MetLife Midnight

Name: MetLife Midnight
Prep time: 8 min
Total time: 8 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 oz Torani Black Cherry Syrup; 2 oz cold brew coffee concentrate, diluted 1:1; 1 oz fresh lemon juice; 6 oz cola (Fever-Tree Sicilian Lemon Cola or regular cola); Smoked sea salt, for rim; Lemon wedge, for rim; Ice cubes; Maraschino cherries and lemon twist, for garnish

A dark, dramatic New York-inspired mocktail: black cherry, cold brew, and cola with a smoked salt rim. The host city drink for the 2026 World Cup Final.

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

Prep time

8 min

Total time

8 min

Serves

Difficulty

Easy

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world-cup-final world-cup-2026 new-york metlife black-cherry cold-brew

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 2 servings. Ingredient quantities update with the selected batch size.

2 oz Torani Black Cherry Syrup
2 oz cold brew coffee concentrate, diluted 1:1
1 oz fresh lemon juice
6 oz cola (Fever-Tree Sicilian Lemon Cola or regular cola)
Smoked sea salt, for rim
Lemon wedge, for rim
Ice cubes
Maraschino cherries and lemon twist, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1
Prepare the glass
Run a lemon wedge around half the rim of two tall glasses. Press the rimmed edge into a plate of smoked sea salt.
2
Build the drink
Fill both glasses with ice cubes.
3
Add the finishing touch
In a small pitcher, stir together the black cherry syrup, cold brew coffee, and lemon juice.
4
Garnish & serve
Divide the mixture evenly between the two glasses — pour over the ice slowly.
5
Garnish & serve
Top each glass with 3 oz cola, pouring down the side of the glass to preserve the carbonation.
6
Garnish & serve
Do not stir — let the layers settle naturally for a dramatic two-tone effect.
7
Garnish & serve
Garnish with two maraschino cherries on a pick and a lemon twist.
8
Garnish & serve
Serve immediately while the carbonation is still active.

Recipe Tips

For the best two-tone effect, pour the cherry-coffee mixture first, then add the cola very slowly over the back of a spoon.
Fever-Tree Sicilian Lemon Cola adds a citrus brightness that regular cola doesn't have — worth seeking out for this recipe.
Make it a mocktail punch bowl for the Final watch party: multiply by 8, skip the cola, and add it per glass at serving time.

Make It Your Own

For a crowd: Prepare the fruit and cold-brew base in advance, chill it fully, and pour over fresh ice with a small sparkling finish if desired.

Easy swaps: Use decaffeinated cold brew for an evening crowd. Use black tea in place of cold brew for a lighter tannic note.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does it taste like coffee?

Coffee is an accent; reduce the cold brew if you prefer a fruit-forward drink.

Can I make it caffeine-free?

Yes. Use decaf cold brew or strong black tea without caffeine.

What garnish works?

A blackberry or orange peel adds aroma without competing with the darker base.

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: August 26, 2026

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