Is tequila and coke good? Yes, it certainly is! A tequila and Coke (aka a Batanga) is a super easy cocktail that is sweet, fizzy and has a little citrus zing.
What is a Tequila and Coke (aka a Batanga)?
A tequila and coke is simply a two ingredient cocktail made of -you guessed it – a combination of Coca Cola and tequila. Add in a twist of lime and a salted rim and you’ve got yourself a Batanga. This recipe was developed in a small town just outside of Tequila, Mexico. Don Javier, the owner of a cantina called La Capilla, created this cocktail way back in 1961.
This is just one of many mixed drinks with coke that are popular. Some other similar ones include: Jameson and Coke, Vodka and Coke and Cognac and Coke.
With how easy this drink is to make and its fizzy sweetness, it is great to serve for most any occasion. It’s great for casual sipping and when you need something to throw together fast.
Ingredients
- Tequila – we like to use a mid or top shelf tequila like Patron or 1800. Silver is the preferred kind of tequila in this drink, but if you really love gold or reposado go for it!
- Coke – we prefer Coke Zero to cut down on sugar.
- Ice
- Lime wedge – optional garnish
- Salt – for rim optional if making a Batanga
Step One
Top off a highball glass with ice. If making a Batanga, run ice around the rim and then roll the glass rim in salt.
Step Two
Pour in 2 ounces of tequila.
Step Three
(Optional) Add ¾ ounce of lime juice.
Step Four
Top the glass off with Coke, Coke Zero, or Diet Coke.
Step Five
Stir together with a bar spoon and garnish with a lime wedge
Variations
Diet or Not?
If you want a version of this drink with a few less calories, you can always make this recipe using diet soda. Some may claim that is a violation of some sacred laws, but it’s really just a point of preference.
The one thing you should keep in mind when using diet soda is, due to the chemistry in diet drinks, the cocktail can actually become more potent! Depending on your cocktail intentions this is either a positive or a negative thing.
Additionally, the difference in sugary sweet syrup in Coke and the artificial sweeteners in Diet or Coke Zero can add a bit of a different flavor to this cocktail.
What About Pepsi?
Using Pepsi may be an even bigger violation of universal laws than using Diet Coke! Jokes aside, this really comes down to personal taste. If you prefer Pepsi to Coke, you are going to enjoy a Batanga with Pepsi.
Mixing Tips
- Use mid to top shelf Tequila – with just two ingredients, the tequila is a standout in this drink. Using a low quality tequila can have an adverse effect of the overall flavor.
- Stir gently – part of the experience of this drink is the bite from the fizz, so make sure to stir gently. This way it doesn’t fizz out of the glass and doesn’t go flat too quickly.
- Scale it up – if you need to make several drinks, you can easily make this by the pitcher. Simply double, triple or more the ingredients – just make sure to keep the 2:1 Coke to tequila ratio.
Recipe
Tequila and Coke (aka the Batanga)
Equipment
- highball glass
- bar spoon
- jigger
- Knife for optional garnish
- shaker optional in place of bar spoon
Ingredients
- 2 oz Tequila silver or gold
- 4 oz Coke Coke Zero, or Diet Coke
- Lime wedge optional garnish
- Splash of lime juice optional
- Salt for rim -optional
- Ice
Instructions
- If adding a salt rim do that first. Run a piece of ice around the rim to wet it. Then, pour salt in a thin layer on a plate. Roll the wet rim of the glass in the salt.
- Top the glass off with ice.
- Use the jigger and measure up 2 oz of tequila.
- Dump the tequila from the jigger into the glass.
- Use the jigger and measure up 4 oz of Coke.
- Dump the Coke from the jigger into the glass.Note: alternatively, you can just pour the coke directly into the glass to top it off, though that does usually end up being slightly over 4 oz.
- Optional – if adding a splash of lime juice, do that now.
- Stir gently with bar spoon to mix. Or, you can gently pour into the shaker and then back into the glass.
- If adding a lime wedge: Grab the lime and cut into slices. Take one slice and cut a notch in the pulp. Stick the wedge on the rim of the glass using the notch.
- Enjoy!
Notes
- Use different tequila – silver is the standard in this drink, but if you love gold, reposado or another type feel free to substitute those.
- Use mid to top shelf Tequila – with just two ingredients, the tequila is a standout in this drink. Using a low quality tequila can have an adverse effect of the overall flavor.
- Stir gently – part of the experience of this drink is the bite from the fizz, so make sure to stir gently. This way it doesn’t fizz out of the glass and doesn’t go flat too quickly.
- Scale it up – if you need to make several drinks, you can easily make this by the pitcher. Simply double, triple or more the ingredients – just make sure to keep the 2:1 Coke to tequila ratio.
Nutrition information provided is just an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
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