Craft Cola and Bourbon: A DIY Take on a Classic

June 24, 2025 - Bourbon Drinks , SodaStream , DIY Mixers
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Why Make Your Own Cola?

Store-bought cola is consistent—but making your own gives you control. You can dial up the spice, tone down the sweetness, or adjust for citrus bite. And if you’re already a fan of brands like Branch Distillery’s Bourbon & Cola, this lets you tailor that flavor experience to your exact taste.

The Core Cola Flavor Formula

At its heart, cola is a fusion of:

  • Citrus: Lime, orange, and lemon zests or juices give brightness.
  • Spice: Think baking spice—cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, even coriander.
  • Sweetness: Brown sugar and molasses add body and depth.
  • Vanilla: The key bridge between spice and sweet.

This version keeps it simple and uses pantry-friendly ingredients, no exotic oils or hard-to-find herbs.

Choosing Your Bourbon

A good cola doesn’t hide the bourbon—it complements it. Try:

  • Maker’s Mark: Sweet, balanced, affordable and refined.
  • Wild Turkey 101: Stands up to the cola spice.
  • Elijah Craig Small Batch: Rich vanilla and oak notes blend well.
  • Four Roses Yellow Label: A little lighter, with nice fruity undertones.

Don’t overthink it—any mid-shelf bourbon you enjoy neat will likely shine here.

Tips for Carbonation

  • Chill your water first for better fizz.
  • Carbonate before mixing—never put syrup in the SodaStream bottle.
  • Use a ratio of 1 oz syrup to 5 oz soda water, then adjust to taste.

Want to Batch It?

Double or triple the syrup recipe and store it in a jar. It’s great with bourbon, but also refreshing on its own with a squeeze of lime.

Final Sip

This isn’t just a cocktail—it’s a customizable soda experience. The sweetness, spice, and fizz mingle beautifully with bourbon’s warmth, making it perfect for sipping at home on a summer night or bottling up for your next backyard get-together.

Recipe Image

Craft Cola and Bourbon

A homemade cola syrup with spice, citrus, and depth—carbonated with a SodaStream and paired with bourbon.

Author: sedward5

Ingredients

Craft Cola Syrup (Makes ~1 cup)

  • 1 cup water
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp lime juice (fresh or bottled)
  • 1/2 tsp orange zest
  • 1/2 tsp lemon zest
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp ground coriander (optional but recommended)
  • 1/4 tsp ground allspice
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp molasses
  • Pinch of salt

To Assemble

  • 1 oz craft cola syrup
  • 5 oz carbonated water
  • 2 oz bourbon (Makers Mark is always great)
  • Lime wedge or orange twist (optional garnish)

Instructions

Make the Cola Syrup

  1. In a small saucepan, combine all syrup ingredients.
  2. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring to dissolve sugar.
  3. Simmer gently for 10–15 minutes until slightly thickened.
  4. Strain through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth.
  5. Let cool and store in the fridge (keeps for up to 2 weeks).

Make the Drink

  1. Carbonate cold water using your SodaStream or preferred device.
  2. In a glass, mix 1 oz syrup with 5 oz carbonated water. Stir gently.
  3. Add 2 oz bourbon and ice. Garnish if desired.
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