Coke and Tequila: The Batanga Cocktail

Have you ever thought about mixing Tequila and Coke? The answer to this question is YES! It is nearly impossible to get this drink wrong; Tequila, Lime, and Coke on the bed of ice in the glass, preferably with the rim of salt.

History of Tequila and Coke (aka Batanga)

Mixing Tequila and Coke has come a long way, almost 100 years! It is hard to know who initially introduced Coke and Tequila (similarly, no one can know who mixed Rum and Coke). Still, even then, the main credit is awarded to Don Javier Delgado Corona of La Capilla in Tequila, Mexico. It then spread to America and eventually to the rest of the world. People then started mixing all kinds of alcohol with Coke.

Often, Tequila and Coke with Lime Cocktail are called Batanga.

What is Tequila and How is it Made?

After distilling the fermented Sugar obtained from the Blue Agave plant (mainly found in Mexico), an alcoholic beverage called Tequila is made. In recent times, the process of making tequila can be very intense.

First, you need to cut and harvest the Blue Agave Plant before it has been baked so that its contents can easily be turned into pulps. Once it has been turned into pulp, its juice is extracted and then cooked before fermentation, preferably in big wooden barrels. Once the desired outcome is obtained, Tequila is distilled for use.

Diet Coke or Not?

If you want a low calorie drink, you can use diet coke in this recipe, but it is said to be a violation of the Cocktail rules; however, it is still a matter of preference.

You should be careful when using diet coke, mainly due to the chemistry in diet coke; it can make your cocktail more potent. It now depends on your personal preference; for some, it may be positive, and for some, it may be negative.

Moreover, due to the sweeteners added to the diet Coke or Coke Zero compared to sugary sweetness in Coke, the Cocktail flavor can taste very different.

How about Pepsi?

This is considered to be a bigger violation if compared to using diet coke in your Tequila. However, everyone has their preference; if you like Pepsi more than Coke- Go ahead! Make your Batanga with Pepsi and enjoy.

Tequila and Coke Cocktail Recipe

The most basic recipe of Batanga, as close as it can get, is as follows:

1. Tequila (preferably Blanco (white))
2. Coco-Cola (preferably Mexican Coke; however, you can use any kind of dark Cola. Coco-Cola is considered to be the perfect Cocktail mixer)
3. Fresh Lime (its juice cuts the sweetness of Coco-Cola and give the perfect amount of fizz to the drink)
4. Salt (Optional)

Instructions:

1. This step is optional, but for beautification purposes, you can cut a slice of lemon and rub it on the edges of the glass, then dip the glass in the salt so that it sticks to the glass.
2. Then add ice to the glass, pour Tequila into the glass.
3. Top the drink with a few ounces of Coco-Cola. Squeeze ½ oz. of lemon into the cocktail to give it a refreshing taste. Stir the cocktail (to give it the authentic taste and look, use a large knife to stir, read the history) and serve. To make your drink look beautiful, you can add lime wedges or wheels on the rim of the glass.
4. Taste the drink and adjust it according to your preference. For example, if you like Lime more, add more.

What Tequila Brand to Use?

There is no certain answer to this as it goes down to the preference of each person. Drinkers have expressed their preference to a wide range from Patron Silver Blanco to Hornitos Plata. However, the most commonly used Tequila for this cocktail is White Blanco, but it depends entirely on the drinker.

Recipes to try with Tequila and Coke

• Old Bay Salmon
• Paula Deen Spinach Quiche Recipe
• Olive Garden Herb-Grilled Salmon
• Paula Deen Salmon Loaf
• Domino’s Spinach and Feta Pizza
• Dominican Beets Potato Salad
• CPK Asparagus Spinach Spaghettini