Rum & Coke Cocktail Recipe

ByJohn

A Rum and Coke is one of the most popular mixed drinks in the world. This simple cocktail combines cola with white rum in a 1:2 ratio. Plus, it also needs a squeeze of fresh lime juice to balance the sweetness.

The drink gained fame in the 1900s when American soldiers mixed Coca-Cola with Cuban rum during the Spanish-American War. They called it “Cuba Libre,” which means “Free Cuba” in Spanish.

This drink works well for parties and casual get-togethers. The recipe takes less than a minute to make and needs just three basic ingredients that most people keep at home.

Rum & Coke Cocktail Recipe

Rum & Coke Cocktail Recipe

Rum & Coke Cocktail Recipe
The Rum & Coke is a classic two-ingredient cocktail that mixes dark or white rum with cola. This simple drink takes just minutes to make and needs no special bartending skills.
John
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Serving Size 1

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Fill a highball glass with ice cubes until it’s about 3/4 full.
  • Pour 2 ounces of rum over the ice.
  • Add 4-5 ounces of cola to fill the glass. The ratio should be roughly 1 part rum to 2 parts cola.
  • Gently stir with a bar spoon to combine the ingredients.
  • Add a lime wedge to the rim of the glass if desired.

Notes

Dark rum creates a richer taste while white rum makes a lighter drink.
Fresh ice works best – old ice can affect the taste.
Higher quality rum improves the drink’s flavor. Try brands like Bacardi, Captain Morgan, or Mount Gay.
The drink should be served right away before the ice melts and waters it down.
Keep the cola cold for the best results. Warm cola will melt the ice faster.
A squeeze of lime can add brightness to the drink.

Tasting Notes

A classic Rum & Coke combines sweet and spicy flavors. The cola brings caramel and vanilla notes, while dark rum adds warm hints of molasses and oak.

The drink starts sweet on the tongue. The fizzy bubbles from the cola create a lively, refreshing sensation. Then, the rum’s rich flavor builds slowly, leaving a warm feeling at the back of the throat.

Common flavor notes:

  • Caramel
  • Vanilla
  • Oak
  • Molasses
  • Brown sugar
  • Light spice

The drink has a smooth, medium body. Its carbonation keeps it from feeling too heavy. Also, cold temperature and ice enhance the crisp taste.

Different rum brands change the taste profile. Dark rums make the drink richer and more complex. Meanwhile, light rums create a cleaner, simpler flavor that lets the cola shine through.

The aftertaste is pleasantly sweet with lingering rum warmth. Some people notice subtle hints of citrus from the optional lime garnish.

Must Have Ingredients

Substitutes

A common substitute for rum and Coke is vodka and Coke. This creates a drink called a “vodka cola.” The taste differs but maintains a similar sweetness level.

Diet Coke works well for those watching their sugar intake. The flavor stays close to the original while cutting calories significantly.

Other cola brands like Pepsi or RC Cola can replace Coca-Cola. Each brand brings its own unique flavor profile to the drink.

For a non-alcoholic version, try mixing cola with a splash of apple cider vinegar. This creates a tangy drink that mimics some of rum’s bite.

Alternative Rums:

  • White rum
  • Dark rum
  • Spiced rum
  • Coconut rum

Some people swap the cola for other sodas:

The most popular alcohol substitutes are:

  • Non-alcoholic rum
  • Rum extract (use 1-2 drops)
  • Apple juice with a dash of vanilla

Hey there, I’m John Watson—a guy who’s spent over 20 years proving that a good drink can fix just about anything (well, almost anything). Whether it’s cocktails that wow or mocktails that mock boredom, I’m all about crafting sips with stories. Founder of ThirstyTales and full-time drink nerd, I’m here to help you shake things up, one glass at a time. Let’s mix, laugh, and maybe spill a little—cheers to the adventure!

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