A Jack and Coke is about as simple as it gets. You’re mixing just two things, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee whiskey and cola over ice. It’s a classic highball that works pretty much anywhere because you can make it in seconds with stuff most kitchens and bars already have. And honestly, the flavors just make sense. Cola’s caramel sweetness and warm spice play really well with the whiskey’s vanilla and toasted oak notes.
In this post, you’ll learn the best ratio for a Jack and Coke cocktail recipe you can make at home, plus the easiest way to build it so it stays cold and fizzy. Little details matter here. Use fresh cola straight from the fridge, pour it gently, and don’t go crazy with stirring. A lot of people overmix or use flat soda, and that’s exactly how you lose all the bubbles.
You’ll also pick up a few quick upgrades that add more flavor without adding extra work. A lime wedge, a flavored cola, or a simple whiskey swap can change the drink in a good way. Those tiny tweaks help you make a Jack and Coke that tastes way better than a random pour at a loud bar.
What's in a Jack and Coke?
A Jack and Coke is a whiskey and cola highball served over ice. It’s the same easy setup as a Rum and Coke, just with whiskey instead. If you add a lime wedge, it starts to feel more like a Cuba Libre style drink. Either way, it’s simple, and the little choices you make (like the cola you use) can change the taste more than you’d think.
Below, I’ll break down the ingredients, the best proportions, and a few easy ways to tweak it so it fits your taste.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey
Old No. 7 is the classic pick for this drink. It has smooth vanilla, caramel, oak, and a little spice, which works really well with cola. If you want something a bit smoother, go with Gentleman Jack. If you want more depth and a bolder flavor, Single Barrel is a solid upgrade.
No Jack at home? Bourbon works great and tastes a little sweeter and rounder. Rye whiskey is another good option if you like more spice and a sharper bite.
Coca-Cola
Classic Coca-Cola is the standard for making Jack and Coke cocktails. The key is keeping it cold and freshly opened. That’s what keeps the fizz strong and the drink tasting clean. Warm soda or flat soda makes it taste kind of dull and lifeless.
You can use Pepsi if that’s what you have, but it usually tastes a bit sweeter. Flavored colas like cherry or vanilla make the drink feel more playful and almost dessert-like. The cola you choose really does change the whole vibe.
Garnish (optional)
A lime wedge helps a lot if the drink tastes too sweet. It cuts through the cola and gives you a brighter finish. Just squeeze it over the drink and drop it in.
A maraschino cherry adds a light fruity note and gives it that classic bar look. You don’t need a garnish, but it can make the drink more fun to sip.
Equipment You'll Need
You don’t need much to make this drink well.
- Highball glass
- Jigger
- Bar spoon
If you’re building out your home bar, a stainless cocktail shaker kit can make things easier since it usually comes with the basics you’ll use again and again.
How to Make a Jack and Coke
Once you’ve got everything ready, this takes less than a minute. The recipe card below has the exact amounts you’ll want to use.
Start by filling a lowball glass all the way with ice. Lots of cold ice helps your drink stay cold without getting watery too fast.
Pour your whiskey over the ice first. I like 2 ounces because it gives you a nice bold flavor without overpowering the cola.
Now for the part people usually mess up. Pour the cola slowly and gently down the side of the glass. That helps keep the fizz from dying right away.
A great Jack and Coke cocktail really comes down to the bubbles. Don’t stir hard, because you’ll knock out the fizz that makes the drink feel fresh.
If you want to mix it, give it a quick stir with a bar spoon. One or two slow turns is plenty.
Add a lime wedge if you want a fresh twist. You can rest it on the rim or squeeze it right into the drink. Either way, that little hit of lime helps cut through the sweetness.
Also, make sure your cola comes straight from the fridge. Cold soda plus lots of ice keeps the drink crisp from your first sip to your last.
That’s it. Your drink’s ready, and you made it the right way.
Tips and Tricks to Make the Best Balance Flavor and the Best Jack and Coke
- Start with a simple ratio you can trust. Use 2 oz Jack and 6 oz cola, then tweak it from there.
- Want it lighter? Add more cola. Want it stronger? Use a little less cola or pour a bit more Jack.
- Use lots of ice. Bigger cubes are even better because they melt slower and keep your drink cold longer.
- Your cola matters more than you think. Use cold, freshly opened cola for the best flavor and fizz.
- Pour the cola slowly down the side of the glass. A hard pour knocks out the bubbles fast.
- Keep stirring to a minimum. One gentle stir (just a quick lift and turn) is enough if you want it mixed.
- If it tastes too sweet, add a lime wedge. Give it a quick squeeze and drop it in for a brighter finish.
- Go easy on the lime. A little squeeze balances the drink. Too much can take over.
Jack and Coke Recipe Variations
The classic Jack and Coke is great as is, but if you want to switch things up, these quick tweaks change the flavor without adding much work.
- Jack and Coke with lime: Add a good squeeze of lime. It gives you that Cuba Libre vibe and helps cut through the cola sweetness.
- Diet or zero sugar Jack and Coke: Use Diet Coke or Coke Zero instead of regular cola. You’ll get a lighter taste and less sweetness (plus fewer calories).
- Cherry Jack and Coke: Use cherry cola or add a small splash of cherry syrup, then top it with a cherry. It’s sweeter and feels more like a treat.
- Long Jack and Coke: Build it in a tall glass with more cola and lots of ice. It’s lighter, easier to sip, and good when you don’t want it too strong.
- Upgraded Jack and Coke: Add a dash of bitters or use a craft cola. You can also swap in Gentleman Jack or Single Barrel for a richer flavor without changing the steps.
More Two-Ingredient & Whiskey Highballs to Try
If you like a Jack and Coke, these quick highballs are just as easy to mix.
You can mix any of these in minutes, using the same quick pour and top method you already know from a Jack and Coke. If you want more ideas, check out my roundup of easy two ingredient bourbon drinks plus my list of go to whiskey cocktails and this guide to the best mixers to pair with whiskey.
Frequently Asked Questions
0 comments