Ingredients
- 2 oz Bourbon Whiskey
- 10 oz Cola
Instructions
Prepare the Glass:
- Fill a 16-oz glass halfway with ice cubes.
Mix the Drink:
- Pour 2 oz of Jim Beam bourbon whiskey over the ice.
- Fill the glass with 10 oz of cola.
Stir and Serve:
- Stir lightly to combine and serve immediately.
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
The concept of mixing spirits with carbonated beverages dates back centuries, with the highball family of drinks gaining significant traction in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Whiskey and cola specifically became a popular pairing in the United States, especially with the rise of bourbon and the widespread availability of Coca-Cola.
This drink belongs to the vast highball family, a simple category defined by a base spirit mixed with a larger proportion of a non-alcoholic mixer, served over ice. It is a direct cousin to the Rum and Coke or a Jack and Coke. What sets the Jim Beam and Coke apart is its specific use of Jim Beam White Label, offering a distinct, approachable bourbon profile.
You would order or serve a Jim Beam and Coke pretty much anywhere. It is a go to at casual backyard barbecues, loud concert venues, sports bars, or any establishment where a straightforward, satisfying drink is preferred over a fussy cocktail. It is the kind of drink you grab when you know what you like and want it delivered without delay.
What it tastes like
The flavor profile of a Jim Beam and Coke is dominated by the sweet, caramel, and vanilla notes inherent in Jim Beam bourbon, which blend seamlessly with the sugary, effervescent, and slightly spiced taste of Coca-Cola. The bourbon provides a warm, oaky backbone, while the cola adds a refreshing lift, creating a balanced, easy drinking experience.
Assuming a standard pour of 2 ounces of 80 proof (40% ABV) Jim Beam, your drink contains approximately 0.8 ounces of pure alcohol. To put that in perspective, a standard 12 ounce beer at 5% ABV contains about 0.6 ounces of pure alcohol. So, a Jim Beam and Coke is roughly equivalent to a bit more than one standard beer, making it a moderately strong drink.
The technique
Building a Jim Beam and Coke is straightforward. Grab a highball or Collins glass and fill it with fresh ice. Pour in your measure of Jim Beam, typically 2 ounces. Then, top the glass with 4 to 6 ounces of chilled Coca-Cola, depending on your preferred ratio and glass size. A quick, gentle stir is optional but can help integrate the flavors. Garnish with a lime wedge if you are feeling fancy.
The one technique tip that matters most for a Jim Beam and Coke is getting the ratio right. Too much whiskey and it is harsh, too much coke and it is just a soda. Aim for roughly one part whiskey to two or three parts cola for optimal balance and drinkability. Do not overstir, you want to keep the carbonation.
Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Jim Beam White Label
- Use
- The classic Jim Beam White Label is the standard for a reason. Its consistent flavor profile of vanilla, caramel, and a hint of corn sweetness is perfect here.
- Skip
- Avoid flavored Beam products like Peach or Apple, as they will completely change the drink. Save the high end, expensive bourbons for sipping neat.
- Why
- Jim Beam provides the quintessential bourbon character for this drink. It is robust enough to stand up to the cola, yet smooth enough not to overpower it, and it is widely available and affordable.
Coca-Cola
- Use
- Classic Coca-Cola is the gold standard. Its specific blend of sweetness, acidity, and secret spices is integral to the Jim Beam and Coke's flavor. Mexican Coke, made with cane sugar, is also a solid choice.
- Skip
- Diet Coke or Zero Sugar colas will drastically alter the taste due to artificial sweeteners. Store brand colas often lack the distinct flavor and carbonation of the original.
- Why
- Coca-Cola's iconic flavor profile is what defines this drink. Its carbonation and sweetness balance the bourbon, creating the familiar, comforting taste that people expect.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink.
Jack and Coke
- The charcoal filtered cousin
- Substitute Jim Beam with Jack Daniel's Old No. 7 Tennessee Whiskey for a slightly smoother, often perceived as less sweet, variation. It is another bar staple.
Rum and Coke
- Tropical highball
- Swap the bourbon for a white or gold rum. This creates a Cuba Libre if you add a lime, offering a lighter, often sweeter, and more tropical take on the spirit and cola pairing.
Whiskey and Ginger
- Spicy alternative
- Instead of cola, use ginger ale or ginger beer. This provides a spicier, less sweet, and often crisper drink that still highlights the whiskey's character.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
Any standard bourbon will work, such as Wild Turkey 101, Maker's Mark, or even a blended American whiskey if that is all you have on hand.
Any decent cola brand will do in a pinch, though the flavor profile will shift. Pepsi is a common alternative.
A standard pint glass, an old fashioned glass, or any tall drinking glass will serve the purpose just fine.
The lime wedge is purely for garnish and a hint of acidity; the drink is perfectly enjoyable without it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Jim Beam and Coke?
A Jim Beam and Coke typically contains Jim Beam bourbon, Coca-Cola, and ice, often garnished with a lime wedge.
What kind of whiskey is Jim Beam?
Jim Beam is a brand of bourbon whiskey, which is a type of American whiskey made primarily from corn and aged in new, charred oak barrels.
Is a Jim Beam and Coke strong?
It is moderately strong. A standard pour usually contains the equivalent of slightly more than one standard alcoholic drink, comparable to a strong beer.
What's the best ratio for a Jim Beam and Coke?
A common and balanced ratio is one part Jim Beam to two or three parts Coca-Cola, for example, 2 ounces of bourbon to 4-6 ounces of cola.
Should you stir a Jim Beam and Coke?
A light, gentle stir is fine to combine the ingredients, but avoid overstirring, as it can reduce the carbonation of the cola.
What's a good garnish for a Jim Beam and Coke?
A lime wedge is the classic and most recommended garnish. Its citrus notes complement the bourbon and cola well.
Can I use Diet Coke?
You can, but be aware that using Diet Coke or Coke Zero will significantly change the flavor profile due to the artificial sweeteners, making it taste different from the classic version.
Is it a good beginner drink?
Yes, the Jim Beam and Coke is often considered a good beginner drink due to its approachable sweetness, familiar flavors, and ease of preparation.
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