Few drinks are ordered as often, and few are made as carelessly. With a glass packed full of ice, a well chosen whiskey and a cold, freshly opened cola, the Whiskey Cola is a clean, balanced highball in which vanilla, oak and caramel meet crisp bubbles.
3.3Editors’ rating
Taste3.4
Balance3.3
Easy to make5
Popularity70
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Top slowly with cold cola, pouring down the side of the glass to keep the bubbles.
Squeeze in a lime wedge if you like, stir once gently and serve.
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Whiskey Cola
Taste
Sweet cola with vanilla, caramel and oak from the whiskey, plus a little spice and a dry finish if you add lime. Light to medium in strength and very easy to drink.
History and origin
Cola was created in Atlanta in 1886 and quickly spread through American soda fountains; whiskey and soda highballs were already popular by then. Pairing the two was an obvious step, and whiskey with cola became one of the defining bar orders of the 20th century, with no single inventor.
In the United States the most famous version is the Jack and Coke, made with Tennessee whiskey, which has its own entry on this site. Elsewhere the spirit varies: bourbon in much of North America, blended Scotch in the United Kingdom and in German bars, where Whisky Cola is a standard at parties and in clubs. This entry covers the generic highball, whatever whiskey you pour.
Bartender tips
More ice, not less: a full glass keeps the drink cold and slows dilution, while a few cubes melt quickly and water it down.
Bourbon gives the sweetest, most vanilla-rich result; a smoky Scotch works too but divides opinions.
Use small bottles or cans of cola so every drink gets fresh carbonation.
