I Made My Own Coca-Cola | Best Cuba Libre?

Did you know that you can make your own Coca-Cola-like soda pop drink? To be honest, this was one of the most difficult experiments that I’ve done recently, but here it is. My own Coca-Cola. I named it ‘Kevin Cola’ and used it to make the best Cuba Libre cocktail ever. But I’m biased, so I’d love to hear your thoughts on it too!
Soda pop drinks are usually made with essential oils and there are a lot of recipes out there on how to make it this way, but I wanted my method to be more mixology-oriented, but still approachable for homemade experiments. My recipe has more ingredients, but they are mostly easy to find. Otherwise, tweak my recipe and make your own version of Cocktail Time Cola. Enjoy!
If you are in need of best quality syrups, including their Kola Syrup, then you have to check out Liber and Co:
bit.ly/CTandLiber
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𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗰𝗸𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗔𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗢𝗡: / cocktailtime
A massive thank you to all our Patrons, especially "Old Fashioned" Julien Laucke,
Johannes Haas, David McDermitt and “Negroni” Cesar Garcia and Stefan Molitor for their support!
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● 𝗠𝗜𝗫𝗢𝗟𝗢𝗚𝗬 𝗚𝗘𝗔𝗥: geni.us/h0A2aC3
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Check out the @ArtofDrink episode on how to make caramel coloring: • Caramel Colouring, Fla...
Here it is the episode from @GlenandFriendscooking with the original Coca-Cola episode: • We Made 1886 Coca Cola...
Want to see another Rum & Coke video? I did a pro version of it last year:
• Rum Old Fashioned with...
𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗖𝗼𝗰𝗸𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝗜𝗚, 𝗙𝗕 or 𝗪𝗘𝗕
● / kevin_kos
● / cocktailtimewithkevinkos
● www.kevinkos.com
Here are some of my favorite KZbin cocktail channels:
@How To Drink
@Steve the Bartender
@Truffles On The Rocks
@The Educated Barfly
@Vlad SlickBartender
@Behind the Bar
@Anderserickson
0:00 Intro
0:20 Cuba Libre
2:18 Other Coca-Cola Videos
3:18 Making Homemade Cola Syrup
6:24 Liber&Co Kola Syrup
7:01 Bottling Homemade Kevin Cola
8:02 50k Wooden Button Surprise
9:01 Tasting notes
9:27 Outro
The team behind this video:
Robi Fišer
Sašo Veber
Phantom hand
#cocktailtime #cocacola #cubalibre

Let me get one thing straight. My girl loves coca cola and right before I was able to grab second bottle of Kevin Cola for my D&D group it was already gone. She LOVED it. Basically everyone loved it!

[@KevinKos]

We will have to make a bigger batch of Kevin-Cola 🤩

[@Project337]

So you're saying you were looted?

[@Pedro-tl7jg]

So you have a girlfriend and a DnD group? Nice flex.

@@Project337 hahaha. Yes! You guys are funny!

@@Pedro-tl7jg 😂

[@Dopey_Quack]

The quality of this video deserves a nobel prize

[@greenspace3279]

I'm amazed that you don't get more views on your videos; the quality of shooting, the unique style of content, your personality, and the smooth jazz all come together to make a very easy to follow and excellent product! I'd love to see potential collaborations with other cocktail youtubers, and I can't wait to see what comes next. :)

[@KevinKos]

The views and Collaborations will come 😊 Thank you for your support!

[@phantomhandofcocktailtime6911]

Really missed the opportunity to call in Kevin Kola. 💁‍♀️

[@joshuagies4900]

Loved the shout outs! I've watched several of Glen's soda episodes, and this seems like a great take on a cola! Congrats on your wooden play button! It's well deserved!

[@PatrickJaszewski]

Another great one, Cocktail Time team! Congrats on 50k - it's amazing to see your growth. You've earned it!

[@KevinKos]

Thank you!

