Whiskey And Coke

By Steve Kilcullen Jump to Recipe

After a long day of working hard, there’s nothing finer in this world than an ice-cold Whiskey and Coke.

The United States Bureau of Chemistry doesn’t sound like it’d be hip, but that’s where today’s cocktail first appeared in print. Way back in 1907, a worker at the Bureau was traveling through the South. They happened upon a drink that was described as a “Coca-Cola Highball”, and featured bourbon as the base spirit. This would have been around the time that the soft drink began to surge in popularity since its invention in the late 1800s. While the identity of the individual who had the genius idea to mix bourbon with cola may be lost to the mists of time, the forward-thinking employee at the Bureau of Chemistry (later to become the Bureau of Chemistry and Soils in 1927) at least knew a good thing when they saw one.

Anyone who’s ever been anywhere that exists will have come across some variation of this classic concoction. Most famously, the Jack & Coke has been the most popular, and iconic version. Jack Daniel’s whiskey and Coke, mixed together over ice is a monument in the mixed drinks world. It’s simple and satisfying. For years it was my go-to cocktail, for a few reasons. First, it tasted great. And second, the rock ‘n’ roll pedigree this mixture has is second to none. Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones, Lemmy from Motörhead… I mean, those two cats alone convinced me that if a Jack & Coke is good enough for them, it’s good enough for me.

What’s cool about our recipe is that it’s not limited to any particular brand of this specific spirit. Your perfect Whiskey and Coke is going to be different from one that your friend might make. Which means an almost infinite number of delicious drams are waiting to be discovered.

What Is The Best Whiskey To Use In A Whiskey and Coke?

If you have a favorite whiskey, that’s what you’ll want to mix this cocktail up with. If you’re looking for something you haven’t tried, or just want a friendly suggestion, you’ve come to the right place. There are a few whiskies I’m fond of, outside of the reliable stalwart Jack Daniel’s. High West is fantastic, as is Bulleit. Both of their rye whiskies are smooth, strong and have a nice spicy finish. Paired with a fizzy and refreshing dark cola, the flavors that are brought forward are mouthwatering. Irish whiskies tend to be buttery, and will have a much creamier texture when mixed with a soft drink, so I usually stick with rye.

WHAT GLASSWARE AND GARNISH IS USED?

Fill a highball or collins glass with ice. Once your Whiskey and Coke is stirred up, garnish with a lime wedge and pop a few straws in to sip from.

WHAT IS THE BEST SODA TO USE IN THE WHISKEY AND COKE?

Like the drink’s name suggests, a dark cola, like Coke, is a great choice. My personal favorite is Distillers Cola from Fever-Tree, which is specifically designed and crafted to be used with spirits such as whiskey, bourbon and dark rum.

Similar Drinks To The Whiskey and Coke

After the week you’ve had, a few cocktails are in order. But you don’t feel like shaking or even stirring anything up. No, you require a tipple that’s so simple and fast to put together you don’t even have to think about it. The Whiskey and Coke grabbed your attention, but you’re also looking around for other beverages that can offer the same experience. Check these recipes out from Twist & Toast, and give them a shot this weekend.

• Vodka and Coke – If you’ve never tried this combination before, tonight is the perfect time.
• Rum and Coke – Here’s another famously simple concoction you can enjoy by the pool or after a nice meal.
• Tequila and Sprite – The spicy Southwestern kick of tequila teams up with the citrusy bubbles in Sprite.
• 7 and 7 – Seagram’s 7 and 7-Up is all you need for this classic cocktail.