Rum and coke is a classic mixed drink, not just because it’s easy—as in, you probably don’t need to read a recipe to make it—but because it really tastes great. Don’t run off to make your usual rum and coke cocktail just yet, though! Our kratom & coke tea mocktail is a must-try alcohol-free alternative.
The Origin of Rum and Coke Cocktails
The rum and coke originated from the “Cuba Libre” cocktail. It traces its fizzy roots back to early 20th century Cuba.
Legend has it that an American soldier mixed rum with his Coca-Cola, raised his glass, and toasted “¡Por Cuba Libre!” The phrase Cuba Libre means “Free Cuba!” It was the battle cry of the Cuban Liberation Army during the Spanish-American War.
The drink became a symbol of freedom, and the sweet and simple cocktail was soon enjoyed across the globe. Our coke & kratom iced tea mocktail pays homage to this cultural melding, albeit with a non-alcoholic twist.
Why Use Kratom Iced Tea for Your Mocktail Instead of Non-Alcoholic Rum?
Many rum & coke mocktail recipes replace the booze with non-alcoholic rum. This adds a sophisticated flavor and balances out the sweetness of the cola. However, aside from energy from the caffeine in the cola, these mocktails typically don’t have functional benefits.
Yet there are other alternatives that, unlike non-alcoholic rum, can add a hint of bitterness and provide great functional benefits.
Kratom tea is exactly that. It’s made from the leaves of kratom trees, which grow throughout Southeast Asia. They contain active alkaloids that can have noticeable effects when consumed.
For many people, kratom tea can provide relaxation and support a positive mood. It’s also on the bitter side, which makes it a great substitute for alcohol in terms of flavor.
We recommend making your iced tea cocktail with green vein kratom tea bags, but you can use whichever type you like best.
Drink Responsibly: Not Just for Boozy Buzzes
Keep in mind, anything that tastes good and makes you feel good can be habit-forming. This is true for both cola and kratom tea individually, as well as mocktails and kratom drinks like our non-alcoholic rum and coke that have multiple active ingredients.
So even though this mocktail doesn’t contain alcohol, you should drink it mindfully. Kratom tea isn’t for everyone, and we recommend consulting your healthcare provider before you try it.
What Type of Cola Works Best?
Regular Coca-Cola and Diet Coke are flavored with high fructose corn syrup and aspartame, respectively. The TTH team doesn’t drink them frequently, but it’s what we had on hand when whipping up this recipe.
You definitely don’t have to stick to Coca Cola for your non-alcoholic rum and coke. Some people prefer to avoid many brands of cola because of the added sweeteners and the caffeine content.
Others may not have access to certain cola brands. In Cuba, many people make Cuba Libre cocktails with tuKola because of the US trade embargo that began in 1962.
More than Flavor and Flair: Benefits of Adding Lime to Your Kratom Tea Mocktail
While lime is sometimes added as a garnish on a rum and coke, it’s a more prominent ingredient in traditional Cuba Libre recipes. Adding lime to your coke & kratom iced tea mocktail does more than just save it from the brink of blandness, however.
Lime juice can actually enhance your kratom brew. The citric acid present in lime juice can improve the extraction of active alkaloids from the kratom leaves, making your tea slightly stronger.
Non-Alocholic Rum and Coke Iced Tea Mocktail
Prep time: 3 minutes
Brew time: 0-20 minutes
Servings: 1 (about 12 oz)
Option 1: Stovetop Kratom Tea
Ingredients
- 2 green vein kratom tea bags
- 1 tsp lime juice
- 1.5 cups (12 oz) cold, filtered water
- 1 12-oz can of cola
- 2 cups ice
- Optional: lime slices for garnish
Directions
- Add kratom tea bags, water, and 1 tsp lime juice to a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer.
- Keep over heat for 15-20 minutes, until 3/4 cup of tea remains.
- Transfer tea to a heat-safe jar and chill in fridge or freezer for 20-30 minutes.
- Add ice to two glasses.
- Split the iced tea between the glasses and top each with 1/2 can of cola.
- Garnish with slices of lime if desired.
Option 2: Kratom Tea Concentrate
Ingredients
- 1 cup pre-brewed concentrated kratom iced tea (view instructions here)
- 1 12-oz can of cola
- 2 cups ice
- Optional: lime slices for added flavor and garnish
Directions
- Add ice to two glasses.
- Split the iced tea between the glasses and top each with 1/2 can of cola.
- Garnish with slices of lime if desired.
Notes
Kratom Type: Feel free to swap out the green vein tea with whatever variety best suits your needs.
Cola: Like we mentioned earlier, you don’t have to use the same type of cola as we did in this recipe. Alternatively, you can use regular coke, or try a prebiotic cola or a caffeine-free soda instead.
Make it a true Cuba Libre: Many Cuba Libre recipes also include a dash of bitters, such as Angostura bitters. Most bitters contain alcohol, but you can easily find non-alcoholic bitters options online and in some specialty stores.
More Functional Tea Mocktails and Drinks You’ll Love
The kratom rum and coke is unbelievably simple and its flavor is a classic. Still, its effects are complex and intriguing. Plus, it can inspire a whole range of delectable and functional tea mocktails.
If you’re after more tasty kratom tea mocktails, try blending your iced tea with your other favorite fizzy drinks and fruit juices. Or give one of these delectable recipes a shot:
- Sweet Peach & Sage Iced Tea Recipe
- Iced Chai Kratom Tea
- 9 Best Kratom Drinks & Iced Tea Recipes
- Cheap Homemade Kratom Seltzer Recipe
Whether you’re toasting to the end of a long day or the start of a lively evening, the kratom rum and coke will soon hold a place in your heart—and glasses. Cheers to better brewing!
