When most people think of cola, they picture a carbonated soft drink — sweet, fizzy, and served over ice. But our Cola Cocktail Syrup is a far more sophisticated take on the classic, designed to add depth, nuance, and a surprising versatility to your home cocktail repertoire. This isn't your average soda fountain syrup: Made in-house from a blend of aromatic spices, citrus, lavender, and cane sugar, this syrup is rich, aromatic, and full of potential for elevating cocktails. Forget the saccharine sweetness of commercial sodas; this is a sophisticated ingredient for the discerning palate. It’s cola for grown-ups — a bittersweet, botanical base that plays beautifully with craft spirits and seasonal ingredients.
Below, we explore a collection of New Deal cocktail recipes that highlight the versatility of this housemade syrup. Far from a one-note mixer, this syrup elevates classic serves and inspires entirely new creations. The beauty of this syrup lies in its ability to complement a wide array of spirits, from robust whiskies to delicate brandies. It’s a secret weapon for any home bartender looking to elevate their game.
From fresh summer sips to cozy winter warmers, these recipes showcase how cola can be a complex flavor enhancer — not just a soda pop staple.
Rum & Cola: The Quintessential Classic
Why yes, this syrup does make a fantastic Rum & Cola! You should definitely consider ditching the corn syrup and try mixing our house-made Cola Cocktail Syrup with Distiller’s Cut Rum and bubbly water. It’s a must if you’re looking for something tasty, refreshing, and super easy to make.
However, it should be noted that this syrup is a whole lot more than a one-trick Rum and Cola pony. A blend of vanilla, citrus, lavender, and aromatic spices, this versatile cocktail syrup can make a variety of dynamite drinks, some of which are perfect for the Fall and Holiday season. If you think of it as more of a spiced vanilla citrus syrup, you could unlock some seriously delicious possibilities.
Strawberry Bliss: A Verdant Summer Delight
Maybe you’d like to take advantage of summer strawberries? Great idea! Strawberry Bliss is a fizzy, fruit-forward cocktail that tastes like a sun-drenched afternoon, making it perfect for brunches, patio hangs, and garden parties. Muddle a few strawberries with Cola Syrup and shake with either our Distiller’s Reserve Bourbon or Distiller's Workshop Oregon Brandy and ice. The Cola Syrup introduces a subtle, spiced complexity that harmonizes with the fruit’s sweetness without overpowering it. The bourbon or brandy provides a warm, layered foundation, while the soda water adds a crisp effervescence. Pair it with light fare such as a fresh strawberry and goat cheese salad or a delicate charcuterie board.
Have You Ever: A Modern Old Fashioned
Any Old Fashioned fans out there? We have to say, the flavors in our Cola Syrup work beautifully with our Distiller’s Workshop Brandy. Together, they make a perfectly balanced, vanilla-spiced Old Fashioned that we call Have You Ever. The Old Fashioned is the pinnacle of cocktail elegance, and the Have You Ever offers a delightful, modern twist. The Brandy’s rich, fruity notes are beautifully complemented by the Cola Syrup’s blend of vanilla and spice, while the Angostura bitters add a layer of complexity. If Brandy isn’t your thing--which saddens us because ours is made from Willamette Valley grapes and is fantastic--you could make this drink with our Bourbon, Rye, or Wheat Whiskey and be just as happy. A summer BBQ staple, the Have You Ever pairs beautifully with jerk chicken, charred corn on the cob, or grilled pineapple skewers. It’s simple enough to batch for a crowd but complex enough to impress.
Dream On: A Spiced Sour for Every Season
What about our barrel-rested Old Tom Gin, you ask? Well, the combination of citrus and vanilla in this Old Tom Gin fizz gives major creamsicle vibes. We call this one Dream On, and it is truly heavenly to sip. This tantalizing cocktail is a vibrant, citrus-forward drink with a captivating balance of sweet and sour.
We won’t lie— egg white cocktails do require a bit more shaking, but it will be well worth your time once you taste that silky texture and fluffy egg white foam.
It offers a bright and zesty first impression from the lemon juice, quickly followed by the spice notes of the Cola Syrup and the vanilla notes of our barrel-rested Old Tom Gin. This is the perfect cocktail for a weekend brunch or a lively dinner. Its crispness makes it an excellent pairing for spicy food, like Thai curries or a flavorful ceviche.
