Despite the classic name that rolls off the tongue, the infamous Rum & Coke was created in Cuba in the early 1900s when Coca-Cola was first exported to the island nation. The drink was originally named Cuba Libre, or Free Cuba, and it quickly spread to the United States. Prohibition fueled its popularity, as Coke became a popular mixer to cover the taste of illegal, low-quality booze. Today, the drink is most often made with light or spiced rum and remains one of the most popular drinks in America.
The Terps
Ray’s Lemonade was the first to deliver both full-size infused beverages with its signature lemonades and 100mg shooter versions, which took the market by storm. This legacy of heady drinks continues with the Vice Cola, which comes in a regular and sugar-free version, which had us super excited. The cola is rich, caramelly and leans more towards a Pepsi than a Coke, and without the light tang of hashy infusion, it’s impossible to tell that this isn’t a mainstream soda. The sugar-free is a true delight, with full taste and a buzz that hits fast and lasts.
The Pairing
Paired together, the fizziness of the soda mixes easily with the cold, oily texture of the light rum. Together there’s a caramelly sweetness with a kiss of vanilla and a fuel-like, slightly acidic alcohol tang that’s refreshing and tart. The Vice soda is a perfect mixer, sending a rush of THC into the body, helping as a neuroprotectant and relaxing the mind and body in a heady, powerful edible high. With just a splash of rum and a full can of Vice, this is a one-and-done cocktail that will get you from 5 p.m. until bedtime with a potent buzz.
