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Rum and Coke

A classic cocktail that balances sweet, smooth, and strong in perfect harmony. This simple three-ingredient drink takes just 30 seconds to make but rewards attention to detail with proper ice, quality rum, and fresh lime.
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Prep Time 2 minutes
Total Time 2 minutes
Servings: 1 drink
Course: Drinks and Beverages
Cuisine: Caribbean-American
Calories: 140
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 2 ounces rum white, gold, or spiced rum preferred
  • 5 ounces cola Coca-Cola, Pepsi, or your preferred brand
  • 4 to 5 large ice cubes
  • 0.5 ounces fresh lime juice or 1/2 lime wedge optional but recommended

Equipment

  • Highball glass or standard 10-12 oz drinking glass
  • Jigger or shot glass for measuring rum
  • Stirring spoon or bar spoon
  • Ice maker or ice bucket
  • Bottle opener (if using bottled cola)
  • Citrus juicer (optional, for fresh lime)
  • Cutting board and small knife (for citrus garnish)

Method
 

  1. Select a clean highball glass or standard 10 to 12 ounce drinking glass as your vessel.
  2. Add 4 to 5 large ice cubes to your glass, filling it about three-quarters of the way.
  3. Use a jigger or shot glass to measure exactly 2 ounces of rum into your glass.
  4. Pour 5 ounces of cola slowly over the rum and ice, pouring down the side of the glass rather than straight down the middle.
  5. Use a bar spoon or regular stirring spoon to stir the drink for about 10 seconds with a gentle, downward motion.
  6. Take a sip and consider the balance between sweetness and the rum's character. If the drink feels too sweet, add a splash more rum.
  7. Squeeze a lime wedge over the top of your drink or pour in 0.5 ounces of fresh lime juice to brighten the flavor.
  8. Give the drink one more gentle stir to incorporate the lime juice fully, then serve immediately.

Notes

Use large ice cubes or sphere ice instead of crushed ice; they melt slowly and keep your drink cold and properly balanced for the entire drink instead of turning it into sweet, watery syrup. Chill your glass in the freezer for 5 minutes before making the drink for best results. Use fresh lime juice squeezed at home rather than bottled lime juice. Drink your rum and coke within 5 minutes of making it, before the ice melts and dilutes your drink.