It’s not sinful to mix whisky and Coke, despite what many purists might have you believe.
Why Mix Coke With Whiskey?
Whisky and Coke may be a basic cocktail, but the winning flavor combination has made it a worldwide phenomenon. It’s one of the simplest mixes to create, and when done right, it’s a refreshing concoction that tastes wonderful. The powerful and spicy flavors of most whiskies and their alcohol are masked or diluted by the flavor of the cola.
As a result, even someone who has never tried whisky before will have an easier time getting their drink on.
However, depending on the whisky, the cola’s properties can either overpower or balance out the whiskey’s. Rye whisky, on the other hand, is spicier, while wheat whiskies like bourbons are slightly sweeter.
Whisky with Coke: Is That ‘Okay’?
The short version of the answer is yes. The combination of whisky and Coke is quite acceptable. When it comes down to it, you can do whatever you want with your whisky because it’s yours. But it doesn’t imply there won’t be pushback if you go ahead with it.
It’s common knowledge that real whisky experts and connoisseurs despise diluting their spirit with anything sweeter than ice and water. Some have even gone so far as to call it sacrilege. Mixing whiskies with something like Coke utterly eliminates the subtleties of the flavors that were painstakingly integrated into the whisky or bourbon.
How to Pick the Perfect Blend
There are no concrete guidelines for choosing a whisky to blend with Coke. However, there are many moving parts involved. However, the best whisky is the kind you want to drink.
That holds whether one consumes it neat or diluted in a drink. In the same way, there is no ‘wrong’ method to drink whisky, there is also no ‘wrong’ whisky to mix with Coke. We just think that certain whiskies or bourbons are better suited for this purpose than others.
The finest whisky to mix with Coke is a matter of personal opinion, but this article should serve as a starting point. It’s safe to say that some trial and error would be required, as the characteristics of each whisky make a case for mixing them with Coke.
Let’s Get More Into Coca-Cola
Coca-Cola, or Coke, has been the most consumed soft drink worldwide for many years. It’s delicious, cool, and accessible to almost any place. Its sweetness complements the flavor of most whiskies, making it a popular choice. However, in this context, “Coke” can refer to any carbonated cola beverage. This means that any cola will suffice; you’re not limited to just Coca-Cola in making the popular cocktail. Keep in mind that the overall flavor will change if you choose a different cola brand or variety.
Is there a recommended serving size for cola? What you prefer in a whisky depends as much on your taste as it does on the specific whisky in question. As a rule of thumb, when mixing whisky with Coke, a higher percentage of the latter should be used relative to the former (the base spirit).
One shot of whisky can be mixed with two, three, or even four sips of Coke. We have even seen a one-to-one ratio in some circumstances. There are no hard and fast guidelines; rather, the user is encouraged to experiment.
Whisky and Coke is The Perfect Mix
Once you’ve decided on your preferred whisky, cola, and ratio, preparing a whisky and Coke drink is insanely easy. If you’re making a whisky and cola, pour the cola into a highball or Collins glass filled with ice first. You can add some zing to your drink by adding a piece of lemon or lime if you want.
So to start, we all know that without Jack Daniels, this isn’t a comprehensive list. There’s a reason “Jack and Coke” is shorthand for any whisky or bourbon paired with any cola: it’s a timeless combination.
When combined with Coke, the well-known bourbon creates a drink that is both refreshing and delicious. Even if you’ve never had whisky before, you’ll probably appreciate this because the often dominant whisky flavor has been significantly mellowed.
Jack Daniels
Jack Daniels is known for its vanilla undertone and subtle smokiness, all of which complement the syrupy sweetness of the soda. It reduces the effort required to consume the beverage without reducing the alcoholic content. The finished product is a smooth, sweet drink that is nonetheless indisputably reminiscent of whisky, making it an excellent choice for both newcomers and whisky veterans.
Wild Turkey
The strong and spicy flavours of Wild Turkey Kentucky Straight Bourbon complement the sweetness of Coke well. Wild Turkey solely employs non-GMO, American-grown grains and Kentucky limestone-filtered water in its distillation process.
When mixed with Coke, its already pleasant caramel and cinnamon aromas become much more noticeable. The mixture produces a drink that is a pleasure to the taste buds thanks to its robust flavor profile.
Crown Royal
It is one of just two non-bourbon whiskies on our list and is well-praised for its silky texture and lingering aftertaste. Smoky and oaky flavors from the white oak barrels used in the aging process contribute to the whisky’s superb taste, which is difficult to find in other whiskies.
The sweet and creamy taste of maple syrup, when combined with Coke, makes for a delicious dessert-like delight. The flavors of caramel, sugar, vanilla, and oak are harmonious together in this blend. I think you should give it a shot.
Jim Beam
Jim Beam is another popular brand for whisky and Coke enthusiasts to choose from. The bourbon has a reputation for being reliable in terms of providing a high-quality spirit at an affordable price.
This bourbon goes great with cola because of its sweet and slightly sour undertones. At such a low price, it is undeniably one of the finest and most traditional whiskies available for blending with Coke.
Maker’s Mark
The Kentucky-made Maker’s Mark is another bourbon that complements Coke well. Because of the distillery’s signature Wheated Mash Bill, the cherry flavors in the whisky emerge beautifully when mixed with Coke.
Because of its lower proof, this bourbon pairs well with Coke because it doesn’t require as much of the mixer to mask the bourbon’s pronounced alcohol flavor. Sugary carbonation from the soda complements the whiskey’s oak, hazelnut, rye, and barley malt flavors.
Johnnie Walker Red Label
Johnnie Walker is a well-known brand of Scotch whisky, and it is especially well-known for its many different whiskies, each of which has its own distinctive color “label,” as well as its own set of characteristics and flavor profile. Other than bourbon, the best-selling whisky has been Johnnie Walker Red Label since 1945. Reasonably so! Its low cost and adaptability have made it a popular choice for use in mixed drinks, particularly cocktails.
But no corners were cut in bringing us this world-famous whisky. Red Label still packs a punch with its flavorful mix of smokey malts, spicy accents, and lighter grains, and it mixes splendidly with Coke. While many of the whiskies on our list would be fine in a Coke cocktail, we couldn’t bring ourselves to go from the tried-and-true combination of Jack and Coke. Old No. 7 is delicious, simple to drink, and well-known enough that it may be ordered in any bar in the globe without (much) judgment from the connoisseurs there.
The Coca-Cola firm and Brown-Forman, the parent firm of Jack Daniels, have collaborated to produce a ready-to-drink version of Coke that contains Jack Daniels. Ready-to-drink Jack Daniels previously just had “cola” in its mix, thus this is the first time “Coca-Cola” will be included.
Finding the perfect whiskey to blend with Coke boils down to individual preference, factoring in the distinct notes and complexity each whiskey brings to the table. While purists might scorn the idea, the partnership of whiskey and Coke has garnered a vast following globally, with the classic “Jack and Coke” steering the helm.