The classic bourbon and coke ratio is 1:2 — one part bourbon to two parts cola. This recipe uses 2 oz of non-alcoholic bourbon to 4 oz of cola, served over ice in a highball glass with a lime wedge. That ratio works for almost everyone. If you want a stronger bourbon flavor, go 1:1.5. For something lighter, try 1:3. The drink is forgiving — adjust until it tastes right to you.
The bourbon and coke is the drink people make when they don’t want to think about what to make. Two ingredients, no technique required, and it tastes exactly like you expect it to. That’s not a criticism. The simplicity is what makes it work. The cola’s sweetness and carbonation meet the bourbon’s warmth, and the lime bridges the two. Whether you call it a bourbon and coke, whiskey and coke, or just a highball, the formula is the same.
More on the bourbon and coke ratio
A 1:2 ratio (2 oz bourbon, 4 oz cola) is the standard for a reason — it’s balanced. The bourbon is detectable but the cola still tastes like cola. A 1:1.5 pour gives you more bourbon character and a slightly less sweet drink. A 1:3 pour leans into the cola side and is closer to a flavored soda. There’s no “right” ratio, just the one you prefer.
If you’re stretching one bottle of non-alcoholic bourbon as far as it’ll go, lean toward the 1:3 ratio. If you want the spirit to actually carry the drink, stick with 1:2 or go to 1:1.5.
The cola matters more than you think
In a two-ingredient drink, quality shows. Mexican Coca-Cola (made with cane sugar instead of corn syrup) has a cleaner sweetness that pairs better with the spiced notes of a bourbon alternative. Fever-Tree Cola and Q Cola are craft options with more complex flavor profiles. Even a cherry or vanilla cola changes the character of the drink in interesting ways.
Avoid diet colas unless that’s your strong preference. The artificial sweeteners interact differently with the bourbon alternative and can produce an off-taste that isn’t present with regular cola.
Building the bourbon and coke
Fill a highball glass with ice, pour the non-alcoholic bourbon over it, and top with cola. Stir once, gently. The lime wedge goes on the rim or squeezed directly into the glass, depending on how much citrus you want. Squeezing it in adds brightness that cuts through the sweetness. Leaving it on the rim makes the lime optional per sip.
The bourbon alternative
Seedlip Spice 94 adds enough warmth and spice to remind you that there’s a spirit in the glass. The cola does most of the heavy lifting flavor-wise, so the bourbon alternative just needs to provide structure and a dry counterpoint to the sweetness. For more on building your own bourbon flavor, see our homemade bourbon substitutes guide. The Kentucky Mule swaps the cola for ginger beer if you want something with more kick.
