How to Make Cherry Coke Taste 10x Better

When it comes to mocktails, creativity is key. And with the no- or low-alcohol movement not leaving us anytime soon, we're always on the lookout for something a little different. The folks over at Bon Appetit have their eye on the trends too, and recently shared a video of editor Carina Finn making a mocktail in the BA Test Kitchen. The combo was Cherry Coke and...espresso. Yup, you heard that right. I was intrigued by the video, so I decided to give this drink a try in my kitchen. Here's what happened.

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How do you make the Cherry Coke and Espresso Drink?

Cherry Coke and espresso <p>Courtesy of Jessica Wrubel</p>
Cherry Coke and espresso

Courtesy of Jessica Wrubel

This one couldn't be easier. Simply grab a glass and throw some ice cubes in it (the fancier the better). Pour in two ounces of cool espresso and top with Cherry Coke. Then, for added flourish, garnish with a twist of orange peel. Stir, sip and wonder where this one's been all your life.

Speaking of, I did a little light Googling and found out that other folks are fans of the Cherry Coke and espresso combo, including the folks at Dripolator, a North Carolina-based coffee shop and some folks on Reddit, including one person who says they've heard this combo called the Ameri-cola.

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What I Thought About the Cherry Coke and Espresso Drink

<p>Courtesy of Jessica Wrubel</p>

Courtesy of Jessica Wrubel

This one was incredibly complex, refreshing and pleasant on a hot summer day. And while I love espresso and don't mind a soda now and then, I've never thought about combining the two—until now. The zip of orange goes really well with the espresso, kind of like a traditional Espresso Romano, or an espresso with lemon. It cuts the bitterness and adds a fruity depth to the drink that's surprisingly pleasant. I experimented with more espresso and more Cherry Coke, but the sweet spot (pun intended) was the mixture with a tad more Chery Coke than espresso. It's the perfect summer-to-fall mocktail for your next celebration.

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