How to Make a Great Coke and Tequila Cocktail

Coke and tequila cocktail in a tall glass with lime

Simple in form but surprisingly layered in potential, a Coke and tequila cocktail—sometimes nicknamed the Batanga—relies on careful choice of ingredients and method to truly shine. The pairing draws out cola’s rich caramel notes while letting agave flavors peek through. With the right technique, you turn two ingredients into an unexpectedly complex experience.

Essential Ingredients and Proportions

Start with quality tequila—it’s the star of the show. For a balanced drink that highlights both ingredients without overwhelming the palate, use this core recipe:

60 ml tequila (blanco, reposado, or añejo depending on preference)
120 ml chilled Coca-Cola (original or Mexican Coke for cane sugar sweetness)
10 ml freshly squeezed lime juice (optional, but brightens the drink)
Ice cubes (enough to fill the glass)
Coarse salt for rimming (optional)

Mixing Technique: Classic and Effortless

Choose a tall glass, ideally a highball or Collins glass, to accommodate plenty of ice and cola.
To rim the glass (optional), run a lime wedge around the rim and dip it into a plate of coarse salt.
Fill the glass completely with ice cubes. This slows dilution and keeps the drink crisp.
Pour 60 ml tequila over the ice.
Add 10 ml lime juice if using.
Slowly top with 120 ml Coke, pouring gently to preserve carbonation.
Give a gentle stir with a long spoon (traditionally, some enthusiasts insist on using a knife for the Batanga—but any barspoon handles the job nicely).

How Tequila Style Impacts Flavor

Blanco tequila delivers assertive, herbal agave notes and works best if you enjoy a drier, livelier taste. Reposado softens those edges with hints of vanilla, oak, and warm spice from barrel aging—making for a richer, rounder drink. Añejo brings deep caramel and baking spice flavors that echo the cola’s molasses, creating a more decadent sipper. For purists, blanco highlights the tequila-coke interplay; for something smoother and deeper, choose reposado or añejo.

Glassware Matters

A highball or Collins glass is ideal—its tall, narrow shape keeps the drink cold and lets those bubbles last. The wide rim is convenient for a salt edge, if you’re adding one, and leaves space for lots of ice. Avoid short tumblers or lowballs, which compress the layering and expose the drink to quicker dilution.

Highball glass for tequila and Coke cocktail

Homemade Syrups and Custom Touches

While classic Coke does the work, home bartenders can add depth with easy homemade syrups or flavor infusions. Consider these enhancements for a signature twist:

15 ml cinnamon syrup for a spicy-sweet layer that echoes cola's warming notes.
10 ml coffee syrup or a dash of cold brew for subtle bitterness and roasted depth.
10 ml fresh grapefruit or orange juice for a citrus lift (pairs especially well with reposado tequila).

To make a simple cinnamon syrup, combine 100 ml water, 100 ml sugar, and a cinnamon stick. Heat until the sugar dissolves, simmer for 5 minutes, strain, cool, and store refrigerated.

Serving Suggestions and Garnishing

Garnish with a lime wedge or wheel to accentuate freshness.
Add an orange or lemon twist for an aromatic top note.
Salt the rim lightly for extra contrast—especially welcome with citrus or spicy syrups.

Tequila and Coke cocktail with lime on wood surface

Pro Tips for the Best Flavor

Always use plenty of fresh ice. The colder the cocktail, the more lively and crisp it will taste.
Chill your Coke and glass before pouring for maximum fizz retention.
Pour gently, and stir softly just enough to mix—too much agitation knocks CO2 out of the drink.