Captain and Coke

The Captain and Coke is a classic two-ingredient drink, beloved for its simplicity and refreshing taste. It combines the sweet vanilla and spice notes of Captain Morgan rum with the familiar caramel sweetness and effervescence of Coca-Cola. Often garnished with a lime wedge to add a touch of citrus brightness, it's a go-to drink in bars and homes around the world. It is a perfect example of how two simple ingredients can create a perfectly balanced and enjoyable beverage for any casual occasion.
Captain and Coke

Preparation

Preparation time: 2 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Captain and Coke is classified as a highball, a type of cocktail composed of a base spirit and a larger proportion of a non-alcoholic mixer. It falls into the category of simple or two-ingredient drinks, celebrated for their ease of preparation and refreshing nature.

Serving

Serve this cold drink in a tall highball glass filled with ice to maintain its refreshing quality. The alcohol by volume is moderate, making it a sessionable and easy-drinking cocktail.
Serving size
Approximately 250-350 ml / 8-12 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 7-12% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Highball glass
Glass treatment
None

Backstory

While the generic rum and coke (Cuba Libre) has a longer history, the "Captain and Coke" rose to prominence with the massive marketing success of Captain Morgan rum, which was first produced in 1944. The brand's accessible, spiced flavor profile made it an ideal partner for cola, and the name "Captain and Coke" became a ubiquitous bar call. It represents a modern evolution of the classic rum and coke, tailored to a specific, popular spirit that defined the combination for generations.
Origin
There is no specific origin country or single creator for this drink. Its popularity grew organically, particularly in North America and Europe, from the mid-20th century onwards as the Captain Morgan brand became a global phenomenon.

Captain and Coke

The drink is most commonly known as "Captain and Coke," a specific brand call. Alternative names like "Spiced Rum and Coke" are more generic, while "Captain & Cola" is a minor variation in phrasing. The original name is straightforward and globally recognized.
Original name
Captain and Coke
Alternative names
  • Captain Coke
  • Spiced Rum and Coke
  • Captain & Cola

Characteristics overview

This drink has a sweet, spiced flavor profile with a familiar cola aroma, balanced by a refreshing fizziness and a clean aftertaste. Its dark brown appearance and light texture make it an inviting, all-season beverage.
Flavor
Spiced, vanilla, sweet, caramel, refreshing
Aroma
Sweet vanilla, cola, subtle spice, lime zest (if used)
Taste balance
Sweet
Aftertaste
Clean, sweet, lingering spice
Fizziness
Bubbly, effervescent
Color appearance
Dark brown, clear, translucent
Texture
Light, crisp, watery
Seasonality
Refreshing, all-season

Flavor intensity & Experience

A sweet and fizzy drink where the vanilla and spice notes of the rum complement the classic cola flavor, making it highly approachable. The overall flavor is prominent but not overpowering.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

You only need two primary ingredients for this drink: Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum and Coca-Cola. A lime wedge is highly recommended as a garnish to enhance the flavor.
  • Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum50 ml / 1.7 oz
    The key ingredient that gives the drink its name and characteristic spiced vanilla flavor.
  • Coca-Cola150 ml / 5 oz, or to top
    Classic Coca-Cola is preferred for the authentic taste, but other colas can be substituted.
  • Lime wedge1 wedge(optional)
    Adds a hint of citrus acidity to cut through the sweetness. Can be squeezed into the drink before serving.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

No special equipment is needed; the drink is built directly in the highball glass it's served in. A simple stir is all that's required.
  • Highball glass for building and serving the drink.
  • Bar spoon for gently stirring to combine ingredients without losing carbonation (optional).

Instructions

The preparation is simple: build the drink directly in an ice-filled highball glass by adding rum, topping with cola, stirring gently, and adding a garnish.
1. Fill a highball glass to the top with ice cubes.
2. Pour 50 ml (1.7 oz) of Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum over the ice.
3. Top up with Coca-Cola until the glass is almost full (approximately 150 ml / 5 oz).
4. Stir gently and briefly with a bar spoon to combine the rum and cola.
5. Garnish with a fresh lime wedge on the rim of the glass.

Garnishing

A fresh lime wedge is the standard and ideal garnish. It adds a pleasant aroma and allows the drinker to add a squeeze of juice to their liking.
  • Lime wedge, placed on the rim of the glass or dropped into the drink.

Dietary Information

This drink contains caffeine from the cola but is generally free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, nuts, and gluten. It is suitable for both vegan and vegetarian diets.
✓ Contains alcohol
✕ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This is a moderately caloric and sugary drink due to the cola, containing around 170 calories and 19 grams of carbohydrates per serving, almost all of which are sugars.
Calories
Approximately 160-180 kcal / 670-750 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 18-20 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 18-20 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This drink is perfect for informal and relaxed settings. Its simplicity makes it ideal for parties, casual get-togethers with friends, or as an easy-to-make drink at home after a long day.
  • Casual gatherings
  • Parties
  • Bars and pubs
  • Simple home drink
  • BBQs

Pairing suggestions

The sweet and spicy profile of a Captain and Coke pairs well with savory, salty, and fatty foods. It's a classic companion for casual fare like pizza, burgers, and popular party snacks. The carbonation helps cleanse the palate, making it a refreshing choice alongside rich or fried foods.
  • Pizza
  • Burgers and fries
  • Salty snacks like pretzels or chips
  • BBQ wings

The Legendary Captain and Coke: Simplicity Perfected

The Captain and Coke is an incredibly popular and simple highball cocktail that has become a staple in bars and homes worldwide. Its appeal lies in the perfect marriage of Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum's characteristic vanilla and spice notes with the iconic, sweet flavor of Coca-Cola. Served over ice with a lime wedge, it's a refreshing, easy-to-make, and consistently satisfying drink for any casual occasion. It is the quintessential "go-to" drink for those who appreciate a straightforward yet flavorful beverage.

Similar cocktails

Cuba Libre

Traditionally made with a light or gold rum (not specifically spiced) and requires a significant squeeze of lime juice mixed in, not just as a garnish.

Rum and Coke

A generic term that can use any type of rum (light, gold, dark, or spiced). "Captain and Coke" is a specific brand call for spiced rum.

Jack and Coke

Uses Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey instead of rum, creating a different flavor profile with notes of oak, caramel, and charcoal.

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