The Whiskey and Coke is a well-known cocktail that is easily accessible in most bars. It's essentially a two-ingredient cocktail consisting of whiskey and coke as its name suggests, served with ice.

However, though it’s easy and simple to make, it should still be treated with the same respect as you would when making other cocktails. It’s not just mixing two things together in a glass. You still need to pay attention to ratios and of course, the ingredients. In the end, it’s really about the whiskey. You might ask, what is the best whiskey to mix with Coke?

Jack Daniel's will always be the most popular whiskey of choice. It's a no brainer, really. But! Since everyone's tastes and perspectives differ, it's no surprise that everybody has their own favorite Whiskey. Some individuals prefer a spicy whiskey, while others prefer a sweet one. Some people prefer their Whiskey and Cokes stronger than others, so modifying the proportions is an easy way to make it suit your taste.

If you're new to the game or simply want to try a new brand, there are a select few that genuinely stand out from the crowd. Keep reading to learn about the best whiskeys to mix with Coke.

INGREDIENTS

Although the Whiskey and Coke is only a two-ingredient drink, the quality and kind of ingredients will have a significant impact on its taste. However, you don’t necessarily have to break out a rare or single-malt spirit. Preserve a sense of refinement while staying within your means.

WHISKEY

Since Jack Daniel's whiskey dominates in this area, it is often the number one choice, and it’s actually an excellent one. However, you don’t have to stop there. You have options. Everyone has their own tastes in whiskey, and each type, whether it Kentucky bourbon, Scottish malt, or Canadian, has its own distinctive flavor profile. Ryes will be somewhat spicier, while wheated bourbons will be slightly sweeter. 

Another factor to consider is the bottling proof which is often just a personal choice but it can make a difference. The sweetness in the Cola tones down some of the spice in most bourbons. If you prefer a more “whiskey” flavor, you’ll want to go for a higher proof-bourbon somewhere around 100 proof and 110 proof. Lower proof bourbons on the otherhand are sweeter.

In order to find new flavors, experiment with different proportions and combinations. 

COKE

"Coke" is frequently used to refer to the standard Coca-Cola drink made by Coca-Cola, a well-known beverage business and one of the world's best-selling beverages. However, you can use whatever sort or brand of cola that you want to (Coca-Cola, Pepsi, etc.). Just keep in mind that these can also affect the flavor.

There are also those who might prefer Diet Coke. This is usually because normal coke has more sugar but some just prefer its taste, making it their go-to. For those who want to go this route, you should also know that using diet coke makes the drink more potent. Researchers have also discovered that mixing alcoholic beverages with diet (sugar-free) soft drinks increased the amount of alcohol in the breath compared to mixing alcoholic beverages with a conventional (sugar-sweetened) soft drink.

Why drink Whiskey with Coke?

Coke is one of the most popular beverages in the world. The soda is sweet, fizzy and refreshing. It has it’s own flavors that works really well with most whiskeys, making it a popular choice for almost everyone but especially the younger crowd.

Another plus is that Coke is always readily available at the supermarket, at the convenience store, anywhere really. This is why a Whiskey and Coke is one of the easiest things to prepare when you want to drink it alone or for when you’re having friends over.

Though the Whiskey and Coke is a simple drink, the combination of flavors is enough to make it one of most popular drinks in the world.

BEST WHISKEY TO MIX WITH COKE

Choosing a whiskey or bourbon for your Whiskey and Coke cocktail has no rules; it's up to you. It's a fact: the best whiskey is the one you enjoy drinking. Even yet, if you're not sure what you prefer just yet, don't stress. Whiskey and Coke go hand in hand, but there are certain bottles that just seem like they’re made for drinking with Coke. Our selection below contains hits that are suitable for all sorts of drinkers and budgets.

JACK DANIELS

We’ll start off with the classic, the Jack Daniel’s. The Jack and Coke has been popular for ages and for good reason. It tastes excellent, is bubbly and refreshing, and is simple to prepare. There's a lot to like. Because the taste of the whiskey is softened by the cola, it is popular among both young and inexperienced dr

inkers. The Jack has a vanilla undertone and a smoky sweetness that complements the sweet soda. You get a nice alcohol rush from the combination of the two without the overpowering whiskey flavor.

