My 1-Ingredient Upgrade for the Best Iced Coffee

I’m always on the hunt for a better cup of coffee, so it’s no surprise that my TikTok algorithm is stacked with coffee content—the good, the bad, and the downright unhinged. One viral coffee recipe has stuck with me, especially now that it’s iced coffee season: a splash of Coca-Cola (or Pepsi, or whatever off-brand you’ve got—I can’t tell the difference either) in your iced coffee. 

It’s bubbly, sweet, refreshing, and my new favorite way to drink my cup of joe. 

Why Coffee and Cola Actually Works

While you might be shaking your head and wondering if I’ve written rage bait, hear me out: Iced coffee and cola are a match made in summer-drink heaven.

Sugary sweet and flavored with vanilla and caramel, cola balances the bitterness and acidity of coffee. It’s not all that different from adding a spoonful of sugar or a pump of your favorite syrup to your morning brew. And since medium roast coffee beans (the most popular in the U.S.) often have notes of chocolate or toffee, the two drinks naturally complement each other. 

Then there’s the carbonation. That fizzy lift from the cola makes the drink feel extra refreshing, kind of like a cousin to a trendy espresso tonic you’d find in a New York café.

How To Make the Best Iced Coffee at Home

Whether you have an espresso maker or a regular drip coffee setup, it’s easy to make this drink at home. Start with half a cup of your preferred cola poured over a cup of ice, then slowly top with a double shot of freshly brewed espresso (or instant—Blue Bottle is my go-to). Add a twist of citrus or a splash of whole milk if you’d like.

Strong brewed coffee works just as well. Chill it, then pour it over ice with an equal amount of cola—cola first, always. Dark roast holds up best, but honestly, use whatever you’ve got. Cold brew? Even better.

Make It Your Own

• Adjust the sweetness: Half a cup of cola might be a lot if you usually take your coffee black. Start with a quarter cup and work your way up to find your ideal balance.
• Use cold brew: For a smoother, less acidic drink that pairs well with sweetness, try it with cold brew. Bonus: It’s easy to batch prep.
• Switch up your soda: Classic Coke works great, but cherry, vanilla, or even spiced colas bring something new. Feeling brave? Kombucha adds a funky twist.
• Add citrus: A squeeze of lime or a twist of orange peel cuts the richness and makes it feel extra refreshing.
• Make it creamy: A splash of whole milk, oat milk, or even sweetened condensed milk turns it into a low-effort sweet treat.
• Do dessert: Drop in a scoop of vanilla ice cream or gelato to make it a caffeinated float.
• Spice it up: A pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom adds warmth and depth without overwhelming the drink.
• Boozy version: Want to turn heads? A splash of coffee liqueur, dark rum, or amaro takes it from TikTok hack to cocktail hour.