The unique yet familiar flavor of Coca-Cola has cemented its status as one of the world's most beloved mixers. Now, with dark spirits making a comeback and the cocktail culture hotter than ever, Coca-Cola is teaming up with some of the world's most innovative mixologists to craft a line of mixers. Coca-Cola Signature Mixers will be sold exclusively in the U.K. starting next month in sleek Hutchinson glass bottles – a nod to the silhouette of the first-ever Coca-Cola bottle from 1894. Each batch is stamped with the signature of its co-creator.
Coca-Cola Great Britain challenged a handful of the world’s leading bartenders to experiment with Coca-Cola and more than 200 contemporary and traditional ingredients. Last spring, several mixologists attended a Coke-curated workshop, where they created different recipes designed to pair with premium dark spirits.
These four varieties bubbled to the top in consumer taste tests:
Coca-Cola Signature Mixers Smoky Notes, by Max Venning: An intensely aromatic blend with smoky hints, this mix brings nuanced dimension to deep, spiced rums
and bold, premium whiskies.Ylang,ambrette seed and dried fruit, which inhabit the top layer, balance with an elegant base of warm brown spices, Peru Balsam and amber.Coca-Cola Signature Mixers Spicy Notes, by Adriana Chía and Pippa Guy: With a warm introduction that gives way to a fiery finish, this Signature Mixer boasts a sophisticated and complex blend. Citrusy lime, ginger, spicy jalapeño, fragrant rosemary and aromatic jasmine combine to create a mixer with a considered balance of zest and earthy flavors that pairs beautifully with spiced rums, aged/gold tequilas and spicy or sweet whiskies.
Coca-Cola Signature Mixers Herbal Notes, by Antonio Naranjo: A delightfully floral, crisp and tart mix, this Signature Mixer was developed to deliver fresh and herbaceous notes for discerning palates. Balancing refreshing notes of lemongrass with the earthy tones of dill seed and tagetes, this inviting mixer features a refreshing, simple profile that pairs beautifully with amber whiskies and most rums.
Coca-Cola Signature Mixers Woody Notes by Alex Lawrence: Crafted from a subtle blend of earthy patchouli, citrusy yuzu and aromatic basil, this Signature Mixer has a tart, light and refreshing profile, with a hint of warmth. These elements, expertly blended, combine to elegantly enhance the mellow wood and sweet tropical flavors of golden rums and smoky to woody whiskies.
“Coca-Cola has always had a synergy with dark spirits and classic cocktails, from the inception of the iconic Cuba Libre in the late 1900s to the popular Whiskey and Coke in the early 20th century," said Ana Amura, senior brand manager, Coca-Cola Great Britain. "With the rise of mixed drinks, we’re excited to announce the launch of Coca-Cola Signature Mixers, a specific range uniquely created to mix with dark spirits.
She added, “Working with an inspirational group of global mixologists to create amazing flavor combinations, we hope Coca-Cola Signature Mixers open up the world of mixology to an even wider audience.”