Beginners to whiskey generally choose this since the cola shines here, making it an appealing drink for anybody who enjoys Coke. Even serious cocktail like the Jack and Coke as their go-to. If you haven’t tried it yet, now is the time.

JIM BEAM

Another favorite among Coke and Whiskey lovers, Jim Beam is a world-renowned Kentucky straight bourbon brand. Because it has been fermented in charred American white oak barrels and produced with corn mash, it has a spicy, oaky flavor as well as sweet notes of corn and vanilla.  It’s got hints of minerals, dried herbs, nutmeg, and dried citrus that gives it a burst of spice in a refreshing way. The sweet and subtly sour tones in this copper-colored bourbon pair well with the soda's sweetness. With a fairly reasonable price tag, it is unquestionably one of the most accessible, best and classic whiskey for mixing with Coke on the market.

Maker’s Mark

Featuring notes of vanilla and hazelnut, Maker's Mark Bourbon Whiskey is a strong and remarkably smooth Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey. Since 1953, this "wheated" whiskey has been produced in small batches (less than 19 barrels at a time). Each bottle is unique as its coated and sealed individually by hand after being dipped and flipped upside down.

For those who like Coke, this one has a front-of-the-palate finish with caramel and vanilla overtones. Maker's Mark bourbon has a rich flavor thanks to the notes of hazelnut, oak, rye, and barley malt. When mixed with Coke, it gives you a flavorful, sweet drink that’s superb with ice.

Wild Turkey

Known for its bold and spicy flavors, Wild Turkey Kentucky Straight Bourbon uses only the finest ingredients, notably non-GMO grains grown in the United States and limestone filtered water from Kentcuky. It has wonderful notes of caramel and cinnamon that when combined with Coke improves its flavor even more. Combine the two and you get a fantastic drink with twice the flavor. A real treat for the palette.

Crown Royal

Known for its smoothness and lingering finish, this renowned 80-proof Canadian Whisky lives up to its legendary reputation. It is indeed hard to find anything that even comes close to its exquisite flavor. It exhibits smokey and oaky flavors from the use of white oak barrels throughout the aging process. It tastes almost dessert-like thanks to the sweet, creamy flavor of maple syrup. Make yourself feel like royalty by relaxing with a Canadian excellence, mix with cola and serve over ice. The two liquids paired together gives a wonderful taste of caramel, vanilla, brown sugar and oak.

Johnnie Walker Red Label

Johnnie Walker whiskeys have long been a popular among drinkers throughout the globe because of its reputation for rich flavors. Because the Red Label is meant to be mixed, it goes great with just about everything, including coke. It's also hard to beat the low cost of Johnnie Walker Red Label. However, the fact that it is inexpensive does not rule out the likelihood that you would love the flavor.

Johnnie Walker Red Label combines 35 different malt and grain whiskies, mix this with Coke for a strong and flavorful drink. Pour over ice and enjoy.

Laphroaig 10 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky

For those looking for something a little different, try this Scotch single malt whiskey,  the Laphroaig 10 Year Old. The malted barley used to make Laphroaig is dried over a peat fire, giving it a delicious nuttiness, and an earthy aroma. It’s unique smokey, rich and strong flavor adds a different dimension to the traditional Coke and Whiskey pairing.

For scotch lovers, this is a fantastic combination. It's a little spicy, but it works well. To enhance the flavor, combine it with coke and serve with a lot of ice.

Are you ready to make some fantastic whiskey and coke drinks for yourself and your friends? Knowing which whiskeys are the ideal allows you to experiment and find out what you prefer. The whiskey that best matches your tastes is the one you should choose. Follow the recipe below to make your own Whiskey and Coke.

How to Make a Whiskey and Coke

Feel free to modify the quantities to your liking. Some people love only a smidgeon of whisky, while others prefer it with more. Below is a basic recipe that you may use as a starting point and then tweak to your own.

Ingredients

• 2 ounces whiskey
• Coca-Cola, chilled, to top (4 to 6 ounces, to taste)
• Garnish: lemon twist (optional)

Steps

1. Gather the ingredients.
2. Get a double rocks glass or a highball glass filled with ice.
3. Add 2 ounces of your chosen whiskey.
4. Top with 4 to 6 ounces of cola (or as you like).
5. Gently stir for 5-10 seconds, and enjoy!
6. Slice 2-3 lime or lemon wedges or wheels and garnish if you like (optional).