18 Ultimate Soda-Alcohol Combinations, Ranked
Today's beverage market is full of uniquely infused spirits and interesting sodas. It doesn't really matter if you're a seasoned mixologist or a novice looking to get creative: The temptation to drink something other than a straight pint of lager is enticing to all.
This is an old impulse: The first cocktail can be traced back to 1798. Coincidence and straitened circumstances played a big part in many cocktails we now hold as the gold standard. This is especially true when it comes to alcohol-soda combinations. There are hundreds of drinks in this category — but which are the absolute best? We're here to answer that question by ranking the most classic combos from worst to greatest. To determine the rankings, we scoured Reddit threads full of people's opinions on soda and alcohol combinations; you can read more about our methodology at the end of this piece. Ready? Then let's dive into the bubbly world of soda and alcohol. These are the ultimate combinations, ranked.
18. Wine and Coca-Cola
The story of the calimocho, a cocktail comprised of red wine and cola, is a great example of an experiment that exceeded expectations. In the 1970s, a young group of festival organizers in the Basque Country town of Getxo found an ingenious way to save 2,000 liters of wine that had gone a little sour: They combined it with Coca-Cola. While this might have seemed a little slapdash at the time, the resultant drink endures to this today.
A calimocho can be enjoyed on a sunny afternoon as a refreshing glass of simplified sangria. It's usually a 50/50 mix of cheap Spanish wine and Coke, finished with a squeeze of lemon juice or a slice of orange and poured over a generous amount of ice. This sparkling caffeine hit is worth a try at least once in your life. However, it only showed up on one Reddit thread we could find, and thus is at the end of our rankings.
17. Fernet and Coca-Cola
This might sound like a bizarre combination, but it's quite popular in Argentina. In fact, fernet and Coca-Cola is the country's unofficial national drink. It's the perfect combination of tart and sweet, with a deliciously smooth foam that forms at the top, always served ice cold. Oftentimes, fernet and Coca-Cola is served at parties, barbecues, and soccer matches — it's a good-time drink. Traditionally, it's made in a cut-open Coca-Cola bottle and passed around to friends and family.
There's a lot to recommend this unique combo. It only ranks low on this list as it was mentioned once in our Reddit research. If we were solely polling Argentinians, though, this would be a different story.
16. Bourbon and Mountain Dew
Although the origins of Mountain Dew are cloudy, most sources attribute it to the Hartman brothers and their struggle to find a new favorite whiskey mixer after their soda of choice became harder to find. In the 1930s, soft drink sales were often localized — if your preferred drink shut down production, you were out of luck. This left them no other choice but to craft their own lemon-lime soda. Thus, Mountain Dew was born.
Today, Mountain Dew hardly resembles the original Hartman soda; its jittery caffeine punch is now primarily targeted at the younger generation. However, it still pairs well with bourbon. If you're okay with a whole lot of sugar, Mountain Dew and bourbon is a good time: The spirit's distinct corn notes blend well with the soda's intense fructose, especially when poured over ice. That said, it's definitely not for everyone.
15. Jägermeister and root beer
While its famous branding barely needs an introduction, Jägermeister's recipe is shrouded in mystery. A whopping 56 roots, herbs, and spices go into this spirit, but rumors have always swirled about the specific elements. We can't answer all your questions, but we can say it makes for a great mixer.
The next time you don't feel like shots, try mixing Jägermeister with root beer for a malty and licorice-flavored sipper. This combo is usually served over ice in an old-fashioned glass, and has a dark and syrupy tint to it. It probably won't become your go-to, due to the hangover Jägermeister is known for; nevertheless, it's a great occasional treat. It's no surprise, then, that this combination came up a few times among Reddit users, although not as often as the other options higher up in this ranking.
14. Beer and lemon-lime soda
The shandy, a mix of beer and a lemon-flavored drink, was a massive hit in the '70s. It may be making a comeback, thanks to Gen Z and millennials opting for lower ABV options. The combo is a light and refreshing choice for anyone on a summer afternoon.
This combo can come in pre-mixed cans, but these taste pretty different from what you get at a bar or make yourself. In most places, you'll get a lager mixed with Sprite or 7 Up, although you can be creative and add a twist of your own. A gin and juice shandy with added orange and Cointreau, for example, is a lot of fun. Craft beer snobs may be raising their eyebrows right now, but the shandy is hard not to like — and it won't weigh down your belly for the rest of the day, either.
