For some people, coffee is a non-negotiable morning ritual. For others, it’s the crisp fizz of a cola that jumpstarts the day. Put them together and you get an unexpectedly satisfying mashup: a bold, energizing drink that balances coffee’s bitterness with soda’s sweetness and sparkle. The doubt usually disappears after the first sip.
The Bold Drink Worth Trying
Often called an “espresso fizz,” coffee cola is exactly what it sounds like: coffee mixed with cola. It might seem strange at first, but the flavors actually work together surprisingly well. And it’s not just a random TikTok novelty, Coca-Cola has explored coffee-style sodas before, releasing them in different markets between 2017 and 2020, even if they never became a major hit in the U.S. Taryn Pire, a food editor at PureWow, agrees the combo deserves more attention.
“If you ask me, Americans are sleeping on this energizing union,” she wrote. “The former’s bitterness and acidity are rounded out just right with caramel-y, sweet, slightly citrusy soda.”
Compared with many sugary iced lattes or blended drinks, it can feel less dessert-heavy. The carbonation is the game changer: it lightens the texture, makes it more refreshing, and gives it that “easy to sip” quality, especially on warm days. You also get a caffeine lift that feels steady rather than intense, avoiding the sharp jolt some people get from straight espresso.
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How to Make this Drink at Home?
It’s quick, cheap, and easy to customize. Pour a few ounces of unsweetened vanilla almond milk into a glass, stir in instant coffee until fully dissolved, then top with a can of cola (diet or regular, depending on your preference).
You can also use brewed coffee, hot or cold, or even espresso. Want it cleaner and colder? Skip the ice and use chilled coffee and soda instead. Add dairy or a plant-based alternative to soften the bitterness, and tweak the coffee strength until it hits your sweet spot. For extra flavor, try syrups like cherry, vanilla, or caramel.
Is Coffee Cola Actually Healthy?
This drink isn’t really a “health” drink, it’s more of a fun treat to have once in a while. The main drawback is that it combines caffeine from two sources, so the total can climb quickly without you noticing.
For teens, some child-health guidance suggests aiming for about 100 mg of caffeine per day for ages 12–18, and Health Canada recommends a weight-based limit of 2.5 mg/kg/day for anyone under 18.
If you use regular cola, added sugar is the other big concern. The WHO advises keeping “free sugars” under 10% of daily energy intake and suggests aiming below 5% for additional benefits. On top of that, cola is acidic, and drinking acidic beverages often can contribute to enamel erosion. Dentists commonly recommend rinsing with water afterward and waiting before brushing your teeth.