An Apple A Day: A Tropical Fall Treat
In the mood for a tropical cocktail? Why not shake up An Apple A Day? Here, our 10-year Distiller's Workshop Amber Rum meets spiced Cola Syrup, citrus, apple juice, and herbal notes from a splash of Cascadia Bitter Liqueur. A Fall favorite, An Apple a Day leans into seasonal flavors and tastes like a grown-up apple pie in a glass. The Apple Brandy gives it a baked-fruit richness, while the Cola Syrup brings notes of nutmeg, clove, and dried citrus peel. Lemon juice adds a flash of brightness that keeps the drink from feeling heavy, while the Cascadia Bitter Liqueur adds layers of complexity. This drink would hit the spot any time of year, but we think it's the ultimate "sweater weather" cocktail, perfect for a crisp fall evening, a bonfire with friends, or after your Thanksgiving feast. Pair it with pork chops and sage butter, roasted root vegetables, or sharp cheddar cheese.
Vanilla Apple Sour: A Sophisticated Autumn Sipper
While it might not be chilly yet, do keep these next few drinks in mind as the seasons change. What could be better on a brisk autumn day than a Vanilla Apple Sour? Our Distiller’s Workshop Apple Brandy is the star of the show with strong support from fresh lemon, Cola Syrup, and a few dashes of orange bitters. It's an elevated sour that drinks like a dessert — without being cloying. The Apple Brandy anchors the flavor, and the Cola Syrup ties it all together with a whisper of vanilla and citrus. The cinnamon dusting on top adds a visual and aromatic element that hints at the flavors within. This is an excellent choice for a brisk, sunny day or an autumn evening. It’s perfect for a pre-dinner cocktail served with a blue cheese taster board, or a sophisticated dessert pairing with a classic apple tart or caramel flan.
Cascadia Old Fashioned: A Pacific Northwest Masterpiece
You might also like to bookmark the Cascadia Old Fashioned. Here, earthy Distiller's Reserve Rye Whiskey and spiced Cola Syrup meet herbal Cascadia Bitter Liqueur. This is a cocktail for the serious spirits enthusiast. The rye provides a spicy backbone, while the Cascadia Bitter Liqueur adds a deep herbal complexity. The Cola Syrup weaves in notes of vanilla and spice, softening the bitterness and creating a beautifully balanced and robust sip. This is the perfect fireside sipper for a cozy night in, and it pairs beautifully with grilled meats, aged cheeses, or a rich, savory mushroom risotto.
Winter Wonderland: A Creamy, Spiced Treat
If you’re one of those people who believe it’s never too early to start thinking about the Holidays, this final drink is for you. Don’t let the season pass without a Winter Wonderland. Sure, it might be a little decadent for daily imbibing, but hey, it's the holidays. Or, at least it will be before you know it. Portland 90 Vodka and Ginger Liqueur gets shaken with this fabulous syrup and a hefty splash of cream. Serve it on ice with a candied ginger garnish, and we promise you’ll think it’s pretty delightful.
A creamy and comforting cocktail, the Winter Wonderland is a perfect antidote to cold weather. A comforting blend of sweet vanilla and fiery ginger combines with heavy cream, providing a luxurious, smooth texture. The vodka creates a clean finish, allowing the ginger and vanilla to take center stage. This cocktail is a festive treat, perfect for holiday parties, a special dessert cocktail, or simply for winding down on a cold winter night. It would pair wonderfully with a slice of gingerbread or a warm pecan pie.
Why Cola Cocktail Syrup Deserves a Spot on Your Bar Cart
Our versatile Cola Cocktail Syrup isn’t just a novelty — it’s a workhorse ingredient that lends depth, complexity, and a touch of nostalgia to any drink. Unlike conventional cola, which often masks spirits with sugar and fizz, this syrup complements them, enhancing botanicals, spices, and acids.
Whether you’re mixing up a bubbly summer sipper like Strawberry Bliss or a wintery indulgence like Winter Wonderland, this syrup is the bridge between the familiar and the elevated. It works across spirit categories — from vodka and rum to gin and apple brandy — and adapts to every season. Next time you reach for a simple syrup or citrus zest to balance a drink, consider letting cola take the lead. You might just discover your new favorite signature cocktail.