[@jonlau7937]

that 100k is just around the corner! i remember when the channel was just over a few thousand subs around the pandemic! shows how quality your channel is with your team and production 👏💪

[@KevinKos]

you know.. thank you for being here from the start. Means a lot Jon!

[@someq.]

this was easily the best quality video I've seen on cocktails on this platform, such an amazing educational and content experience!

[@jewelnerd8887]

I love all the different drinks you make and explain about, but the one thing I love most about your channel/show…, is that it reminds me a lot of a show I used to watch on (food network) called “good eats” back about 10+ years ago. You have the same vibe as that host and the same passion expressed with each episode you make. For that main reason is why I will forever be a fan and look forward to more amazing content going forward. :) Cheers, Mike- from Texas

[@KevinKos]

So happy to read that! That means a lot to me! Thank you for being our fan! Cheers, Mike!

[@Pre4ch3r]

Congratulations!!! I've learned so much in my short time here. I made the cola foam the other day, and WOW was a hit! Doing it again in a couple weeks for another dinner party. I tell everyone to come check out your videos!! Thanks for helping this old guy up his game.

[@KevinKos]

That is so nice! Happy to see that my creations help you out and satisfy your guests! Thanks for spreading the word, it really means a lot! Cheers

[@javiervigil2511]

That's so cool, congrats👍. It's been so much fun watching this channel grow and being part of the Kos community, tanks for the excellent content👍👍🤗

[@KevinKos]

Thank you for being a part of the community! Cheers!

[@dartstone238]

This has become one of my favorite moment of the week. Thank you for sharing your recipes and for the amazing visuals !

[@KevinKos]

With pleasure! Thank you for watching and sharing your thoughts!

[@OldFashionedWays]

congratulations on the 50K. That cola sounds tasty. one day I will take the time to make some. always great and entertaining videos. thanks and cheers

[@makeitkozi]

I really like this cola syrup recipe. I’ll have to try it. Congrats on the 50K!!! 🎉🥃🎉🥃🎉

[@techno9495]

You guys make videos in a very unique style I would describe as "correct". Everything looks clean and the way it should be. Im gonna think about what I will drink today and you guys keep up the good work, all right? :)

[@KevinKos]

We will. Cheers!

[@alexsagirov2020]

Wow. That’s amazing. I wasn’t expected you can make your Coca-Cola in home. Love this video. Keep great work. Especially with quality content

[@KevinKos]

Thank you!

[@thelthrythquezada8397]

Alex I think I have rewatched it 3x now back to back. its so relaxing.

[@alexsagirov2020]

@@thelthrythquezada8397 Yeah, me too.

[@BluesBarman]

Hermano Felicidades vamos por el millon, todo este contenido de lujo lo vale!

[@tyrelirwin]

Congrats on 50K! Well deserved!

[@arianyazdannik968]

Extremely impressive video Kevin. I like your DIY ingredients approach to all cocktails. And congrats on reaching 50K subs.🥂

[@MrMoney331]

Congrats on the 50K! You guys are getting there! Great Video as always!

[@KevinKos]

Thank you!

[@liberandco]

Congrats on 50K!! You guys are awesome. Kevin Kola sounds delicious 😋

[@KevinKos]

Thank you so much! Cheers!

[@emiliongo007]

Another great video Kevin, keep it up!

[@TheTimN8er]

This channel is so well produced, you deserve many more followers

[@Artofdrink]

Thanks for the mention, love your videos, so much style. Cheers

[@KevinKos]

With pleasure! Your channel is great! Thank you!

[@owenw1002]

Just realized I’ve been watching your videos for months without subscribing, I’m always so focused on what you are making i forget i’m on KZbin and not in some fancy cocktail class, how the hell do you only have 50k subscribers with such high quality content??? You need to be found!!

[@j10shovels]

Congrats on the 50k+ subscribers! Your content is great!

[@KevinKos]

And thank you for being here. Cheers!

