Cola

Cola is a carbonated soft beverage flavored with vanilla, cinnamon, citrus oils, and other flavorings. Most new colas are produced with a dark color using caramel color and flavored with sugar and/or high-fructose corn syrup.

Cola became popular worldwide after pharmacist John Pemberton invented Coca-Cola, a trademarked brand, in 1886. Most colas contain caffeine though other sources are now also used. The original cola drink by Pemberton contained an extract from the coca plant as well. His non-alcoholic recipe was inspired by the coca wine of pharmacist Angelo Mariani, made in 1863.

Most modern colas are made a dark color using caramel color and are sweetened with sugar and/or high-fructose corn syrup. They now come in multiple different brands. Among them, the most famous are Coca-Cola and Pepsi. These two companies have been competing since the 1890s, but their rivalry has strengthened since the 1980s.

Different sweeteners can be added to cola, often partly dependent on local agricultural policy. High-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is mainly used in the United States and Canada due to the lower cost of government-subsidized corn.

Cola is also great with

Fernandito
2 minutes
Fernandito

Fernet con coca, also known as fernando, its diminutive fernandito, or several other nicknames, is a long drink of Argentine origin consisting of the Italian amaro liqueur fernet and cola, served over ice. The success of the Fernandito cocktail started in the early 20th century when Fernet was first brought into the country by Italian immigrants. From then on, consumption of Fernet grew drastically.

Long Island iced tea
4 minutes
Long Island iced tea

A Long Island iced tea or Long Island ice tea is a type of alcoholic mixed drink typically made with vodka, tequila, light rum, triple sec, gin, and a splash of cola, which gives the drink the same amber hue as iced tea. The Long Island Iced Tea was popularized in the 1970s and remains a beloved drink. There are two competing origin stories for the Long Island iced tea, one from Long Island, Tennessee and one from Long Island, New York.

Cuba libre
2 minutes
Cuba libre

Rum and Coke, or the Cuba libre, is a highball cocktail consisting of cola, rum, and in many recipes lime juice on ice. The cocktail originated in the early 20th century in Cuba, after the country won independence in the Spanish–American War. It subsequently became popular across Cuba, the United States, and other countries. Its simple recipe and inexpensive, ubiquitous ingredients have made it one of the world's most-popular alcoholic drinks.

Black cat
3 minutes
Black cat

The black cat is a simple mixed drink perfect for a Halloween party, happy hour, or a lazy day on the patio. It's easy to mix up and a tasty cocktail for your favorite vodka. All the ingredients are relatively affordable, so it's also a very budget-friendly drink to prepare at home. Though the original recipe does not add a garnish, it would be a great addition to a party. The obvious choice would be a red maraschino cherry. You could also improvise and add other cherries types. Make your variation of the drink as it's a fun and useful DIY project that creates cocktails you'll want to share. If this cocktail it's served during Halloween then add special garnish options. The lychee eyeball is always a good call and would be delightful floating on top of the ice. You can also use original ice trays with skulls, bones, and other spooky figures. To obtain a "bloody" effect, add a little grenadine to the tray, or add red fruit like cranberries to the ice. The use of black vodka is also a good option to get this effect.