The Simple Way To Turn Cola Into the Perfect Fancy Summer Drink ...Saudi Arabia

If you're a fan of both cocktails and cola, chances are, you've enjoyed a rum and coke at some point this summer. And while there's nothing wrong with a classic rum and coke, it's admittedly not the fanciest cocktail at the bar.

That said, there are a few ways to take cola-based cocktails to the next level this summer, according to Ayisha Mares (they/them), Distiller at Vara Winery & Distillery in Albuquerque. Parade asked Mares if there was a simple way to turn cola into a fancy summer drink, and they had the perfect suggestion: a "dirty" rum and cola.

"A good cola cocktail is all about balance. Cola already brings sweetness, bubbles and a lot of flavor, so I like adding ingredients that build on what is already there rather than hiding it," Mares tells Parade. "I think about cocktails the same way I think about creating spirits; aroma, texture, balance and the finish. When all of those pieces come together, even something simple like cola can become a really fun and thoughtful cocktail."

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And in general, using cola as the base for a summer cocktail comes down to one thing: balance.

"The reason we love cola in the first place is that it is sweet, refreshing, perfectly spiced, and carries enough acidity to keep you wanting another sip," Cody Fredrickson, the Tasting Room Manager and Brand Mixologist at Las Vegas Distillery, tells Parade. "The goal is to play off that built in balance rather than override it, so whatever you add should complement the cola instead of burying it."

Below, Mares shares their full recipe for a Dirty Rum & Cola, and both Mares and Fredrickson share a few other ways you can turn cola into a fancy summer drink.

Related: 20 Boozy Summer Cocktails That Work for Memorial Day Through Labor Day

To make this Dirty Rum & Cola, Mares recommends opting for a sugar-free soda.

"I personally love using a sugar-free cola because it lets the flavors from the rum, coconut and lime stand out while still bringing those classic cola notes in," they explain. "It’s simple, refreshing, and turns an everyday drink into something that feels fun."

Here are all of the ingredients you need for your dirty rum and coke:

1.5 oz aged rum4 oz sugar-free cola¾ oz coconut cream½ oz fresh lime juice2 Dashes aromatic bitters (optional)Lime wheel for garnishIce

How to Make a Dirty Rum & Cola

Once you have all your ingredients, cocktail shaker and glass at the ready, here's how to make a Dirty Rum & Cola, according to Mares:

"I love this cocktail because it takes something familiar and makes it feel more elevated while still keeping it simple," Mares explains.

"As a distiller, I’m always thinking about how flavors build off each other, and cola actually has a lot to work with," they continue. "The caramel, vanilla and spice notes pair really well with aged rum, while the fresh lime keeps the drink bright and refreshing. The coconut float adds a creamy texture and tropical element, plus it creates a fun layered look before you stir everything together."

Related: The 5 Different Types of Tequila Explained, From Blanco to Joven Rosa

When it comes to elevating a glass of coke, Mares and Fredrickson have endless ideas — here are five more ways to take your cola to the next level this summer.

To make a Tequila Batanga, just combine tequila, cola and fresh lime juice into a glass with a salted rim. Mares says this makes "a simple but flavorful cocktail" and is a "great example of how a few ingredients can completely transform a drink."

Related: The Mexican Way to Make Coca-Cola 10x Better

2. Rum and Cola With Orange Cinnamon Syrup

According to Fredrickson, the simplest way to make an elevated drink with cola is to add some homemade orange cinnamonsyrup, as this accentuates the vanilla, cinnamon and citrus notes that are already present in cola.

To make the syrup, combine 1 cup granulated sugar with 1 cup water on a stovetop until the sugar dissolves. Then, add orange peel and 2 cinnamon sticks and simmer for five minutes. Let the syrup sit for at least 20 minutes before straining, and then add it to a rum and coke over ice!

"The result is far more citrus forward and refreshing than a standard rum and cola," Fredrickson explains. "It is also very adaptable, since the same approach works with lemon, lime, and other summer citrus. That flexibility lets you match the drink to whatever fruit is at its peak through the season."

Related: 9 Gin Joint-Inspired Cocktails to Try This Summer

For a Cola Float Cocktail, all you need to do is combine cola, your favorite spirit and a scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream, according to Mares, who says this is a "fun summer dessert-style drink."

4. Good Grief

The Good Grief is a cocktail that Fredrickson and his team created in the Las Vegas Distillery tasting room, inspired by the Southern tradition of dropping peanuts in cola.

To make this drink, combine white rum and Mexican Coke on ice, and top it with salted peanut foam, flake salt and freshly grated nutmeg.

5. Espresso Twist

An Espresso Twist simply involves adding a splash of chilled espresso or cold brew to a classic rum and coke—preferably, using an aged rum. Mares says this "creates a rich, balanced cocktail that brings out the caramel and vanilla notes already found in both the rum and the cola."

Up Next:

Related: Starbucks Expands Its Summer Menu Again With 5 Fruity New Drinks

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Hence then, the article about the simple way to turn cola into the perfect fancy summer drink was published today ( Tuesday 21/07/2026 - 02:02 PM ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.

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