Is Diet Coke and Espresso the New Drink of the Summer?
Updated: Jun. 09, 2023People are calling this zingy drink the "perfect post-dinner beverage."
When you think of summer drinks, you probably think of sippable, fruity spritzers. But this summer, users on social media are trying out a new, fizzy blend of diet coke and espresso. While mixing cola and espresso isn’t new—the 2023 version specifically calls for diet coke. So, here’s everything you need to about this year’s TikTok-famous diet coke and espresso, including what it tastes like and how you can make it yourself.
What Is a Diet Coke and Espresso?
A diet coke and espresso is simply a glass of diet coke—not to be confused with coke zero—over ice with a shot of espresso added. Traditionally, a squeeze of lemon tops off the sweet beverage. TikToker Joe Hegyes (@bequietjoe) shared a short video of himself making the beverage on May 24, which has since received over 407,000 views. Check it out for yourself below:
@bequietjoe Replying to @an.dre.az ♬ Volare – Dean Martin
How Are People Responding to the Diet Coke and Espresso?
While Hegyes calls the diet coke and espresso the “perfect post-dinner beverage,” other users aren’t so sure. One commenter on the video writes, “I feel like you’re pranking me.” However, the next few comments are much more positive:
- “I’ve been having Coke Americanos for ten years and I’m TOTALLY fine”
- “i’m gonna cry if i don’t get to drink this expeditiously”
- “trying this IMMEDIATELY”
As a reminder, diet coke has a lot of caffeine in it, so before you try this combination, make sure you’re prepared for that. We also tested it to give you the full picture before making it yourself!
What Does the Diet Coke and Espresso Taste Like?
According to my sources—Taste of Home Content Director Nicole Doster—the diet coke and espresso is tasty, but packs a major caffeine punch.
When explaining the process of making the drink, she said, “It was quick and simple to make, which is necessary for a midday pick-me-up.” According to Nicole, the diet coke and espresso “tastes overwhelmingly like a strong cold brew, with fruity carbonation. I added an extra squeeze of lemon juice for a fresh, summery flavor.” In terms of drawbacks, she mentioned that “the drink definitely did hit me over the head with a caffeine rush, similar to the feeling of sipping an energy drink.” In conclusion, “It won’t replace my morning iced lattes, but it’s definitely something I can see myself drinking on the patio this summer or if I’m ever in need of an energy boost!” If you’re also in need of an energy boost, these energy-boosting smoothies also do the trick.
How Can I Make the Diet Coke and Espresso?
If you’d like to try the energy-boosting diet coke and espresso yourself, first you’ll need access to an espresso machine. If you don’t have one at home, but still want to try the diet coke and espresso, you can always order a shot to go from your local café. Next, you’ll need a can of diet coke, a tall glass, ice and a lemon wedge. Pour the ice in the glass first, followed by the diet coke, espresso shot and squeeze of lemon. Et voilà !
What Other Summer Drinks Can I Make?
If the diet coke and espresso isn’t your thing, rest assured there are plenty of other options. Try our favorite summer punch recipes or a classic lemonade. If you’re feeling feisty, you can even opt for our favorite tequila cocktails.
Maple Blackberry Mojito
This refreshing blackberry cocktail is how you take advantage of prime berry season during the summer months. I've also used other types of fruit, including raspberries, kiwi and strawberries. —Donna Noel, Gray, Maine
Raspberry Refresher
This recipe explodes with raspberry flavor! It's a wonderful summertime treat.—Doreen Patterson, Qualicum Beach, British Columbia
Tangerine and Thyme Infused Water
Who doesn't love the bright and juicy flavor of tangerine? The addition of thyme really rounds out this infused water. —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor
Sweet Tea Boysenberry Shandy
I love an ice-cold beer on a hot summer day. I also love sweet tea, so one day I got the great idea to mix the two. Wow! It was absolutely delish. I experimented with different flavorings, and this combination was my favorite. —Kelly Williams, Forked River, New Jersey
Rhubarb Citrus Punch
Rhubarb grows abundantly in our large farm garden. I'll make this punch for summertime gatherings or for special occasions with our extended family. —Ina Frey, St. Clemens, Ontario
Iced Melon Moroccan Mint Tea
I grow mint on my balcony, and this refreshing beverage is a wonderful way to use it. It combines two of my favorite drinks—Moroccan Mint Tea and Honeydew Agua Fresca. For extra flair, add some ginger ale. —Sarah Batt Throne, El Cerrito, California
Tipsy Iced Coffee
My family loves this frozen coffee with Amaretto and whipped cream. Serve it at brunch or as an after-dinner treat.—Sonya Labbe, West Hollywood, California
Honeydew Lime Cooler
Serve up a frosty glass of this citrusy blend of lime sherbet and honeydew melon for a real thirst-quencher. I like to sip this on warm afternoons, but it's equally good for breakfast or brunch. —Mitzi Sentiff, Annapolis, Maryland
Texas Red River Margaritas
When I lived in Texas, I decided to create a cocktail that represented my new home. I've found that blood orange juice works just as well as the grapefruit juice in this spicy margarita recipe. —Danny Schneider, Omaha, NE
Peach Wine Coolers
The fantastic flavors of honey, wine and brandy come through to make a special drink for Easter brunch. It's like sunshine in a glass!—Annie Hendricks, Burbank, California
Smooth Sweet Tea
A pinch of baking soda eliminates bitterness in this smooth and easy-to-sip tea and it has just the right amount of sugar so it's not overly sweet. —kelseylouise, Taste of Home Community Member
