Recreating the original 1886 Coke recipe

Ingredients

• 8 fl oz Grain Alcohol (95% ABV) (high‑proof neutral spirit, used as the carrier for the essential‑oil blend)
• 1 ml Orange Essential Oil (food‑grade, highly aromatic)
• 1.5 ml Lemon Essential Oil (food‑grade)
• 0.25 ml Coriander Essential Oil (food‑grade, adds subtle spice)
• 0.5 ml Neroli Essential Oil (expensive, provides the signature floral note)
• 0.5 ml Cinnamon Essential Oil (food‑grade)
• 1.18 liters Water (room‑temperature, filtered if possible)
• 1.2 kg Granulated Sugar (white granulated, dissolves into syrup)
• 5.5 ml Caramel Color (food‑grade liquid caramel, gives cola hue)
• 3.75 ml Vanilla Extract (pure vanilla, not imitation)
• 0.5 g Caffeine Powder (pure caffeine, equivalent to ~3.75 ml liquid measure)
• 10 g Citric Acid (provides acidity and sharpness)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Alcohol Base

   Measure 8 fl oz (≈237 ml) of 95 % grain alcohol into a clean mixing bowl.

   Time: PT2M

2. Add Essential Oils (Merchandise 7X)

   Using a dropper, add 1 ml orange oil, 1.5 ml lemon oil, 0.25 ml coriander oil, 0.5 ml neroli oil, and 0.5 ml cinnamon oil to the alcohol. Stir gently to combine.

   Time: PT3M

3. Combine with Water

   Add 1.18 L of room‑temperature filtered water to the alcohol‑oil mixture and stir until the oils are fully dispersed.

   Time: PT2M

4. Create the Sugar Syrup

   In a separate large bowl, combine 1.2 kg granulated sugar with a splash of the alcohol‑oil mixture (about 50 ml) to help dissolve. Stir continuously for about 5 minutes until the sugar is completely dissolved.

   Time: PT5M

5. Add Color and Flavor Enhancers

   Stir in 5.5 ml caramel color, 3.75 ml vanilla extract, 0.5 g caffeine powder (or crushed Pro Plus tablets), and 10 g citric acid into the sugar syrup.

   Time: PT2M

6. Combine Flavor Concentrate with Dilution Water

   Measure 150 ml of the prepared flavor concentrate (the mixture from steps 1‑5). Add this to a clean container holding 750 ml of fresh water (1 part concentrate to 5 parts water). Stir gently.

   Time: PT2M

7. Carbonate (Optional)

   If you have a soda siphon or carbonation machine, carbonate the finished cola to your desired level (≈2.5 volumes of CO₂).

   Time: PT5M

8. Final Safety Check and Serve

   Give the beverage a final stir, pour into glasses over ice, and enjoy. Keep any remaining concentrate refrigerated.

   Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

140

Protein

0 g

Carbohydrates

35 g

Fat

0 g

Fiber

0 g

Ingredient Substitutions

• Instead of Grain Alcohol (95% ABV): Everclear 190 proof (US), Vodka (minimum 80 proof, but flavor will be weaker)
• Instead of Orange Essential Oil: Orange extract (use 2 ml), Fresh orange zest (infuse, then strain)
• Instead of Lemon Essential Oil: Lemon extract (use 3 ml), Fresh lemon zest (infuse, then strain)
• Instead of Coriander Essential Oil: Ground coriander (¼ tsp, dissolved in alcohol)
• Instead of Neroli Essential Oil: Orange blossom oil (0.5 ml), Skip – flavor will be less authentic
• Instead of Cinnamon Essential Oil: Ground cinnamon (¼ tsp, dissolved in alcohol)
• Instead of Water: Filtered water
• Instead of Granulated Sugar: Cane sugar, Organic sugar
• Instead of Caramel Color: Homemade caramel syrup (use less, adjust color)
• Instead of Vanilla Extract: Vanilla bean (scrape seeds from ½ bean)
• Instead of Caffeine Powder: Crushed Pro Plus tablets (use 2 tablets, ~0.5 g)
• Instead of Citric Acid: Lime juice (use 10 ml, adjust sugar accordingly)

Equipment Needed

• Measuring Cup
• Dropper or Pipette
• Digital Kitchen Scale
• Mixing Bowl (large)
• Stirring Spoon (silicone or wooden)
• Lighter or Torch
• Protective Gloves (optional)

Critical Steps — Do Not Skip

• Igniting the 95 % alcohol (if you choose to demonstrate the flame) – handle with extreme caution.
• Precise measurement of essential oils – too much will make the drink bitter or toxic.
• Complete dissolution of sugar and caffeine – undissolved particles affect texture.

Chef Tips from the Video

• Use glass dropper bottles for essential oils to avoid plastic leaching.
• Wear nitrile gloves when handling the high‑proof alcohol and essential oils.
• Label the concentrate bottle with date and ingredients; it looks like a potion!

Troubleshooting

Storage

Refrigerator: Store the flavor concentrate in a sealed glass bottle for up to 7 days.

Freezer: Do not freeze the concentrate; it may separate.

Room temperature: The finished carbonated cola can be kept at room temperature for 1 day, but refrigeration is recommended for best taste.

Make-Ahead Tips

• The Merchandise 7X concentrate can be prepared up to a week in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
• Keep the sugar syrup separate from the alcohol‑oil blend until just before final dilution to prevent crystallization.

Frequently Asked Questions