How to Make Turkish-Style Cola Coffee

If you’ve ever wished black coffee had a bit more personality—but aren’t quite ready for a full-on dessert drink—this Turkish-style cola coffee might be your new favorite experiment. It’s not from Turkey, despite the name, but it carries the bold character of dark roast coffee with the sweet chill of ice cream and soda. Perfect for coffee lovers who want something different without going full frappé.

Mix 120cc of cold dark roast coffee with one scoop each of coffee and vanilla ice cream, then slowly add 60ml of cola into the glass. Top with an orange slice. That’s the whole recipe—just five ingredients and minimal effort for a surprising flavor combo.

What Is Turkish-Style Cola Coffee?

Despite the name, Turkish-style cola coffee isn’t actually from Turkey. It was first made popular by Turkish immigrants living in the southern United States. This layered drink combines the strong cultural symbolism of Turkish coffee with unexpected Western ingredients like ice cream and cola. It’s creamy, fizzy, and lightly sweet—an unusual but surprisingly balanced coffee creation.

Why This Drink Works

The contrast between hot-brewed dark roast coffee and cold ice cream creates a rich, textured mouthfeel. The addition of cola adds mild sweetness and carbonation, while the citrus orange slice provides a fresh aromatic finish. Though it may sound like a novelty, the combination is carefully balanced: bitter, sweet, cold, fizzy, and fruity all in one glass.

How to Make Turkish-Style Cola Coffee Step by Step

This drink requires no special equipment, just good ingredients and a little patience to layer it right.

• Ingredients:
  • 120cc (about 4 fl oz) cold dark roast coffee, brewed strong
  • 1 scoop coffee ice cream
  • 1 scoop vanilla ice cream
  • 60ml (about 2 fl oz) cola
  • 1 fresh orange slice for garnish
• Step 1 – Brew the Coffee
  Use a moka pot, French press, or espresso followed by water dilution to prepare roughly 120cc of strong dark roast coffee. For best results, use a medium-to-dark roasted bean. Allow the coffee to cool completely, preferably chill it in the fridge so it’s ready to layer without melting the ice cream.
• Step 2 – Layer Ice Cream in Glass
  In a tall glass, add one scoop of coffee ice cream and one scoop of vanilla ice cream. Let them sit for a moment to start softening slightly—but not melt completely.
• Step 3 – Add Chilled Coffee
  Slowly pour the cold black coffee over the ice cream. It will begin to sink and create a base layer beneath the ice cream. The coffee should be well-brewed and chilled for best texture and flavor contrast.
• Step 4 – Add the Cola
  Carefully pour the 60ml of cola into the glass. Do this slowly and near the glass wall to prevent excessive bubbling or overflow. The cola will float atop the coffee layer thanks to its carbonation and lower density.
• Step 5 – Garnish & Serve
  Top with a thin slice of fresh orange for aroma and visual appeal. Serve immediately with a straw or long spoon to enjoy all the layers.

The Role of Each Ingredient

Every element in this drink contributes to the overall experience:

• Dark Roast Coffee: Provides bitterness and body. Ideally brewed strong using a moka pot or French press. Should be cooled before mixing.
• Coffee Ice Cream: Enhances coffee flavor while adding creaminess and sweetness.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: Softens the intensity with smooth dairy and floral notes.
• Cola: Adds mild sweetness, slight acidity, and carbonation that lifts the other flavors.
• Orange Slice: Introduces bright citrus aroma that cuts through the richness.

Why Use Chilled Coffee?

The coffee must be well-chilled or even pre-brewed and refrigerated. Pouring hot or warm coffee over ice cream will cause it to melt too quickly, ruining the layered effect and texture. A cold coffee base ensures the ice cream holds its shape longer and creates distinct layers for a better drinking experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any type of coffee for this recipe?

No, it’s best to use a medium-to-dark roasted coffee to match the boldness traditionally associated with Turkish coffee. Light roasts lack the body and roast character needed to stand up to the ice cream and cola. A strong, well-extracted brew works best—preferably brewed via moka pot, French press, or diluted espresso.

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

Using both is ideal for balance—coffee ice cream enhances the coffee profile while vanilla adds a smooth, sweet contrast. However, you can substitute both scoops with just one flavor if needed, though the layered effect and complexity will be reduced.

Can I make this drink ahead of time?

No, it’s best prepared and served immediately. The ice cream will melt quickly, and the layers will combine into a flat, sugary drink if left too long. For best texture and presentation, build the drink right before serving.

What’s the best way to pour the cola without it overflowing?

Pour the 60ml of cola slowly along the inner wall of the glass. Pouring directly into the center or too quickly will cause excessive bubbling and may cause the drink to spill over. Take your time to let the cola settle gently on top of the coffee layer.

Is this drink very sweet?

It’s mildly sweet thanks to the ice cream and cola, but not overly so. The dark roast coffee balances the sweetness, resulting in a drink that’s creamy, refreshing, and not cloying. Adjust ice cream scoops to taste if you prefer it less sweet.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Iced and Dark Roast Coffee

For this Turkish-style cola coffee, FrontStreet Coffee’s Classic Blend delivers a balanced, chocolatey profile that works beautifully when brewed strong and chilled. Their Specialty Blend offers more roast-driven complexity with notes of nuts and dark caramel, ideal for traditional dark coffee lovers. Both beans are excellent when prepared as espresso, French press, or moka pot and then cooled for layering. Choose a medium-to-dark roast for the boldest base. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.