Coca Co

Place a highball or Collins glass in the freezer for 5 minutes or fill it with ice water while you prepare ingredients to ensure the drink stays cold.

Chill glass

In a mixing glass or shaker without ice, pour 1.5 oz white rum, 0.5 oz fresh lime juice, and 0.25 oz demerara (or simple) syrup. Stir briefly to combine — you are not diluting yet, only marrying flavors.

Measure and combine spirits and citrus

Discard the chilling ice water (if used) and fill the chilled highball glass with crushed ice or ice cubes, leaving about 1 inch of headspace at the top.

Add ice to glass

Pour the rum-lime-syrup mixture over the ice, then slowly top with 6 oz chilled Coca-Cola. Pour gently down a bar spoon or the inside of the glass to preserve carbonation.

Build the cocktail

Using a bar spoon, give the drink one or two gentle turns to integrate the cola and spirit without flattening the soda.

Stir gently

Express oils from a lime wedge over the drink by squeezing it briefly, then drop the wedge or place a lime wheel on the rim. Add an optional cocktail cherry for color.

Garnish

Serve immediately with a straw or stirrer so the drink can be refreshed. Recommend enjoying while soda is still effervescent.