By michael vivar
Coca-Cola is the most popular soda (soft drink, pop, just “Coke” etc. depending on the colloquialism) in the world. Its effervescent sweetness appeals to virtually everyone.
Coke is an essential mixer in most bars. Its popularity has also spurred development of mocktails for teetotalers and those not old enough to imbibe. Here are four favorites.
A tropical escape from the world is just a glass away. Substituting Malibu rum with coconut milk doesn’t detract from the flavor of the original cocktail.
Pour one part canned coconut milk (not coconut water) into a highball glass with ice. Add two parts Coke. Garnish with lime wedge and coconut shavings.
The sweet-on-sweet combination of Coke and vanilla ice cream is a treat for people of all ages.
Drop one scoop of vanilla ice cream into a pint glass. Fill the rest of the glass with chilled Coke. Be sure to pour slowly as the milk fat will cause the pop to fizz.
This mocktail is for those who love Coke but find the flavor a little too cloying. The citrus nip of 7Up and orange cuts the sweetness just a bit.
Pour 1oz of chilled Coke into a pint glass. Place an orange slice flat then add 1oz of chilled Sprite. Alternate layers until the glass is filled. Add ice as preferred.
Roy Rogers was Hollywood cowboy royalty in the 1930s and 40s. He was an equally famous teetotaler, having a Coke and grenadine mocktail named after him.
Pour 3oz of grenadine into an ice-filled highball glass. Fill the rest of the glass with Coke. Garnish with black cherry.
It should be obvious that all these drinks are packed with sugar and calories. Coke Zero can be used as a substitute. Its flavor is more like original Coke than Diet Coke.
What's your favorite thing to mix with Coca-Cola?