[@gonzalomoreno3577]

Amazing!! Great job, cheers!

[@TheSpiritoftheCocktail]

KEVIN!!!! This is awesome!!! I would have called it "Kirkland Kola", but that's just me!!! I love this idea!!! Your talents are on full display in this one!!! CHEERS!!!!

[@KevinKos]

Thank you, Tim! Kirkland-Kola sounds even better than Coca-Cola!

[@SpektakOne]

I love Glen & Friends channel! When I couldn’t easily travel to Canada during the pandemic, I did the next best thing: I followed one of his recipes and made the official food of Toronto, peameal bacon sandwiches. It was heaven on a fresh Kaiser roll. But his Coke experiments intimidated me - I’m going to give yours a try instead. 😊

[@kimh9736]

I'm making Cola using a mix of Glenn's recipe and one from Jan Kruger, I can suggest mixing the oils in 1/2 size and the sirup in 1/4 size, I find mixing 2.5g gum Arabic in 5ml water can be done fairly quickly using a milk frother.

[@TheyCallMeKent]

The quality of a channel that should have 1mill+ subs for sure. Lovely video as always

[@KevinKos]

Thanks for the support and creative spark!

[@EliasH-video]

Congrats on 50k! I look forward to watching the 1M video

[@KevinKos]

Thanks Elias! If we ever reach 1M we'll have to be very creative! 😃

[@robertwessels9827]

I want the Kevin Cola! I bet it was great! I appreciate your effort!

[@anicientbolt]

Congrats to you all on 50k, I don't think making cola is one I'll be trying anytime soon but it's a interesting recipe to try at somepoint.

[@KevinKos]

Thank you! Let me know how you like it!

[@Ralibar]

Got yourself a new sub. Really enjoyed the content 👌

[@lilialozano2609]

Congratulations for your first 50 k suscriptors, hugs from México, Salud🥂🍾👏

[@KevinKos]

Thanks! Cheers!

[@manuele.itriagom.728]

In Venezuela, my grandpa and his generation made the Cuba Libre always with añejo rum instead of white rum and two-three dashes of angostura bitters. For me, that's the best recipe. PS: of course, with lime and cola.

[@KevinKos]

For me too. I like aged rum in this cocktail.

[@Michael.T.]

Lep pozdrav iz Kanade. Another excellent video. And congratulations on reaching 50,000 subscribers. I am not sure if you use Falernum in your cocktails, but if you do, I would love to see you try to create the recipe. Looking forward to more videos in the future.

[@KevinKos]

I haven't yet, but I will for sure. Thank you and lep pozdrav v Kanado!

[@egrintarg230]

I love this type of video. I just made my own cocktail. Not soda and it is alcoholic but it is pretty good. You guys really get my creativity going when you make stuff like this. I may even surprise my family with my own unique pop for Christmas. They will never guess what it is. It will be so funny when they try to figure it out.

[@KevinKos]

That's what we love to hear - sparking inspiration and motivation is the best outcome of our work! That, and hopefully some delicious soda, in this case. Enjoy experimenting and cheers!

[@Rum_Ekornes]

love your work kevin!

[@KevinKos]

Thank you Marcus. It really means a lot! Cheers

[@guadalupeortiz1928]

I have to try this!!

[@KevinKos]

Make sure to report back.

[@victorgavrilenko4132]

Great episode as always guys ! Btw next 100k subscribers 💪🏼

[@MrFennmeista]

One of my dreams is to make an artisanal, hand-crafted old world soda. I would love to have a bottle of the the Kevin Concoction 😋🥃

[@KoreyThatcher]

Congrats on the play button my dude!

[@KevinKos]

Thanks Korey!

[@benharrison5816]

Looks amazing, and congrats on 50k! The Cuba libre is such a simple and tasty cocktail. I'm gonna have to try that cola syrup! Might I suggest brewing some ginger beer next for a very similar cocktail, maybe with some Ukrainian vodka. Now, I'm off to South America to make the OG Coca Cola recipe and kick it up a notch haha! Cheers!