13. Vodka and Red Bull
It would be hard to find a more notorious cocktail than vodka and Red Bull. Consumed by students and royals alike it has become an icon of every major club and music event worldwide. This fame didn't just come from Red Bull's marketing: It's truly a great fit for an otherwise hard-to-swallow-straight vodka. When properly chilled, it leaves no trace of alcohol — and with a dash of citrus, you may lose count of how many drinks you've had very quickly.
Responsible consumption is key, here. If you've had some coffee earlier that day, for example, you might want to think twice about downing an energy drink-based cocktail. But if you don't go overboard, vodka and Red Bull can be just the thing for a fun night.
12. Spiced rum and Dr Pepper
Dr Pepper is famously made up of 23 flavors. Drinking it makes this complex nature clear: It's fruity, yet spicy, and with just the right amount of fizz. This wonderfully complicated taste has been combined with many different alcohols, but lots of folks think spiced rum is the best type of liquor to mix with Dr Pepper. As Reddit user Captain_Gar put it, "Dr. Pepper is already kind of spicy, so [Sailor Jerry] mixes perfectly with it."
All you need is some ice and a highball glass and you're all set for an adventure with this drink. You can amp it up even more by tossing in some creamy coconut-spiced rum. Surprisingly simple yet deliciously multifaceted, the resulting cocktail can be enjoyed on frequent occasions.
11. Whiskey and ginger kombucha
Kombucha has made a major impact on the beverage industry, and we think it's a welcome disruption. It helps that it's a great alcohol mixer. Kombucha adds the perfect amount of tartness, fizz, and sweetness, and can be used as a substitute for conventional sodas. Ginger kombucha, which closely resembles ginger ale, is especially ideal: The moment you sip your first kombucha whiskey ginger smash, you'll be hooked.
The whiskey sour is another old favorite that can be taken to the next level through lemon kombucha. Simply pour it on the rocks, or top it with an orange wheel and maraschino cherry. Depending on your kombucha, you might want to sweeten it up with simple syrup. There's just one thing to keep in mind: Kombucha varies greatly from batch to batch, making it tricky to get the same results each time. This keeps it from a higher spot on this list, but it doesn't mean it isn't worth trying.
10. Vodka and tonic
Not all cocktails need to be elaborate. Sometimes, an effortless combo of tasteful ingredients makes for a deeply satisfying experience. Vodka and tonic is one such cocktail.
While the origins of vodka are mostly attributed to Russia and Poland, we've seen a total globalization of this pure, distilled beverage since World War II. A classic vodka and tonic is simple, usually garnished only with lemon or lime. With the variety of floral and spice infusions available for both ingredients bigger than ever, we strongly recommend experimenting with different blends. Stay away from cheap sodas and spirits for this one, however, or you'll end up with a sad and unsatisfying drink. It's no wonder this is one of the more popular choices all over multiple Reddit forums: When done well, it's hard to beat.
9. Vanilla vodka and vanilla Coca-Cola
This combination is perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth, but even those who tend to favor more savory flavors can appreciate it. It's widely popular on Reddit, although many users caution against consuming more than one: The tasty flavor can quickly make you forget that you're sipping a cocktail. Vanilla vodka and vanilla Coca-Cola is a far more powerful drink than you might assume, but if you respect this, you'll have a good time.
8. Vodka and ginger beer
Ginger beer is a superstar in the world of mixology: This peppery beverage is integral to many classic cocktails. One many people have a particular affinity for is the renowned Moscow Mule, which combines vodka and ginger beer.
Perhaps the most intricate detail of this cocktail is the timeless copper mug in which it's usually served. It's mostly meant to keep the drink cold, but don't worry if you don't have one on hand — it's perfectly acceptable to drink a Moscow Mule from a standard lowball glass. It's so good, you won't be holding onto it for long anyway. The only reason this combo isn't higher on the list is that other ginger-based drinks slightly edge it out.
7. Rye whiskey and ginger ale
When it comes to whiskey pairing, ginger ale is by far the most distinguished option. In the days of prohibition, people were reluctant to get their glass dirty with some weird soda. But rye and ginger ale served a specific purpose. Some rye sold at bars of the time was a watered-down artificial concoction folks had trouble drinking straight. A mix of rye and ginger eventually turned this subpar substance into a likable affair.
