Why bother with a bunch of ingredients to make a cocktail when you can simply mix Coke and whiskey and get perfection?
And no, it’s not a sin to mix the two, as some whiskey purists like to think so.
But, although you can use any whiskey to make this classic combination, some go better than others. So keep reading to find out the 12 best whiskeys to mix with Coke.
Why Mix Whiskey With Coke?
If you’re thinking why would anybody do this, it’s all for the taste. Many people love this combination because the whiskey-Coke mix is simple to make, refreshing, and offers a variety of flavors.
The Coke slightly masks the spiciness of the whiskey, so if you find whiskey alone to be too strong, this is one way to tone it down.
Also, if you’re the type that’s completely new to the spirit, this drink mix can help your smooth transition into the top-notch whiskey world.
With that said, let’s see what are the 12 best whiskey-Coke combos that won’t leave you disappointed.
The 12 Best Whiskeys to Mix With Coke
Here are our top 12 whiskey picks:
- Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey
- Bulleit Bourbon
- Jim Beam Black
- Crown Royal Blended Canadian Whisky
- Jim Beam Kentucky Straight Bourbon
- Dewars Scotch Whisky
- Johnie Walker Red Label Scotch Whisky
- Maker’s Mark Bourbon Whisky
- Wild Turkey 101
- Laphroaig 10-year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
- Fireball Cinnamon Whisky
- Evan Williams Bourbon
1. Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey
Jack Daniel is the father of all whiskeys. There may be no better drink to mix with Coke than JD (maybe rum, but we’d like to go for JD anytime).
JD’s Tennessee Whiskey simply shines when mixed with Coke. It has rich vanilla notes that nicely complement the sweet soda.
Since JD is a bit flat, drinking it neat isn’t something we recommend, but surprisingly all those peculiar tasting notes rise to a higher level when combined with Coke. So, give it a go and see for yourself.
2. Bulleit Bourbon
If you’re looking for a bourbon whiskey, your best option might be Bulleit Bourbon.
It has a rich and bold taste that offers a strong feel when combined with Coke. The classic whiskey-Coke combo is mellower in comparison to this one.
Bulleit Bourbon has a peppery rye flavor and a cinnamon, oak finish. Generally, this is a more rugged bourbon, but if you’re a fan of such taste, the Bulleit will not disappoint you.
3. Jim Beam Black
A classic choice for mixing with Coke would be Jim Beam Black. This bourbon is known for its top-shelf flavor that goes perfectly with the cola’s sweetness.
It has a sweet and subtle sour tone that screams elegance. Since it’s aged for extra refinement, Jim Beam will feel amazing even when drunk neat or on the rocks.
However, a Jim Beam-Cola mix is something we highly recommend trying out.
4. Crown Royal Blended Canadian Whisky
Crown Royal Blended Canadian Whisky is a non-bourbon whiskey that’s creamy, sugary, and simply irresistible. This Canadian Whisky and Coke can go well together.
This whiskey is well known for its smoothness and oaky flavors. Aged in white oak barrels, you’ll feel the caramel, vanilla, sugar, and oak. And thanks to the flavors of maple syrup, it would seem as if you’re having a dessert-like treat.
In other words, this is a must-try!
5. Jim Beam Kentucky Straight Bourbon
The Jim Beam Kentucky Straight Bourbon is the type of whiskey you can combine with pretty much anything because it goes well with all kinds of mixers.
It’s smooth, elegant, and refined. You’ll feel a touch of caramel and vanilla, and because of the corn mash, it’ll be pretty creamy as well.
To make this mix even more enhancing, you have dried herbs, minerals, nutmeg, and dried citrus that contrast nicely with the sweetness of the Coke.
6. Dewars Scotch Whisky
In general, Dewars Scotch Whisky is known for its golden, mellow flavor and having a citrus, pear, and leather finish.
But the best word to describe it is refreshing. That’s why you can’t go wrong when mixing it with Coke.
The tradition is to mix the two in a highball glass, gently stirring the whiskey and Coke to make a cocktail. The taste is sweet, smooth, and refreshing.
7. Johnie Walker Red Label Scotch Whisky
Johnie Walker is one of the most popular whiskies in the world due to the long tradition of good taste and high quality.
JW Red Label is supposed to be mixed with other mixers because it brings excellent flavors to the overall blend. And, to make things even better, it’s budget-friendly.
You’ll feel a strong and bold note with added spice, lighter grains, and smoky malts that go well with the sweet soda.
8. Maker’s Mark Bourbon Whisky
A well-aged bourbon combined with a sweet carbonated Coca-cola is a mix to remember. That’s what makes Maker’s Mark Bourbon Whisky special for several reasons.
First, it’s aged in white oak barrels. Second, it’s made from at least 51% corn, which is why it’s sweeter than most bourbons.
However, instead of adding rye as a secondary grain, Maker’s Mark uses red winter wheat to make the final mix smoother and sweeter.
Combine all that with the Coke bubbles, and you will surely get something special.
9. Wild Turkey 101
Wild Turkey 101 has a sweet profile, offering caramel and vanilla flavors combined with hazelnut and mint.
In other words, it’s quite buttery and sugary, but you’ll still feel a slight burn when drinking the Wild Turkey 101 neat. So when you combine it with Coke, the flavors become quite balanced.
The finish is pretty warm, emphasizing the flavor of charred oak (common for all Wild Turkey bottles).
10. Laphroaig 10-year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
You’ll surely feel the smoky flavor when drinking Laphroaig 10-year-old Single Malt Scotch Whisky; Coke blends nicely with it.
This Scotch whiskey is aged for 10 years, so it’s not strange that it has such bold and smoky notes.
However, it still feels warm and sweet, which is quite surprising. If you mix it with Coke, you’ll have a well-balanced cocktail that’s refreshing and rich in flavor.
11. Fireball Cinnamon Whisky
Fireball Cinnamon Whisky is an easy drink that can be drunk neat, but using it in cocktails is better.
The Fireball is sweet, with cinnamon and honey, but what makes it stand out is the strong cotton candy hit. You’ll feel quite overwhelmed by the variety of flavors that Fireball has to offer.
These flavors go perfectly with Coke, making it a must-try drink combination.
12. Evan Williams Bourbon
Although Evan Williams Bourbon doesn’t really stand out for anything, it’s still a solid choice for mixing with Coke.
Honey, caramel, and vanilla are the dominant flavors but know that Evan Williams is a bit rough around the edges.
You’ll feel a hint of old leather, which some don’t prefer, but it still has the sweetness needed for mixing cocktails. And those sweet notes shine when combined with Coke.
How to Properly Mix Whiskey With Coke
Mixing Coke and whiskey is, luckily for us, quite simple. So you’ll have your cocktail ready in less than a few minutes.
What you need:
- 2 oz whiskey
- 4 oz Coke
- Lemon twist (if you prefer it)
How to mix:
- Pour ice and whiskey (or bourbon) into your glass, and stir gently until the two are nicely combined.
- Top it off with Coke.
- If you’d like, you can garnish it with a twist.
Conclusion
Whiskey and Coke is a combination that was meant to be drunk as a cocktail; at least, you’ll think so after trying it out.
You don’t need many ingredients, so preparing this refreshing treat won’t take much of your time. The only thing you need to think about is which bottle of whiskey you should get.
Jack Daniels, Crown Royal Blended Canadian Whisky, or Dewars Scotch Whisky are undoubtedly the best choice for mixing with Coke.
But each whiskey from the list will bring something unique to the mix, so make sure you try this specialty out and enjoy it!