Rosemary Lemonade
A friend suggested I add a sprig of rosemary to lemonade. The herb makes the drink taste fresh and light, and it's a pretty garnish. —Dixie Graham, Rancho Cucamonga, California
Refreshing Beer Margaritas
I'm always surprised when people say they didn't know this drink existed. It's a really refreshing cocktail, and it's easy to double or triple the recipe. —Arianne Barnett, Kansas City, Missouri
Blackberry Shrub
Making a shrub recipe is a creative way to use up extra fruit all the way through Labor Day. We were inspired by sampling the house-made shrubs at a restaurant in California. They are as colorful and refreshing as summer drinks should be. —Gina Nistico, Denver, Colorado
Black-Eyed Susan
The Kentucky Derby has the mint julep; the Preakness has the black-eyed Susan. The drink is a sunny mix of vodka, rum, and pineapple and orange juices to toast your special events.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Lemon Mint Spritzer
Cool down with this refreshing drink. It's wonderful after a long day or during a backyard barbecue. —Laura Nix, Ellijay, Georgia
Cucumber Gin Smash
It doesn't get much more refreshing than this gin cocktail. If you like your drinks on the sweet side, top yours off with lemon-lime soda instead of club soda. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Iced Honeydew Mint Tea
I grow mint in the garden on my balcony. For this tea, I blend two of my favorite beverages—Moroccan mint tea and honeydew agua fresca. —Sarah Batt Throne, El Cerrito, California
Grilled Peach & Pineapple Sangria
Grill up fresh peaches and pineapple slathered in cinnamon butter and use them to make a refreshing summer sangria. I also like to add slices of grilled lemon and lime to drop in the glass for a citrusy boost of flavor. —Heather King, Frostburg, Maryland
Blackberry Lemonade
Here's a special drink that's perfect when blackberries are in season. It has a tangy, refreshing flavor. —Rich Murray, Nevada, Missouri
Strawberry Melon Fizz
Experimenting in the kitchen is fun for me. That's how I came up with this recipe—I adapted it from recipes I got from friends for a melon ball basket and for a sparkling beverage. —Teresa Messick, Montgomery, Alabama
Watermelon-Lime Cooler
When temps heat up, chill some glasses and cool down with a slushy blend of watermelon, lime and ginger ale. Slurp and repeat. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Manmosa
Here’s a guy-friendly adaptation of the sweet and fruity mimosa. This combo of OJ and beer is a tasty kick-off to Dad’s big day. —Mike Dietiker, Elburn, Illinois
Rainbow Spritzer
Layers of colorful fruit submerged in a fizzy, sweet beverage make this a kid-friendly sipper that gets two thumbs-up. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Horchata
In this Horchata recipe, the mixture of ground rice and almonds is accented with a hint of lime. Depending on your preference, you can use more or less water for a thinner or creamier beverage. —James Schend, Dairy Freed
Summertime Tea
You can’t have a summer gathering around here without this sweet tea to cool you down. It’s wonderful for sipping while basking by the pool. —Angela Lively, Baxter, Tennessee
Grape and Mint Infused Water
It'll truly feel like spring when you sip this juicy and minty infused water. —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor
Spiked Lemonade
Rum gives a tropical addition to this fabulous homemade lemonade. If you have vodka on hand, try that instead of the rum. —Susan Hein, Burlington, Wisconsin
Brandy Slush
This slush with a hint of citrus keeps you cool on hot summer days. Even if you're not a tea lover, you'll likely find the mix of flavors pleasing. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Blackberry Beer Cocktail
This refreshing hard lemonade has a mild alcohol flavor; the beer adds just enough fizz to dance on your tongue as you sip. Sorry, adults only! —Ginger Sullivan, Cutler Bay, Florida
Blueberry Lime Slush
My husband's family makes a cranberry beverage for the holidays. I changed it up and serve it this way in winter and summer, when blueberries are in season. —Rebecca Bratsman, Tacoma, Washington
Lemony Pineapple Iced Tea
I like to garnish this iced tea with some of our sweet Hawaiian pineapple. —Beverly Toomey, Honolulu, Hawaii
Coffee Milk
It's the official state drink of Rhode Island, and once you taste it, you'll understand why it has so many fans! —Karen Barros, Bristol, Rhode Island
Lemony Fruit Cooler
This punch looks so pretty with all the colorful fruit floating in the bowl. It has a refreshing taste and is easy to put together. —Dawn Shackelford, Fort Worth, Texas
Mixed Berry Sangria
This is a light, tasty beverage to serve with spoons so everyone can enjoy the fresh berries once the sangria is gone. — Linda Cifuentes, Mahomet, Illinois
Sweet Raspberry Tea
You need only a handful of ingredients to stir together this refreshing spring sipper. Its brilliant color and smile-fetching flavor will make a popular thirst quencher as the weather turns warm. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Sour Cherry Shandy
A shandy is beer mixed with a nonalcoholic drink like fruit juice or lemonade. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Blueberry Mojitos
Blueberry and lime are two of my favorite flavors, so I added blueberries to my favorite mixed drink! This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled. To make simple syrup, combine 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup water and cook over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved. Simple syrup will keep in the fridge for a week.—Michele Tungett, Rochester, Illinois
Raspberry Fizz
As a festive, non-alcoholic beverage for adults, our Test Kitchen staff came up with this pretty pink drink. It has a mild raspberry flavor and isn't overly sweet.
