Mixing Drinks 101: Can You Mix Tequila And Coke?

can you mix tequila and coke
Joe | Last Updated: September 24, 2023
I'm Joe, a veteran bartender with over a decade in the industry and a burning passion for mixing drinks.

In this episode of our mixing drink 101 series, we’re going to explore a question that’s been on many of our reader’s minds: “Can you mix tequila with Coke?”

It’s not your usual mix, we get it. Tequila typically goes hand-in-hand with lime, salt, and sometimes a touch of triple sec.

Coke, meanwhile, often complements bourbon, whiskey, or rum. But what if we bucked the trend and threw these two together?

Well, today we’re going to look at what happens when you mix tequila with Coke. We’ll cover taste profiles, what happens when the two are mixed, and whether it’s a good idea in the first place.

Let’s get into it…

Can You Mix Tequila And Coke?

Yes, you can certainly mix tequila and Coke. The combination is not as common as, say, rum and Coke, or whiskey and Coke, but it can still be an enjoyable cocktail.

This mix is often called a “Batanga” which is a popular drink in Mexico, particularly in the town of Tequila. It’s typically made with a salt-rimmed glass, tequila, Coke, and a squeeze of lime juice, garnished with a lime wedge.

The tequila brings a certain earthy, sweet flavor from the agave plant, while the Coke provides a caramel-like sweetness and a bubbly texture.

can you mix tequila and coke
Photo by Deepal Tamang

The acidity and freshness of the lime helps balance out the sweetness and adds a zesty note, making it a refreshing choice, especially for hot summer days.

As with any cocktail, the quality of the ingredients and the balance of flavors are key to creating a great drink. A quality, 100% agave tequila, and fresh lime juice can make a big difference.

But like all things, the tequila and Coke mix is down to personal preference. Some people love the combination, while others prefer to keep their tequila and Coke separate.

It’s definitely worth a try if you’re curious or looking for something new to mix up! I personally love this mix and find it to be incredibly refreshing.

>> Read more: Can you mix Baileys with Coke?

What Happens When You Mix Tequila And Coke?

When mixing tequila and Coke, it results in a very interesting and unique taste that many are yet to experience.

The earthy, and somewhat sweet flavor of the tequila combines with the caramel-like sweetness and fizz of Coke. Together, they create a balanced, refreshing cocktail that is nothing short of delicious.

This blend of flavors can also be enhanced with a squeeze of lime, a common addition in a Batanga – the popular tequila and Coke cocktail from Mexico.

The lime adds a citrusy freshness that cuts through the sweetness, giving the drink a tangy edge.

However, the specific taste can vary based on the quality and type of tequila used. For instance, a higher-end tequila or one that’s been aged longer might lend more sophisticated, deep flavors to the drink compared to a standard, younger tequila.

So, you might want to experiment a bit to find your perfect tequila and Coke combination. It’s also a good idea to try Diet Coke or Coke Zero as these can tweak the flavor of the mix.

Keep in mind though, the taste might not appeal to everyone. Some people love this mix, while others might find that the flavors don’t blend well together.

It’s a subjective matter and, like any cocktail, largely depends on personal preference. So, if you’re curious, give it a try!

You might just discover your new favorite cocktail.

>> Read more: Can you mix tequila and beer?

Is Mixing Tequila And Coke A Good Idea?

Yes, mixing tequila and Coke can be a great idea if you enjoy experimenting with different flavors in your cocktails. As mentioned earlier, it’s a mixture used in some cocktails, like the Batanga.

This combo isn’t as common as some others you might be familiar with, but it offers a unique taste that many people enjoy, including myself.

As with all cocktails, the key lies in the quality of the ingredients and the balance of flavors. Choosing a good quality tequila, preferably 100% agave, can make the drink taste significantly better.

So, if you’re feeling adventurous and want to try a different cocktail, go ahead and mix up some tequila and Coke.

>> Read more: Can you mix vodka and tequila?

Why Do People Mix Tequila With Coke?

People mix tequila with Coke for a number of reasons, but primarily for the unique flavor it offers. Tequila, known for its earthy and somewhat sweet flavor, contrasts with the caramel-like taste and fizziness of Coke.

This combination results in a cocktail that’s both refreshing and full of character. The Coke can also help soften the strong punch of tequila, making it more palatable for those who find straight tequila too intense.

This mix is also a quick and easy cocktail to make, needing no special ingredients or tools – just tequila, coke, and a slice of lime.

It’s a convenient choice when you want a mixed drink without too much fuss.

can you mix tequila and coke
Photo by NIPYATA!

It’s also worth noting that the popularity of the Batanga cocktail has also encouraged people to try this combination.

Some enjoy the novelty of trying a cocktail that’s popular in tequila’s homeland, while others genuinely fall in love with the taste.

I for one first tried this mix a couple of years ago when I first heard from a friend that it was a legitimate drink and much to my surprise, I LOVED it and have never looked back.

>> Read more: Can you mix rum and tequila?

Final Thoughts

To wrap things up, the pairing of tequila and coke isn’t the most common of combinations, but it’s certainly a mix that’s worth trying.

This mix brings together the earthy notes of tequila with the fizzy, sweet comfort of Coke, resulting in an easy-to-make, balanced cocktail.

Topped off with a fresh squeeze of lime, it becomes a quick, easy-to-make cocktail that’s both refreshing and delicious.

So the next time you’re knocking up some tequilas, remember this post and add a splash of Coke.

You’ll thank me later!