The ClarkyCocktail recipe
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The Clarky is a rum-forward highball that sits in the easy-drinking, modern mixed-drink lane: tall, fizzy, and built around familiar bar staples. It doesn’t have a widely documented origin story, so you can treat it as a contemporary crowd-pleaser—part rum-and-cola, part coffee-spiked sipper—with a darker, sweeter twist than the standard serve.
You’ll find dark rum bringing weight and molasses-like depth, while coffee liqueur doubles down on roasted sweetness and a lingering, espresso-adjacent richness. Cola lifts everything with bright caramel fizz, stretching the drink into a long, refreshing format without losing that dark core. Grenadine adds a vivid red-fruit sweetness that softens the coffee edge and nudges the finish toward candy-like, syrupy comfort.
Serve it in a highball when you want something uncomplicated but bold—ideal for casual nights, house parties, or anytime you’d normally reach for a rum and cola but want more dessert-like intensity. It suits drinkers who enjoy sweet, dark flavours and a fizzy top-up that keeps each sip light enough to keep going back.
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Tags
Highball glass
Ingredients
Cocktail Colin says:
Dark rum leads with molasses depth, while double coffee liqueur layers in roasted sweetness that merges with cola’s caramel fizz, and grenadine adds a bright red-fruit syrupy finish. The cola lift keeps the rum and coffee liqueur from feeling too heavy, and grenadine rounds the edges, making it a good pick for sweet-toothed highball drinkers who like dessert-like, caffeinated flavors.
Method
How to make a The Clarky
- Dark rum 60ml, Coffee liqueur 30ml, Coffee liqueur 30ml, Cola Top up, Grenadine 30ml
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- Add two shots of dark rum, a shot of grenadine, a shot of Tia Maria and a shot of Kahlúa to a cocktail shaker with ice
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- Shake well and strain into a highball glass over fresh ice
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- Add coke to top up and serve
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FAQ's
Can I substitute a different liqueur for the coffee liqueur in The Clarky?
Yes, while coffee liqueur gives The Clarky its distinct flavor, you can substitute it with a chocolate liqueur or a nut-flavored liqueur like amaretto for a different flavor profile. Keep in mind that the substitution will alter the cocktail's original taste.
What is the best way to serve The Clarky?
The Clarky is best served cold in a highball glass. To enhance the presentation, consider adding a few ice cubes before pouring the cocktail, and garnish with a lime wedge or a cherry for a pop of color and added flavor.
Should The Clarky really be shaken and not stirred?
Yes, shaking the cocktail ingredients, especially for The Clarky, is recommended to properly mix the dense coffee liqueur and grenadine with the lighter cola and dark rum. Shaking creates a well-blended, more cohesive drink with a slightly aerated texture, enhancing its taste and consistency.
How does the alcohol content in The Clarky compare to other popular cocktails?
The Clarky has an alcohol content of 12%, which places it on the lower end of the spectrum compared to classic cocktails like the Margarita or the Martini but is slightly higher than light cocktails like the Mimosa. It's a good choice for those who prefer a milder alcohol experience without compromising flavor.
What food would pair well with The Clarky?
Given its rich flavors of coffee, rum, and cola, The Clarky pairs well with desserts, particularly those that feature chocolate, caramel, or coffee elements. For a savory option, try it with spicy or smoked foods, such as barbecued ribs or spicy chicken wings, to complement its sweetness.
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