This 3-Ingredient Party Trick Is the Only Way I’m Drinking Diet Coke

Rachel Perlmutter
Rachel PerlmutterCulinary Producer at The Kitchn
I went to college to study art history and journalism, and I spent a lot of my free time cooking and planning dinner parties. So after graduating I went to culinary school with the plan to combine my loves of communication and food. I dove into any experience I could find in my hometown of Houston, Texas –– teaching cooking classes, working in food nonprofits, developing recipes, and even farming. Eventually, I moved to New York to work as a recipe developer and food stylist, including at meal kit companies Marley Spoon and Dinnerly. In my free time, I continue my quest to perfect kolaches and breakfast tacos that taste like home. You’ll find me shopping at the farmers market, having elaborate picnics, or hosting dinner parties that start with crudité and end with a candy plate. Nothing makes me happier than helping create more enthusiastic home cooks — except perhaps a good salad. My favorite way to cook and eat is seasonally, locally, and sustainably. I want to give people the tools and access to do that, too!
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published Aug 17, 2024
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Diet Coke with bitters and lime.
Credit: Rachel Perlmutter

On a recent summer Friday, my fiancé and I went for happy hour drinks at a neighborhood bar we’d never been to before. I wasn’t in the mood for anything alcoholic, but I wanted that out-of-office vibe only achievable with a silly beverage on a Friday afternoon.

I scanned the menu assuming I’d get my usual NA order, a bitters and soda water (or, if I was lucky, perhaps a Topo Chico), when I saw “DC Highball” on the menu. My interest was immediately piqued. The DC Highball was a Diet Coke with a few dashes of Angostura bitters and a squeeze of lime. After just one sip, I knew I would be recreating this “dressed-up Diet Coke” at home. It makes me wonder what else I should be putting in my occasional soda!

Why It Works

Dressing up a soda is a simple way to create a non-alcoholic cocktail that feels a little more special than just cracking open a can. I like the ritual of having a special beverage in a cocktail glass — even if I don’t actually want the buzz.

Obviously, not everyone is a Diet Coke fan. You can always try this with Sprite, Dr. Pepper, or, if you absolutely must, Pepsi.

Credit: Rachel Perlmutter

Ingredients in a Dressed-Up Diet Coke

Serve it over ice in a highball glass, or directly in those cute little glass bottles if you can find them!

  • Diet Coke. This is the base of your drink, so if you prefer regular Coca-Cola or Coke Zero, use that! Or try another soda you like. Either way, make sure it’s well-chilled.
  • Angostura bitters. Like in many classic cocktails, bitters help round out the flavor and add a little extra depth.
  • Lime. I like to use two lime wedges — one squeezed in, and an extra wedge for garnish.

Other Ways to Dress Up a Soda

The possibilities are endless! Here are a few combinations to get you started dressing up your Diet Coke, or any other soft drink you like.

  • A squeeze of lemon and a pinch of salt.
  • Go with a classic Roy Rogers by adding a spoonful of grenadine and top with a maraschino cherry.
  • A little vanilla extract and a sprig of fresh mint.
  • Try a fluffy Coke.
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