We Made 1886 Coca Cola Recipe - Glen And Friends Cooking
We Made 1886 Coca Cola Recipe - Glen And Friends Cooking is a medium American recipe that serves 8. 150 calories per serving. Recipe by Glen And Friends Cooking on YouTube.
Prep: 30 min | Cook: 5 min | Total: 45 min
Cost: $75.15 total, $9.39 per serving
Ingredients
- 30 mL Grain Alcohol (152 proof, 76% ABV) (Food‑grade, high proof for dissolving essential oils)
- 0.5 mL Bitter Orange Essential Oil (Substitutes neroli oil; use food‑grade oil)
- 0.5 mL Lemon Essential Oil (Food‑grade)
- 0.5 mL Nutmeg Essential Oil (Food‑grade)
- 0.5 mL Coriander Essential Oil (Food‑grade)
- 0.5 mL Cinnamon Essential Oil (Food‑grade)
- 3.75 mL Caffeine Extract (pure, food‑grade) (Approximately five times modern cola caffeine level)
- 2 kg Granulated Sugar (For simple syrup; use white granulated sugar)
- 2.25 L Water (Filtered or bottled)
- 30 mL Caramel Color (food‑grade) (Gives classic cola brown hue)
- 5 mL Vanilla Extract (Pure vanilla extract)
- 5 g Citric Acid (Provides tartness; not phosphoric acid)
- 30 mL Fresh Lime Juice (Juice of about 1 large lime)
- 6 L Carbonated Water (Cold, freshly carbonated)
Instructions
Prepare 7× Flavor Concentrate
In a clean glass jar, combine the grain alcohol with each essential oil (bitter orange, lemon, nutmeg, coriander, cinnamon) using 1 mL syringes. Stir gently to blend.
Time: PT5M
Make Simple Syrup
Add water to a medium saucepan, then stir in the granulated sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar fully dissolves and the mixture is clear. Do not bring to a boil.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 80°C
Add Flavor Add‑ins to Syrup
Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in caramel color, vanilla extract, citric acid, fresh lime juice, and caffeine extract until fully incorporated.
Time: PT3M
Combine 7× Concentrate with Syrup
For every liter of syrup, add 1.5 mL of the 7× flavor concentrate. For the 2.25 L of syrup prepared, add approximately 3 mL of the concentrate. Stir well.
Time: PT2M
Dilute with Carbonated Water
In a large beverage dispenser or pitcher, combine the flavored syrup with cold carbonated water at a ratio of 1 part syrup to 3 parts carbonated water (adjust to taste). Stir gently to preserve carbonation.
Time: PT2M
Chill and Serve
Refrigerate the finished cola for at least 30 minutes. Serve over ice with a lime wedge if desired.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 150
- Protein
- 0 g
- Carbohydrates
- 40 g
- Fat
- 0 g
- Fiber
- 0 g
Dietary info: Vegan, Contains caffeine, High sugar
Allergens: Citrus (orange, lemon, lime)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Grain Alcohol (152 proof, 76% ABV): Everclear (190 proof) if legal in your state, High‑proof neutral vodka
- Instead of Bitter Orange Essential Oil: Neroli oil (if available), Orange peel oil
- Instead of Lemon Essential Oil: Lemon zest oil
- Instead of Nutmeg Essential Oil: Ground nutmeg (use less, 1/8 tsp)
- Instead of Coriander Essential Oil: Ground coriander seed (use 1/4 tsp)
- Instead of Cinnamon Essential Oil: Ground cinnamon (use 1/4 tsp)
- Instead of Caffeine Extract (pure, food‑grade): Strong brewed coffee (adjust to taste), Guarana extract
- Instead of Granulated Sugar: Cane sugar, Organic white sugar
- Instead of Caramel Color (food‑grade): Homemade caramel (cook sugar until dark brown, dilute)
- Instead of Vanilla Extract: Vanilla bean (scrape seeds, use 1/2 bean), Vanilla paste
- Instead of Citric Acid: Fresh lime juice (increase amount), Lemon juice
- Instead of Fresh Lime Juice: Lemon juice (adjust to taste)
- Instead of Carbonated Water: Club soda
Equipment Needed
- Glass Mixing Jar (500 mL capacity)
- 1 mL Syringes (food‑grade)
- Digital Kitchen Scale
- Medium Saucepan
- Stirring Spoon (heat‑proof)
- Thermometer (optional)
- Soda Siphon or Carbonator
- Funnel (optional)
- Gloves (nitrile)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Accurately measuring and mixing the essential oils with high‑proof alcohol.
- Maintaining the correct syrup temperature to dissolve sugar without caramelizing.
- Adding the precise amount of 7× concentrate to the syrup (1.5 mL per liter).
