Mocha Cola

Mocha Cola is a simple yet invigorating beverage that pairs the rich, smooth notes of cold brew coffee with the sweet, bubbly zest of cola. The result is a unique and layered flavor experience, where coffee's bitterness is balanced by cola's caramel sweetness and fizziness. It's an easy-to-make, energizing drink perfect for a warm afternoon pick-me-up that offers a different take on iced coffee.
Mocha Cola

Preparation

Preparation time: 2 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

Mocha Cola is a non-alcoholic coffee drink. It falls into the category of iced coffee beverages and creative coffee mocktails. It's a simple mixed drink that doesn't fit traditional cocktail classifications, celebrated for its simplicity and unique flavor pairing.

Serving

Served cold in a tall Highball or Collins glass over ice, this is a satisfyingly large non-alcoholic beverage. The tall glass showcases the effervescence and dark color of the drink.
Serving size
Approximately 300 ml / 10 oz
Alcohol content
0% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Highball
Glass treatment
None

Backstory

While the exact origin is murky, the concept of mixing coffee and cola has been around for decades, particularly in Germany with drinks like 'Kaffeekola'. In recent years, with the rise of specialty coffee and cold brew culture, artisanal versions have gained popularity in cafes worldwide. It's a modern take on a simple idea, celebrating the surprising harmony between two beloved beverages.
Origin
Modern cafe culture, likely North America and Europe, from the 2010s onwards. The concept itself is older, with German precedents like Fritz-Kola's 'Kaffee-Kola' existing earlier in the 2000s.

Mocha Cola

The drink is most commonly known as Mocha Cola or Coffee Cola. In Germany, a similar commercial product exists called 'Kaffeekola'. The name 'Cold Brew Cola' is also used, emphasizing the specific type of coffee preparation that works best for this simple mix.
Original name
Mocha Cola
Alternative names
  • Coffee Cola
  • Kaffeekola
  • Cold Brew Cola

Characteristics overview

Mocha Cola boasts a unique flavor profile combining the roasted bitterness of coffee with the sweet caramel notes of cola. It has a light, bubbly texture and is best served cold, making it a refreshing choice for any time of year.
Flavor
Coffee, Caramel, Sweet, Slightly bitter, Vanilla notes
Aroma
Roasted coffee, Sweet cola, Caramel
Taste balance
Sweet, Bitter
Aftertaste
Lingering coffee, Sweet, Clean
Fizziness
Bubbly, Effervescent
Color appearance
Dark brown, Translucent, Bubbly
Texture
Light, Crisp, Watery
Seasonality
Refreshing, Summery, All-season

Flavor intensity & Experience

The drink has a moderate sweetness from the soda and a mild bitterness from the coffee, with no alcohol. Its most prominent feature is the high level of carbonation, creating a very fizzy experience.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This simple drink requires only two main ingredients: cold brew coffee concentrate and your favorite cola. A lemon wedge for garnish is optional but recommended for a touch of brightness.
  • Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate60 ml / 2 oz
    A smooth, low-acidity cold brew works best. You can also use a chilled shot of espresso as a substitute.
  • Cola120 ml / 4 oz, or to top
    Classic Coca-Cola or a craft cola can be used depending on preference.
  • Lemon Wedge1(optional)
    Adds a bright citrus note that complements the cola flavors.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

No special equipment is needed, just a tall glass and a bar spoon to gently mix the ingredients without losing carbonation.
  • Bar spoon for gentle stirring

Instructions

Preparation is straightforward: simply pour cold brew over ice in a tall glass, top with cola, give a gentle stir to combine, and garnish with lemon.
1. Fill a Highball or Collins glass with ice cubes.
2. Pour in the cold brew coffee concentrate over the ice.
3. Slowly top the glass with cola to preserve the fizz.
4. Give it a very gentle stir with a bar spoon to combine the liquids.
5. Garnish with a lemon wedge or a lemon twist.

Garnishing

A simple lemon wedge or a twisted lemon peel is the perfect garnish, adding a pleasant citrus aroma and a hint of acidity that cuts through the sweetness.
  • Lemon wedge or twist, placed on the rim or dropped into the drink.

Dietary Information

This drink is naturally dairy-free, egg-free, nut-free, and vegan. However, it contains caffeine from both the coffee and the cola, so it is not caffeine-free.
✕ Contains alcohol
✕ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

The drink is relatively low in calories, with almost all of its carbohydrates and sugar content coming from the cola. It contains negligible fat and protein.
Calories
Approximately 50-60 kcal / 209-251 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 14-16 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 14-16 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This drink is perfect for an afternoon energy boost or as a refreshing beverage on a hot day. Its simple preparation makes it ideal for casual get-togethers, study sessions, or any time you need a quick, revitalizing treat.
  • Afternoon pick-me-up
  • Summer refreshment
  • Casual gathering
  • Study session

Pairing suggestions

Mocha Cola pairs well with both sweet and savory items. Its sweet and bitter profile complements salty snacks, rich chocolate desserts, and even savory fare like burgers or pulled pork sandwiches.
  • Salty snacks like pretzels or chips
  • Chocolate pastries or brownies
  • Burgers or BBQ sandwiches

Mocha Cola: The Effervescent Coffee Refresher

Mocha Cola is a uniquely refreshing non-alcoholic coffee drink that combines the deep flavor of cold brew with the familiar sweetness and fizz of cola. It's incredibly easy to make, requiring just two main ingredients and a moment of your time. This beverage offers a delightful energy boost, making it a perfect alternative to standard iced coffee or soda on a warm afternoon. Its simple yet satisfying character makes it a surprisingly sophisticated and enjoyable concoction.

Similar drinks

Espresso & Tonic

Uses tonic water instead of cola, resulting in a more bitter, quinine-forward, and less sweet drink.

Cold Brew Lemonade

Mixes cold brew with lemonade instead of cola for a tart and sweet combination, similar to an Arnold Palmer.

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