Should You Put Soda in Coffee?

Putting soda in coffee might sound like a caffeine overload, no matter how tired you are in the morning. But, the combination is less about the caffeinated effects and more about the flavor. Mixing something sweet into a cup of coffee to offset its bitterness is nothing new, but should you pour a splash of Coca-Cola in your morning joe or afternoon iced coffee?

Actually, yes.

Maybe it’s not the healthiest way to start your morning. But, if you’re looking for a fun fizzy beverage to add to your summer line-up, swap out your traditional iced drink for a cold coffee with a splash of cola.

Again, combining coffee with sweet flavors isn’t anything new. We have coffee ice cream, chocolate-covered coffee beans, and even affogato—a scoop of vanilla ice cream doused in espresso.

So, it makes sense that adding soda to your coffee would actually taste really good. When added to a quality cup of espresso, you’re likely to note the subtle caramel flavors in the soda, and it won’t be overly fizzy.

When you add it to an iced coffee drink, you’ll get a bit more froth from the combination and it can feel more like a coffee-flavored Coke float.

Coca-Cola tried its hand at bottling the combination with Coca-Cola BlāK, and while the product was short-lived, the brand had the right idea.

There are no real rules when it comes to how to combine your soda and coffee. But, try to use high-quality ingredients to get the best results. Experiment with different types of sodas and different flavors, ratios, and strengths. With a bit of trial and error, you’ll find your perfect coffee/cola beverage to enjoy year-round.