A tall glass filled with ice and a dark, effervescent coffee mixture, garnished with a bright red cherry and a fresh lime wheel.

Editorial recipe guidance

coffeehouse espresso · alcohol-free

Cherry Cola Cold Brew

Name: Cherry Cola Cold Brew
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 1 serving
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 oz cold brew coffee (unsweetened); 2 oz tart cherry juice; 0.5 oz vanilla syrup; 0.25 oz fresh lime juice; 3 oz cola (chilled); Ice cubes; 1 fresh cherry (for garnish); 1 lime wheel (for garnish)

A sophisticated coffee-based mocktail that combines the deep, smooth notes of cold brew coffee with the nostalgic sparkle of cola and the tart brightness of cherry and lime.

Editorial recipe guidanceThis page provides editorial development guidance; it does not represent a documented preparation claim.

Prep time

5 minutes

Total time

5 minutes

Serves

Difficulty

Easy

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coffee mocktails espresso coffeehouse drinks brunch cold brew mocktail cherry cola coffee

A close-up view of the bubbles rising through a layered Cherry Cola Cold Brew, showing the contrast between the dark coffee and the vibrant cherry juice.

Bright & refreshing

A balanced alcohol-free drink built around real citrus and fruit flavor.

Simple ingredients

Easy-to-find ingredients and an approachable home-bar method.

Perfect for occasions

Made for an everyday treat, dinner party, or celebratory pour.

Ingredients

Makes 1 serving. Ingredient quantities update with the selected batch size.

4 oz cold brew coffee (unsweetened)
2 oz tart cherry juice
0.5 oz vanilla syrup
0.25 oz fresh lime juice
3 oz cola (chilled)
Ice cubes
1 fresh cherry (for garnish)
1 lime wheel (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1
Prepare the glass
Fill a tall glass (highball or Collins glass) three-quarters full with fresh ice cubes.
2
Build the drink
Pour the cold brew coffee, tart cherry juice, vanilla syrup, and fresh lime juice over the ice.
3
Add the finishing touch
Use a long bar spoon to stir the mixture gently for about 10 seconds to chill and combine the ingredients.
4
Garnish & serve
Slowly top the glass with the chilled cola, allowing the carbonation to integrate naturally.
5
Garnish & serve
Give a final, very brief stir to incorporate the cola without losing the fizz.
6
Garnish & serve
Garnish with a fresh cherry and a lime wheel on the rim or dropped into the glass.

Recipe Tips

Use a concentrated cold brew if you prefer a stronger coffee flavor that stands up better to the dilution of ice and cola.
Ensure the cola is well-chilled before pouring to maintain maximum carbonation.
For a more visual presentation, layer the ingredients by pouring the cola slowly over the back of a spoon.

Make It Your Own

For a crowd: To serve a group, multiply the cold brew, cherry juice, vanilla, and lime portions in a large pitcher without ice. Stir to combine and refrigerate. When ready to serve, pour 6.75 oz of the mixture into individual ice-filled glasses and top each with 3 oz of fresh cola to ensure the carbonation remains active.

Easy swaps: Substitute black cherry juice for tart cherry juice for a sweeter, less acidic profile. Use caramel syrup instead of vanilla for a deeper, toasted flavor. Replace the cola with sparkling water and a dash of bitters for a lower-sugar version.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use hot brewed coffee instead of cold brew?

It is not recommended to use hot coffee as it may melt the ice too quickly and result in a diluted drink; if you must, ensure the coffee is completely chilled before mixing.

Is there a specific type of cola that works best?

A classic cane sugar cola provides the best flavor balance, but any standard cola will work well in this recipe.

How can I make this less sweet?

Reduce the vanilla syrup to 0.25 oz or use a sugar-free cola to lower the overall sweetness while maintaining the flavor profile.

Recipe by

Larry Leo

Editorial recipe guidance

This page provides editorial development guidance; it does not represent a documented preparation claim. Check the ingredient list, substitution guidance, and dietary labels before serving.

Recipe record updated: September 3, 2026

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