Beer And Coke: A Match Made In Heaven?

Mixing beer and Coke, also known as Colabier or diesel, is a popular drink in Germany. It is made by mixing a 40-oz bottle of Altbier with Coca-Cola, and sometimes a shot of cherry liquor. While some may find the combination unappealing, it can be quite refreshing, especially on a hot summer day. It is also believed that drinking Coke leads to a beer belly faster than drinking beer.

Cola and beer cocktails in Germany

In Germany, it is not uncommon to mix beer with cola. This drink is known by many names, including Colaweizen, Krefelder, Diesel, and Drecksack. Colaweizen is made by mixing equal parts cola and wheat beer, and is served in a wheat beer glass. It is a refreshing and sweet drink that is perfect for summertime sipping, especially if you are not a fan of the taste of German wheat beers.

To make a Colaweizen, simply add cola to a tall beer glass and then fill the rest of the glass with wheat beer. When pouring in the beer, tilt the glass at the beginning to avoid creating too much foam. Towards the end of the pour, straighten the glass to create a small amount of foam.

While Colaweizen is typically mixed in a 50:50 ratio, you can adjust the proportions to your taste. For a stronger drink, try mixing two parts wheat beer to one part cola.

In addition to Colaweizen, there are other beer and cola cocktails in Germany. For example, the Greifswalder, from the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern area, is made by mixing a black beer called Köstritzer with cola. Another variation is the Gespritztes, which is a Pilsner mixed with cola.

How to mix your own Colabier

Mixing beer with soft drinks is nothing new. Beer pairs well with many different types of sodas, adding flavour and fizziness to some beers. This combination is especially refreshing on a hot summer's day.

In Germany, a mixture of beer and Coca-Cola is called a Colabier or "diesel". The traditional way to make this drink is to use a 40-oz bottle of Altbier and a Coca-Cola. However, you can also use a domestic lager or pilsner-style lager.

• Start with both drinks cold, if not ice cold.
• Use a tall beer glass to mix the drink.
• Pour in the cola first and let the bubbles settle.
• Tilt the glass and slowly pour in the beer to avoid too much foam.
• Straighten the glass as you reach the top to get the right amount of head.

The standard ratio for a pre-mixed Colabier is 50% cola and 50% beer. However, some people find this too sweet. You can adjust the ratio to your taste preferences, such as using a third of the amount of cola for a stronger beer flavour. Alternatively, you can try a 70/30 beer-to-cola mix or a 60/40 ratio.

If you want to make a wheat beer and cola combination, known as a Colaweizen, follow the same steps as above but use a cloudy wheat beer instead. Colaweizen is a sweeter alternative for those who don't enjoy traditional German wheat beers. It goes well with salty snacks like pretzels.

Colaweizen

How to Make a Colaweizen

To make a Colaweizen, it is recommended to use a cloudy wheat beer, such as a hefeweizen, and your chosen cola. The traditional serving method is to pour the cola into a tall beer glass first and allow the bubbles to settle, then slowly tilt the glass and pour in the wheat beer to avoid excessive foaming. This cocktail can be made with a 50/50 mix of cola and beer, but some may find this too sweet. A ratio of 70% beer to 30% cola, or even 60/40, is often preferred to reduce the sweetness while still allowing the unique flavours of the wheat beer to come through.

Taste and Occasions

The result of mixing wheat beer with cola is a sweeter drink that can be more palatable to those who do not usually enjoy wheat beers. It is particularly well-suited to warm weather and can be enjoyed with salty snacks like pretzels to balance the sweetness of the cocktail. While some beer enthusiasts may turn their noses up at the idea, Colaweizen can be a refreshing change of pace and is even sold in pre-mixed cans in German supermarkets and bars.

Kirsche Colabierbowle

Ingredients and Preparation

The key ingredients for this punch are maraschino cherries, Altbier (a German-style beer), cola, and cherry liqueur. The night before serving, soak the cherries in sherry and refrigerate all the ingredients. On the day of the event, combine the chilled Altbier, cola, and cherry liqueur in a large punch bowl or pitcher. Stir well and chill until ready to serve.

It is recommended to serve Kirsche Colabierbowle over ice in small glasses, as the punch is best enjoyed in small quantities. The cherry flavour in the punch is subtle, but the sherry-soaked cherries used as a garnish provide an extra burst of flavour.

Tips and Variations

It is important to chill all the ingredients before mixing and to avoid adding ice directly to the punch to prevent dilution. For those who prefer a stronger beer flavour, adjusting the ratio of beer to cola is suggested. A ratio of 70% beer to 30% cola or 60/40 can reduce the sweetness while still allowing the unique flavours to shine.

Additionally, the leftover cherry-infused sherry from this recipe can be used in various ways. It can be added to lemonade for a boozy twist or incorporated into mulled wine for a cherry finish. Alternatively, it can be used in place of regular sherry in any recipe to create a cherry-infused version.

Beer vs Cola for Health

When it comes to health, beer is a better choice than cola. While both drinks have their defenders and detractors, beer has several nutritional advantages over cola.

Firstly, beer has no fat, sugar, or carbs, and fewer calories than cola. Beer also contains several vitamins and minerals, including thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B-6, folate, and vitamin B-12, whereas cola has no vitamins or minerals at all. Beer also has a lower glycemic load than cola, which can help with weight loss, blood sugar control, and reducing the risk of circulation disease and diabetes.

In addition, drinking alcohol in moderation has been linked to better health and longer life than abstaining. However, it is important to note that both beer and cola can be addictive and have negative health effects, especially when consumed in excess. Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to health issues such as liver disease, heart problems, and weight gain. Similarly, the high sugar content in cola can contribute to weight gain, liver problems, and an increased risk of diabetes.

While beer may have some nutritional advantages over cola, it is important to consume both drinks in moderation as part of a balanced and healthy lifestyle.

Frequently asked questions