[@KevinKos]

Thank you for the suggestion and nice words! Cheers!

[@AdamvsMaximvs]

Thanks for this video, gives me a great starting point on trying to make a sugar free version.

[@KevinKos]

Make sure to report back with results and have fun experimenting!

[@bensoulsby86]

Cuba is much better without any American influence, just like I'm sure this drink is better with Kevin Kola than Coke. Will be making this for sure! This also reinforces my theory that gin is the best spirit for mixing with Cola, due to sharing so many ingredients, it elevates the gin rather than burying it like tonic does. One of the best cocktail channels on KZbin!

[@elfillari]

Try to add a spoonful of Sodastream cola syrup with gin for drink the gin-cola straight!😊

[@s3lectr4_]

Nice recipe

[@igustiagungindrasastrawan1086]

Yes, another great reference for myself.... Thank you very much. And, congrats for all of you, keep it up, and hopefully Silver Button will coming soon for your great job. Cheeerrss....

[@KevinKos]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@admcmlxxii2662]

Congratulations for this channel, you always offer excellent recommendations. Many congratulations for your goal achieved with professionalism and humility. Greetings from Italy.

[@KevinKos]

Thank you! Cin cin!

[@Russman67]

Congratulations on hitting 50,000. I realize that your channel is the only reason I'll end up buying a sous vide machine. Just for the amount of drinks I can make

[@KevinKos]

Thank you Russell. I assure that you won't regret investing in to a sous vide. The amount of drinks and foods you can create with it is awesome! Even Sašo (camera & editing) bought one for syrups and steaks. Cheers

[@unbrokenj]

I loved the video, and your suit.

[@gon1127]

I appreciate the flex with Havana Club 7. 😄 Years ago I brought in a bottle of Havana Club 3 year into the states and played the "I didn't know I can't bring this in" through US Customs. Made Cuba Libre's and daiquiri's that much more tasty.

[@user-zi8dl3mp2f]

Appriciate your effort

[@nightnote6798]

Amazing, +1 for this beautiful tie

[@capki8530]

Awesome video! Do you know how many bottles of cola you could make from this? You’re using 6oz bottles, but I’m trying to figure out how much a single batch produces before calculating stuff for a 16oz bottle (I have a bunch of classic old Coke bottle my grandparents left behind that I want to do something with)

[@2cuntsgaming]

Not only are you a professional channel but you know how to give shoutouts to other channels that have inspired you, happily subbed -Cyba

[@KevinKos]

Much appreciated, thank you!

[@romulus_]

you're a champion and a class act. keep going.

[@KevinKos]

And you know what? Without you this wouldn't be possible. Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts!

[@lioleono1539]

where did you get caramel coloring ? , thank you for sharing your knowledge

[@brewjitsu429]

I often use a mason jar to sous vide liquids like this in, and just add a bit of time. It works great!

[@APersonInMelbourne]

Thanks, that will help me a lot

[@zombirk9927]

Im looking for drinks to make (or prepare before) to drink while somewhere else outside! (beach, woods, outdoor partys, ...) Any tips for something simple and easy to make with fewest possible ingredients AND make it look classy?

[@johnw.fordphotography4268]

True Master

[@JustiaFiat]

Thanks for the awesome recipe, I will certainly try it! Have you tried the Cocktaildudes recipe? It uses plenty of kolanut, though I had to adjust sugar and acidity levels as it was a bit on the sweeter side and lacked classic cola's tartness.

[@KevinKos]

I haven't tried that recipe yet. Let me know how you like mine. Cheers!

[@McImpary123]

Congratulations Kevin 👍

[@fugu4163]

A really nice twist on Coca Cola and a Cuba Libre are a delicious cocktail. Perhaps time for you to start a multibilion business called Kevin Cola now, yes?

