it for these reasons exactly. However, as the taste itself is rather pleasant, the subjectively negative aspects can be negated with the use of Pepsi or Coca-Cola.
With Pepsi or Coca-Cola having a light caramel and vanilla, it is a natural enhancer of whiskey’s strong, malty, and smokey aspects. For an ideal mix, use 1 part of whiskey and 2 parts of Pepsi or Coca-Cola. That way, the Pepsi won’t be so overwhelming that it completely nullifies the alcohol but makes the slight burn pleasant rather than offputting.
Bourbons are best used with Pepsi or Coca-Cola, as those tend to be more mellow than scotches.
2. Vodka
Although it may sound unconventional, many places and people mix vodka with Pepsi or Coca-Cola. Vodka is a strong, almost tasteless drink with a very strong alcoholic bite. As such, Pepsi or Coca-Cola works well with it since it mellows the stinging sensation.
The best way to mix vodka and cola is to use two and a half times as much of the latter than the former. That way, you can still taste what the vodka brings into the equation without suffering its strong bite.
It might be fun to try Pepsi or Coca-Cola with flavored vodka as well, with cherry-flavored ones working especially well with cola.
3. Rum
The classic combo. Rum and cola have been mixed together for ages, as they perfectly complement each other for a flavorful concoction. Rum has a fruity, spicy punch with a slightly waxy aftertaste which is excellent when paired with the vanilla flavor of Pepsi or Coca-Cola.
Those who do not necessarily care much for the aftertaste of rum will especially enjoy this trusty mix. The best practice is to use the magical 1:2 ratio. This way, all the spicy goodness of the rum can be experienced alongside the bubbly, tingly sensation of the cola.
It’s better to use dark rum with this concoction, as the deeper flavor profile of it pairs much nicer with Pepsi or Coca-Cola, creating a mellower experience.
What Are the Best Cocktails With Pepsi or Coca-Cola?
There are quite a few cocktails that are made using Pepsi or Coca-Cola, but the most famous are Cuba Libre, Calimocho, and Batanga Tequila cocktail.
As Pepsi or Coca-Cola is a fairly accessible beverage, plenty of mixologists came up with different combinations to make the perfect cocktails.
The deep vanilla flavor naturally pairs well with many spirits and liquors. However, there are some great classics that just cannot be beaten when it comes to the perfect cola cocktail. Of these classics, the three most famous are:
- Cuba Libre
- Calimocho
- Batang Tequila cocktail
1. Cuba Libre
Cuba Libre is a classic and easy-to-make cocktail requiring four basic ingredients. It needs some kind of cola (in this case, Pepsi), dark rum, lime, and ice. Firstly, make a simple drink out of 1 part dark rum and 2 parts Pepsi or Coca-Cola. Then use half a lime per glass and place it in the cocktail. Finish it with ice and enjoy a refreshing, cooling, spicy, fruity, and zesty beverage!
2. Calimocho
Calimocho is a simple, 1:1 mix of dry red wine and Pepsi or Coca-Cola. As both beverages have a deep flavor profile, they naturally complement each other, but this is further enhanced with lime or lemon. With the citrus, the dark flavors are contrasted with a zesty tang, creating an easily accessible but exciting cocktail for hot summer nights.
3. Batanga Tequila
The Batanga cocktail is a really simple cocktail using only three ingredients. The base is made with tequila and Pepsi or Coca-Cola. Tequila, similarly to vodka, is a really strong spirit that packs a punch. The mellower flavors of Pepsi or Coca-Cola pair with them well. To make it a true Batang cocktail, mix it with something citrusy. Both cola and tequila work well with the acidic and sour taste of lemon or lime, making it a perfect triple-way match.
Conclusion
Pepsi or Coca-Cola are popular non-alcoholic beverages that are used in several ways to create cocktails. As it has a mellow, dark taste with hints of caramel and vanilla, as well as bubbles, it pairs well with strong spirits with tastes or qualities that may discourage casual drinkers from consuming them by themselves.
Although there are many alcoholic beverages that work well with Pepsi or Coca-Cola, the most common are vodka, whiskey, and rum. These and many more combinations are used to create inventive cocktails, but the most famous are the Cuba Libre with rum, the Calimocho with dry red wine, and the Batang cocktail with tequila.
I am a passionate beer connoisseur with a deep appreciation for the art and science of brewing. With years of experience tasting and evaluating various beers, I love to share my opinions and insights with others and I am always eager to engage in lively discussions about my favorite beverage.
