Here’s Why I Add Cola to My Morning Coffee (and You Should, Too)

My boyfriend is one of those Diet Coke people. Well, he’s technically not a Coke loyalist. It can be any brand, and it doesn’t even have to be cold. He’ll take generic, room-temp, sugar-free cola over any other beverage at any time—even first thing in the morning.

As a certified Water Girl, I initially couldn’t fathom drinking soda, sugary or not, the moment my eyes opened. That is, until he made me my first coffee cola. Delivered to me bedside in a 32-ounce deli container (#chefthings), I swallowed my skepticism along with my first sip, instantly rewarded with the drink’s malty, nutty splendor. It didn’t take long for me to start craving and requesting coffee cola; eventually, I was making it at home whenever I had soda on hand. If you’re not convinced of its magic, allow me to explain.

It’s exactly what it sounds like: cola and coffee, combined in one caffeinated, effervescent elixir. It’s not a recent TikTok creation or buzzy Gen Z trend, but I can’t credit my partner with its invention, either (although I would if I could—I’m still trying to nail his consistently flawless ratio of cola to joe to non-dairy milk…but more on that later). This delectable blend of beverages is nothing new. In fact, Coca-Cola first launched Coca-Cola Blāk, a coffee-flavored soda, in 2006, only to discontinue it in 2008. Coca-Cola Coffee Plus and Coca-Cola with Coffee were also distributed in select countries across Europe, Asia, South America and Australia between 2017 and 2020, but it never quite took off in the U.S.

If you ask me, Americans are sleeping on this energizing union. Coffee’s signature flavor notes pair seamlessly with those of cola. The former’s bitterness and acidity are rounded out just right with caramel-y, sweet, slightly citrusy soda. You can use full-sugar or sugar-free cola; either way, you won’t need to add another sweetener to your cup to curb the bitterness of the java. (And if you think drinking soda in the morning is far too indulgent, you may want to check the sugar content on your usual iced vanilla latte or Frappuccino.)

The smell of the drink is just as enticing as the taste. I usually have it with some oat or almond milk, resulting in a look and aroma reminiscent of an egg cream or Coke float—gently chocolatey, and rich without being overwhelming. As someone who can nurse a coffee for hours, even once it’s half melted ice, the cola helps me drink it in a more timely manner, because it thins its consistency and makes it more refreshing (good looking out, carbonation).

I also love that it boosts the caffeine content in a less intense way than espresso shots do, in case you’ve ever regretted ordering a jitter-inducing redeye. (Twelve ounces of Coke contain about 34 milligrams of caffeine, while the same amount of Diet Coke contains about 46 milligrams. A shot of espresso contains anywhere from 63 to 75 milligrams.) That said, you can use decaf coffee and/or cola here, if it’s just the taste you’re after.