[@KevinKos]

Haha, no one is going to muddle all these spices on hands to make that spice mix for thousands of bottles of Kevin-Cola 😅😂 great suggestion! 🥂😉

[@-VinhKhang_yearsago]

lovely

[@kazimirpwn]

Gonna try this at work, but its hard to get cola nuts. How important are they for the favor? Does anybosy know?

[@kmb6833]

Cool. I want to try it. Do you actually have a good recipe for Sprite?

[@lizetcanedo2765]

Congrats ✨✨✨

[@profuniverse326]

Where can I get the glass you made the Cuba libre in?

[@tommihommi1]

That series from Glen was amazing

[@KevinKos]

True

[@juanfernandom.marcano1832]

In Venezuela we add Amargo de Angostura to the Cuba Libre. The Amargo was created in Angostura, south of Venezuela!

[@thelthrythquezada8397]

Them boards are sick, and because they look dope I subbed, JUST to get the next level play button. Well I am NOT getting it, but we are ALL a team, so you know.

[@KevinKos]

Thank you so much, we really appreciate that! Happy to have a new member of the Cocktail Time Family!

[@MrMoney331]

I might of went with Cos Cola, but it sounds delicious either way!

[@KevinKos]

That was one of the ideas 😁 Thank you!

[@vadimn2848]

Hi Kevin, I love your ice bucket. Could you please share a link where I can buy it?

[@KevinKos]

It's an Ice bucket from Rogaška Crystal. I love it too! Cheers!

[@Project337]

Ok so now I need to try your formula, the 1887 Coke reproduction and Liber & Co's syrup to see which is my favorite....

[@KevinKos]

Make sure to report back! We did some blind tests as well! Cheers

[@BraindeadCRY]

A lot of people hate on mixing high quality spirits with cola, but how can something so delicious be a bad thing?

[@AngryCocktails]

I loved watching these creations but I don't know that I have the patience to make this

[@Grimmlocked]

Wow just got a soda machine and was looking for a good recipie. Looks like libre and co are getting a sale while I gather supplies

[@kendo2377]

If you can find it, Jarritos makes a Mexican cola that's excellent for mixing.

[@patrickronald181]

How long does the soda last?

[@TheSpiritoftheCocktail]

YESSSSSSSSSSSS!!!! I'm in the top 10!!!!

[@KevinKos]

🥂🥂🥂

[@famprima]

Where does one buy coca nut?

[@paulwoodley489]

Struggling to find caramel colour … all I find is powder or super concentrated stuff for cakes. Any thoughts on this? Managed to source all other ingredients and will be trying this soon! (UK)

[@KevinKos]

I am not aware of this powder but you can try it out and see if it works. The caramel coloring is there just for the color and not the taste so don't worry too much about it.

[@mathieushifera135]

How important is the caramel color for flavor? Assuming I wanted to make a clear cola, but still have it taste the same, would I need to add anything to compensate the absence of the caramel color flavorwise?

[@KevinKos]

It's not important for the taste at all. It's just for the color.

[@2bpencildesign603]

why did you not use cane sugar?

[@soup-flavored-soup6613]

Why not use browning sauce for color?

[@ercankilic6499]

Hi Kevin, I got Cherry Liqueur from Ukraine. I wanna make cocktail with that! Do u ve any suggestion for me?

[@Ariedan123]

Where can i find glass bottles like the ones in the video? its the last thing i need to make nice looking homemade cola. plz help

[@KevinKos]

These are reused Thomas Henry tonic bottles.

[@user-li9vi7mp5e]

Awesome Video! I don’t have citric acid and malic acid. Can I replace lime juice with malic acid and citric acid? How many millimeters of lime juice you suggest to add to replace malic acid and citric acid? (You add 2.3g of citric and 0.6g of malic acid to make Coca Cola in your video.)Thanks!!

[@KevinKos]

add around 50 mL of lime juice. Cheers!

