Kola Old FashionedCocktail recipe
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The Kola Old Fashioned is a tequila-led twist on the Old Fashioned template, swapping whiskey’s familiar backbone for the rounded, oak-kissed depth of añejo. Rather than leaning on citrus or heavy sweetness, you’ll find it plays in a darker, spiced lane, using just a small touch of cola and a dash of bitters to nudge the spirit into a new shape. It reads as modern and minimalist—built for drinkers who like their cocktails spirit-forward, but with a subtle, playful accent.
On the palate, tequila añejo brings warm barrel notes and a naturally mellow agave character, while the cola adds a measured hit of caramel-like sweetness and a gentle, soda-style spice. Chocolate bitters tighten the finish, layering in dry cocoa aromatics that keep the cola from feeling cloying and make the tequila taste even richer. Expect a smooth, lightly sweet sip with a bittersweet edge.
Serve this when you want an after-dinner sipper that still feels bright and contemporary. It suits fans of Old Fashioneds who are curious about agave spirits, and it’s an easy pick for relaxed evenings—low-key, slow-paced, and best enjoyed over conversation.
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Lowball / rocks glass
Ingredients
Cocktail Colin says:
Tequila añejo leads with rounded oak and caramelized agave, while a small pour of cola adds dark, spiced sweetness that reads like vanilla and molasses, and a dash of chocolate bitters brings cocoa dryness and a faint roasted edge. It works because the bitters tighten the cola’s sweetness and let the añejo stay in front; ideal for tequila fans who want a spirit-forward, gently sweet sipper.
Method
How to make a Kola Old Fashioned
- Tequila añejo 60ml, Cola 10ml, Chocolate bitters Dash
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- Mix the ingredients directly in a lowball glass filled with ice cubes
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- Stir, garnish with an orange peel and serve
Power tips
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FAQ's
What is the best way to serve a Kola Old Fashioned?
The Kola Old Fashioned is best served cold in a lowball glass. To enhance its flavors, it should be stirred, not shaken, with ice until well chilled, then strained into the glass. Adding a large ice cube to the glass before pouring the cocktail can help maintain its cold temperature without diluting it too quickly.
Can I use any type of tequila for the Kola Old Fashioned?
For the Kola Old Fashioned, it is recommended to use Tequila Añejo because of its aged characteristics. Añejo tequila, aged between 1 to 3 years, offers a deeper, richer flavor profile with notes of vanilla and wood, which complements the cola and chocolate bitters in the cocktail. Using a different type of tequila, like Blanco or Reposado, will change the taste and character of the drink.
What makes the Kola Old Fashioned different from a traditional Old Fashioned?
The Kola Old Fashioned deviates from the traditional Old Fashioned by incorporating unique ingredients such as Cola and Chocolate bitters, alongside Tequila Añejo instead of the classic whiskey. While a traditional Old Fashioned relies on sugar, water, bitters, and whiskey, the Kola Old Fashioned's use of cola brings a modern twist with its sweet, caramel-like flavor, complemented by the complexity of chocolate bitters. This makes the cocktail distinctive in taste and character.
What kind of chocolate bitters should be used for the Kola Old Fashioned?
For the Kola Old Fashioned, using high-quality chocolate bitters is key to achieving the desired depth and complexity in the cocktail. Look for bitters that offer a rich, authentic chocolate flavor without being overly sweet or artificial. Bitters that incorporate dark chocolate or cacao flavors are especially suitable, as they will complement the sweet notes of the cola and the richness of the Tequila Añejo.
Is the Kola Old Fashioned suitable for someone looking for a low-alcohol cocktail?
The Kola Old Fashioned, with an alcohol content of 34.29%, is considered to have a moderate to high alcohol content by cocktail standards. While it is not a low-alcohol cocktail, its total volume of 70ml makes it a relatively short drink. People seeking low-alcohol options might prefer cocktails that have a larger volume with a similar or lower alcohol content, or they might consider diluting the cocktail with more cola or adding ice.
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