Rye is distinguished by its woody spiciness, with a bit of an extra bite that pairs well with ginger. The combo is usually served as a tall drink with some ice and a lime wedge. We'd say rye is the ultimate whiskey for this soda, but when you want less of a kick, try mellow Irish whiskey or a sweeter bourbon. Both make for brilliant whiskey ginger cocktails.
6. Gin and tonic
The gin and tonic has a far-reaching history intertwined with British colonialism in India. The drink was originally consumed as a way to fight malaria, as quinine present in the tonic was thought to be an effective cure.
Today, an old-fashioned G&T is a fine and classy drink you can serve for any occasion. Its fragrant botanical edge, mouth-tingling bitterness, and crisp aftertaste need no introduction. As with most spirits, it truly shines with some extra help from citrus fruits, but other variations, such as cucumber and fresh mint, are also widely accepted. The sky is the limit, really — and the great part is, you don't have to be a mixology sage to make the perfect gin and tonic. This alcohol-and-soda combo is pretty much impossible to screw up.
5. 7 and 7
A 7 and 7 sounds more like an airplane model or an intramural sports team than a drink. But in fact, it's one of the most beloved cocktails on this list. This combo is traditionally made with Seagram's Seven Crown whiskey and 7 Up (although any lemon-lime soda will do) and served over ice.
The 7 and 7 was most popular back in the 1970s, when the alcohol was first acquired by an American company. Though the heyday is over, it still holds a soft spot in many cocktail enthusiasts' hearts. Reddit commenters praised the drink's flavor, though some cautioned that it can be dangerous — it's so yummy, it's easy to ignore the alcohol content.
4. Whiskey and Coca-Cola
Another ultimate favorite all over Reddit, the classic pairing of whiskey and Coca-Cola is almost a century old. This drink is traditionally made with Jack Daniel's whiskey, hence the popular nickname "Jack and Coke," but any whiskey will do the trick. And, if you're not in the mood to mix your own, you're in luck: Coca-Cola and Jack Daniel's launched a canned pre-mixed version in 2023.
3. Tequila and lemon-lime soda
To find a perfect pairing for smooth and floral tequila, look no further than lemon-lime soda. This combo is an absolute winner, and something of a budget margarita. Sprite and 7 Up are the most popular choices of soda. To many, they're identical, but in fact, there's one real difference between Sprite and 7 Up: salt. While Sprite contains sodium citrate, 7 Up uses potassium citrate. Some people are hugely sensitive to this, so try out both sodas (and others) to find your perfect fit. Or you can always mix your tequila with freshly squeezed lime and lemon juice if you want to keep things as classic as possible.
2. Tequila and grapefruit soda
The relationship between America and Mexico is embodied by the Paloma, which combines tequila and grapefruit soda. Created in Mexico, this unique combo is sunny and delicious on its own, or as a base for more experimental concoctions involving tamarind, Himalayan salt, or Mexican chili.
Squirt is the traditional soda used, but Fresca is another popular option. Fresca results in a slightly more well-rounded drink, while Squirt is more tingly. Either option is a winner, though, as evidenced by Reddit users who loudly and repeatedly make their love of this drink clear. "The [Paloma]," one user opined. "All about that one." Us too.
1. Rum and Coca-Cola
The time has come to crown our ultimate combo. Rum and Coke, or Cuba Libre as it's often called by mixologists, may have originated as a toast to a free Cuba. Regardless of its true origin, it's a drink that beautifully combines the rich and sweet notes of rum with the unmistakable flavor of Coca-Cola. Rum and Coke was noted as a classic by numerous Reddit responders on more than one forum, which is why it comes in at the number one spot.
What really makes this blend so special is that it's very hard to ruin it. You can take any rum, white or dark, and combine it carelessly with some Coca-Cola in a highball glass full of ice. Whatever ratio, glass, type of Coke, or amount of ice you use, it always works. The lime wedge is quintessential, but not mandatory. Tasty, classic, and hard to screw up — now that's a classic combination.
Methodology
We used Reddit as our primary source for this ranking. we scoured multiple subreddits and many different threads full of users asking for recommendations on the best soda and alcohol combinations. Each post received a wide range of responses, which we carefully considered. We ordered the drinks from least to most popular, based on how frequently and favorably they were mentioned.