Masala Coke is a tangy, fizzy Indian twist on classic cola - the kind of drink you'll crave on hot afternoons, at festive gatherings, or alongside spicy snacks like samosas and pakoras. A splash of lime and a dusting of Indian spices transform ordinary Coke into a refreshing, street-style favorite that's sweet, spicy, and nostalgic.
Masala Coke is a street-style savory Indian drink with a splash of lime and a few pinches of Indian spices that transform ordinary Coke into a refreshing beverage.
In India, Masala Coke is a cult favorite - sold everywhere from local cricket stadiums to roadside dhabas, each vendor guarding their own secret masala mix. It was one of those drinks that always made an appearance when family friends came over. Adding spices to a soda feels so uniquely Indian. But what makes it special isn't just the combination of spice and fizz - it's that balance of sweet, salty, tangy, and herbal that feels nostalgic.
This version keeps true to that flavor balance, using roasted cumin, kala namak, and chaat masala for authenticity. There isn't really a right answer on the ratios of spices - just enough masala per your preferences to enhance the Coke without overpowering it.
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Why You'll love this Recipe
It's simple, fast, and deeply satisfying, whether you're serving it as a quick mocktail for a party or just trying to recreate the taste of an Indian summer at home.
- 5-minutes - No cooking, no syrup making. Just pour, mix, and sip.
- Uniquely Indian - Masala Coke is a cult favorite from roadside stalls and cricket matches across India.
- Refreshing balance - Sweet cola + salty-spicy masala + tangy lime = pure joy.
- Perfect for gatherings - Serve in chilled glasses for BBQs, Diwali parties, or outdoor dinners.
Ingredients - Notes and Substitutions
- Coke - Use Mexican Coke if you can find it - it's made with real cane sugar, giving a smoother flavor and softer sweetness than high-fructose corn syrup versions. Regular Coca-Cola or even Diet Coke work fine.
- Lime - Fresh lime juice is essential. It cuts through the sweetness and ties the spice together.
- Chaat Masala - This tangy Indian spice blend (a mix of amchur, cumin, and black salt) is what gives Masala Coke its distinct "street-style" flavor.
- Kala Namak (Black Salt) - Adds umami depth and that signature sulfuric tang - a little goes a long way. If you don't have it, use a pinch of sea salt.
- Roasted Cumin Powder - Don't skip it - it's warm and earthy, grounding all the bright acidity. Toast cumin seeds in a dry pan until fragrant, then grind them fresh for the best flavor. You can also buy it already roasted from Indian groceries.
- Cilantro - Finely chopped cilantro adds a burst of herbal freshness that elevates the drink. If cilantro tastes like soap to you, try mint or basil.
How to make Masala Coke
- Step 1: Combine the roasted cumin powder, chaat masala, kala namak, cilantro, and lime wedge in a tall glass.
- Step 2: Use a muddler to combine the ingredients and release the flavor.
- Step 3: Fill the glass with ice and pour the Coke over. Stir gently.
To really impress guests, rim the glasses with a mix of chaat masala and salt before pouring. The first sip will be fizzy, tangy, and salty - just like the versions sold at Indian beach stalls.
Variations
There are so many variations to making a soda with masala!
- Swap Coke for club soda, Limca, or Thums Up.
- Add ½ teaspoon tamarind concentrate for sweet-tangy depth.
- Add a splash of ginger juice or use ginger cola for extra spice.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use Mexican Coke: It's made with real cane sugar, not corn syrup - gives a smoother flavor.
- Keep it icy cold: Chill the Coke and glasses for max fizz.
- Batch option: For parties, mix dry masala in advance (2 tablespoon cumin, 2 tablespoon chaat masala, 1 tablespoon kala namak) and spoon per serving.
- Mocktail → Cocktail: Add 1 oz dark rum or whiskey for a spiked Masala Rum & Coke.
- Garnish smart: Thin lime slices or rim the glass with masala salt for.
More Indian Drinks to try
Recipe
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Masala Coke
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 bottles Mexican Cokes, chilled
- 2 lime wedges
- 1 tablespoon cilantro
- ⅛ teaspoon roasted cumin powder
- ⅛ teaspoon chaat masala
- ⅛ teaspoon kala namak (black salt)
- ice cubes
Instructions
- In two tall glasses, muddle together a sprinkle of ground roasted cumin, chaat masala, kala namak, a lime wedge, and cilantro.
- Fill two glasses with ice and pour Coke into each. Stir gently.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro on top. Serve immediately while bubbly and cold.
Notes
- Adjust masala to taste - start light and add more for extra tang.
- For a cocktail version, add 1 oz dark rum or whiskey per glass.
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