[@user-li9vi7mp5e]

Hello! You add 300 ml water to make Coca Cola in your KZbin channel. You said If i don’t have citric acid and malic acid, i can add 50ml lime juice instead of water . Do you mean I only need to use 250 ml water?

[@KevinKos]

@@user-li9vi7mp5e Yes

[@pinkgazelle3445]

What is the machine at 6:15? Is it two parts of one full appliance one could buy if they wanted to try this?

[@KevinKos]

Do you mean Sous VIde? It's a widely available tool. Check it out on amazon. Cheers!

[@pinkgazelle3445]

@@KevinKos I did, i just wasnt aware that was the name of it until after leaving the comment.

[@aaronweyl2272]

Whoa, I never nay cola to looked so.... sexy.. Nah, just kidding looks awesome anyways, having all three sugars inducing caramelized sugar and coffee for bitterness intro cola mixture was GENUSIS! Maybe I could tried that one day :) Liking your accent BTW ^^

[@famprima]

You are a very suave man.. me like.

[@Kaijugan]

Fun Fact: The Cuba Libre is the favorite cocktail of one of my favorite Presidents, Teddy Roosevelt. Oddly it's also one of my favorites as well. I also have a barber who makes his own old style coke to serve to his patrons while they get their shaves and haircuts. I think I'll show him this video so he can try it out. As well as myself. I think I'll like it.

[@SkankbumJerry]

How did you Know!!? This is Exactly what the Doctor ordered. 😂👌

[@Kevlar830]

I see you used "caramel color" labelled by yourself, did you make a video for it or where were you able to find that ingredient ? I cannot find a similar thing with my researches :( I've already tried to make homemade Cola (actually, it was Nuka-Cola, inspired by the game series "Fallout") but the coloring agent in that recipe was "browning sauce", since it seems it's an American thing, I couldn't find a decent substitute (I used Candi syrup) and the translation in my language doesn't help at all so maybe you can help to get that caramel colour ? :D

[@JamesRyhl]

Caramel colouring and browning sauce are the same thing. Often sold in supermarkets as brown dye for gravies and such. Not particularly american i think. E150 in europe

[@Kevlar830]

@@JamesRyhl Ah ok, if it's just that I know the E150 colouring then, but didn't know you can buy it, I thought it could be a homemade substitute 🤔 Thanks a lot !

[@RBFR01]

A good video idea is home made Cola vs original Cola and see if a few friends can tell the difference without telling them which is which.

[@lilikriyanto3162]

Luar biasa

[@somabui2590]

Strange question: i cant consume any caffeine and i always wanted to buy caffeine free cola. This video showed that maybe i can make myself if i leave out the coffee and the kola nut. The question is that can i replace the nut with something else that gives flavour but not caffeine? Thanks a lot! Great vid!

[@firstname-qq3xp]

same

[@warmesuppe]

Same. Maybe use a little bit decaffeinated powder?

[@somabui2590]

@@warmesuppe what kind of powder you thinking?

[@warmesuppe]

@@somabui2590 decaffeinated coffee powder. It's normal to buy it in German grocery stores.

[@somabui2590]

oh, i see, good idea. Also, in my country, coca-cola started to sell caffeine-free coke.@@warmesuppe

[@danghoangluong2942]

your channel is underrated

[@KevinKos]

Thank you, I appreciate that!

[@sebastianlopez379]

Hola Kevin, soy de Perú. Espero que leas mi comentario, que tal si ya no le agregas el colorante negro y procedes a terminar obteniendo por resultado una KevinCola transparente para poder hacer un LONG ISLAND ICED TEA clarificado, tambien clarificando el super jugo de limon con el agar agar, seria interesante 🙌🏻

[@sebastianlopez379]

Olvide decir que soy bien Fan de tus videos, siempre al tanto de tu creatividad que nos demuestra que son más que un cocktail. Impresionante trabajo, gracias por el contenido siempre 🤙🏻