No. 86 and cola is a simple non-alcoholic drink with oak, vanilla, and a dry finish. Here's how to balance the spirit and mixer for a pour worth taking your time with.
What You Need
- 2 oz No. 86 Non-Alcoholic Spirit
- 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 cola you choose makes a significant difference to this drink. 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
No. 86's dry finish and oak base hold up against the cola's sweetness. Its oak and vanilla character still comes through the mixer.
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. Add lime if you want a citrus lift.
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 No. 86 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.
No. 86 and cola. A simple non-alcoholic pour with a dry finish.
→ Shop No. 86 — from $35.99
Make this recipe with No. 86 non-alcoholic spirit — built for cocktails like this one.