Turkish Cola Coffee: A Classic Meets Pop Culture

Ever seen a coffee float made with dark roast shots, vanilla and coffee ice cream, cola, and an orange slice? It’s not something you’ll find in Turkey—but it did come from Turkish immigrants in the American South. This drink, known as ‘Turkish cola coffee,’ might sound odd, but it’s a real thing. And if you’ve ever wondered whether black coffee can play nicely with soda and frozen desserts, this one’s for you.

Yes, you can combine black coffee, ice cream, and cola—this drink uses 120cc of dark roast coffee, one spoon each of coffee and vanilla ice cream, 60ml of cola, and an orange slice. It’s served over ice, layered carefully to avoid overflow, and takes less than five minutes to pull together.

What Is Turkish Cola Coffee?

Despite the name, Turkish cola coffee isn’t a traditional drink in Turkey. In fact, it was first made popular by Turkish immigrants living in the southern United States. It’s part of a broader trend where global coffee cultures mix with local tastes. While Turkey gave the world its iconic cezve-brewed coffee, this modern version blends that coffee heritage with American soda shop flair.

Why Combine Coffee, Ice Cream, and Cola?

This drink is designed for coffee lovers who want something colder, sweeter, and a little more playful. The dark roast provides intensity and familiarity, while the ice creams add creaminess and contrast. The cola brings fizz and sweetness, and the orange slice offers a fresh garnish. It’s essentially a bridge between black coffee and dessert drinks, ideal if you’re easing into the world of flavored or iced coffee beverages.

How to Make Turkish Cola Coffee

The recipe calls for the following ingredients:

• 120cc of dark roast coffee (freshly brewed)
• 1 spoon of coffee ice cream
• 1 spoon of vanilla ice cream
• 60ml of cola
• 1 fresh orange slice for garnish

Here’s how to put it all together:

1. Brew your dark roast coffee using either a moka pot or French press (reduce water slightly if using French press). Let it cool completely and chill it in the fridge or freezer until cold.
2. In a tall glass, add one spoon of coffee ice cream and one spoon of vanilla ice cream.
3. Pour the chilled dark roast coffee over the ice creams.
4. Carefully pour 60ml of cola into the glass. Do this slowly to prevent the drink from bubbling over.
5. Garnish with a fresh orange slice.

The result is a cold, fizzy, creamy coffee drink with layers of flavor—from the bold coffee base to the sweet, smooth ice creams and the effervescent cola top.

A Note on Brewing the Base Coffee

Although this drink doesn’t use traditional Turkish brewing (which involves finely ground coffee boiled in a cezve), it still relies on a strong, dark roast profile. For best results, use a dark roasted bean and aim for a full-bodied extraction. Whether you use a moka pot or French press, adjust your water volume slightly if needed, and chill the brewed coffee before assembling the drink.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any dark roast coffee for this recipe?

Yes, any high-quality dark roast coffee will work, but a full-bodied, traditionally roasted bean will give you the richest base flavor. Avoid overly acidic or light roasts, as they won’t provide enough contrast to the ice cream and cola.

Do I have to use both coffee and vanilla ice cream?

The original recipe calls for one spoon each of coffee and vanilla ice cream. The coffee ice cream enhances the coffee flavor, while the vanilla adds creaminess and sweetness. You could experiment, but the combination is what balances the drink.

What’s the best way to chill the coffee?

Brew your coffee ahead of time using a moka pot or French press (reduce water slightly for French press), then let it cool to room temperature and refrigerate or freeze it until thoroughly chilled. Pour it over ice only after it’s fully cold.

Can I make this drink without a moka pot?

Absolutely. You can use a French press instead. Just reduce the water slightly to maintain brew strength, and chill the coffee before using it in the recipe.

Is this drink very sweet?

The sweetness comes mostly from the ice cream and cola. The coffee adds bitterness and depth, balancing the overall flavor. It’s sweet, but not overwhelmingly so—more like a coffee float than a milkshake.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Iced Coffee Blends

For Turkish cola coffee, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Yirgacheffe for bright citrus notes that pair well with orange garnish, or their Guatemala Antigua for a balanced medium-dark roast with chocolate undertones. Both work great as dark roast bases when brewed through a moka pot or French press. Alternatively, their Colombia Huila offers nutty and caramel complexity that holds up in iced coffee applications. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.