Chef Tips from the Video
- For a richer caramel note, use a dark caramel color or a small amount of burnt sugar syrup.
- A pinch of sea salt in the syrup can enhance flavor complexity.
- If you prefer less sweetness, dilute the syrup with more carbonated water or add a splash of unsweetened sparkling water.
Troubleshooting
The cola tastes overly bitter.
Reduce the amount of 7× concentrate by half and add a little more sugar syrup to balance the bitterness.
The beverage is flat or loses fizz quickly.
Add the syrup to already carbonated water slowly, stir gently, and keep the finished drink chilled.
Essential oil aroma is missing.
Ensure the essential oils were fully dissolved in the grain alcohol; gently warm the 7× mixture (no more than 30°C) to aid dissolution.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store the flavored syrup in a sealed glass bottle for up to 2 weeks.
Freezer: Do not freeze the syrup; it may crystallize.
Room temperature: Carbonated water should be kept chilled; unopened bottles can sit at room temperature.
Make-Ahead Tips
- The 7× flavor concentrate can be stored in a dark glass bottle for up to 6 months.
- Simple syrup can be made in bulk and refrigerated; add fresh lime juice and citric acid just before final mixing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of 1880s Pemberton Coca-Cola in American beverage culture?
John Pemberton's 1880s formula was the birth of the modern soft‑drink industry. Originally marketed as a medicinal tonic, it introduced the concept of a carbonated, flavored, non‑alcoholic beverage that quickly became a staple of American life, paving the way for the global cola phenomenon.
What traditional regional variations of early cola existed in the United States during the late 19th century?
Early colas varied by the type of bittering agents used; some pharmacists used actual coca leaf extract, others used different citrus or spice blends. Regional pharmacies often added local herbs or adjusted sweetness based on available sugar, creating subtle taste differences across the country.
How was the original 1880s Pemberton Coca-Cola traditionally served in its era?
It was typically served over ice in a glass bottle or directly from the soda fountain, sometimes with a slice of lemon for extra zest. The drink was marketed as a refreshing tonic and often enjoyed after meals or as a midday pick‑me‑up.
What occasions or celebrations was the original Coca-Cola associated with in 19th‑century America?
Coca‑Cola quickly became popular at social gatherings, fairs, and temperance meetings, offering a non‑alcoholic alternative. It was also sold at pharmacies as a health tonic, making it a common fixture at community events and family celebrations.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for 1880s Pemberton Coca-Cola versus acceptable modern substitutes?
The authentic formula used coca leaf extract, kola nut extract, citric acid, caramel color, sugar, and a blend of essential oils (including neroli). Modern substitutes include bitter orange oil for neroli, food‑grade caffeine extract for coca leaf caffeine, and citric acid in place of phosphoric acid.
What other 19th‑century American drinks pair well with the historical Pemberton Coca-Cola?
Classic pairings include homemade root beer, ginger ale, or a simple sparkling water with a splash of fresh lemon. For food, it complements fried chicken, pork chops, and traditional American barbecued fare.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making 1880s Pemberton Coca-Cola at home?
Common errors include measuring essential oils inaccurately, overheating the sugar syrup (which creates caramel bitterness), and adding too much 7× concentrate, which can make the drink overly bitter. Also, using non‑food‑grade alcohol can be unsafe.
Why does this recipe use high‑proof grain alcohol to dissolve the essential oils instead of water?
Essential oils are oil‑based and do not mix with water. High‑proof, food‑grade alcohol acts as a solvent, fully extracting and dispersing the aromatic compounds, ensuring a uniform flavor when the concentrate is added to the syrup.
Can I make the 1880s Pemberton Coca-Cola ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Store the 7× concentrate in a sealed dark glass bottle in the refrigerator for up to six months. The simple syrup can be kept refrigerated for two weeks. Combine them only when you’re ready to carbonate and serve.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the 1880s Pemberton Coca-Cola is done?
The finished drink should be a clear, lightly brown liquid with fine carbonation bubbles. It should taste sweet with citrus and spice notes, a gentle bitterness from the essential oils, and a smooth mouthfeel without grainy sugar residues.
What does the YouTube channel Glen And Friends Cooking specialize in?
Glen And Friends Cooking focuses on experimental recreations of historic recipes, science‑based cooking techniques, and DIY food projects that blend culinary history with modern home‑cook practicality.
How does the YouTube channel Glen And Friends Cooking's approach to historic American beverage recreation differ from other cooking channels?
The channel emphasizes rigorous research, uses authentic ingredient substitutions, and provides detailed safety warnings for handling potent substances like high‑proof alcohol and essential oils—offering a more scholarly and safety‑first perspective than typical recipe channels.
Last updated: August 20, 2026
