Whiskey and Coke is one of the most ordered drinks in the world for a reason — it's simple, it works, and almost everyone likes it. Here's how to make a version without the alcohol that's actually worth drinking.
What You Need
- 2 oz No. 86 Non-Alcoholic Whiskey
- 4–5 oz quality cola (Mexican Coke or Boylan's if you can get it)
- Ice
- Tall glass or rocks glass
- Lime wedge (optional but recommended)
How to Make It
- Fill your glass with ice.
- Pour 2 oz of No. 86 over the ice.
- Add cola slowly down the side of the glass to keep the carbonation.
- Squeeze a lime wedge over the top, drop it in.
- Stir once, gently.
That's it. Two minutes, one of the most recognizable drinks in any bar.
The Cola Matters More Than You Think
Standard Coke works. But if you want the drink to actually taste good, use Mexican Coke (made with cane sugar instead of corn syrup) or a quality craft cola like Boylan's or Q Mixers.
The difference between a whiskey and Coke made with Mexican Coke and one made with a generic diet cola is significant. The sweetener quality affects how the spirit comes through. Cane sugar cola lets No. 86's oak and vanilla land cleanly. Artificial sweeteners fight with the botanicals.
The Ratio
Standard ratio: 1 part spirit to 2–2.5 parts cola. That's 2 oz No. 86 to 4–5 oz cola.
If you want it stronger, go 2 oz to 3 oz cola. If you want it lighter, go 2 oz to 6 oz. The ratio adjusts to taste — there's no wrong answer as long as you can taste the spirit.
Why This Works With No. 86
Some NA whiskeys disappear completely in cola — they're too thin to stand out against the sweetness. No. 86's dry finish and oak base hold up. You can still taste the whiskey character through the cola, which is the whole point of the drink.
Variations
No. 86 and Ginger Ale: Swap the cola for quality ginger ale. The spice in the ginger plays well with No. 86's vanilla notes. Add a squeeze of lemon.
No. 86 and Ginger Beer: More intense than ginger ale. Use it if you want a sharper, spicier drink. This is closer to a whiskey mule without the lime overdose.
No. 86 and Lemon-Lime Soda: Lighter and more citrus-forward. Good for warm weather when you want something refreshing over something rich.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does non-alcoholic whiskey work with Coke?
Yes — if the spirit has enough body to stand up to the sweetness. No. 86's dry finish cuts through the cola cleanly.
What's the best cola to use?
Mexican Coke (glass bottle, cane sugar) is the gold standard. Boylan's and Q Mixers are strong alternatives. Avoid diet cola — the artificial sweeteners fight with the botanicals in NA spirits.
How much No. 86 should I use?
2 oz to start. Adjust up or down based on how strong you want it. Most people land somewhere between 1.5 and 2.5 oz.
Can I make this in a batch for a party?
Yes — mix the No. 86 ahead of time, refrigerate, and add cola and ice per glass when serving. Don't batch the cola — it'll go flat.
Pour it with No. 86.
The ritual of a whiskey and Coke, without the alcohol. Same drink. Different morning.
→ Shop No. 86 — from $35.99
Make this recipe with No. 86 non-alcoholic whiskey — built for cocktails like this one.