As the foremost investor of #ColaQuest it is a very exciting time when I discover a true gem within the genre, with Masala Coke being just that.
The kicker here though, and much to my surprise this is not just a “brand”, but an absolute variation on the real thing. Masala Coke is basically an Indian (of course) invention that combines (usually) Coca-Cola with spices and the like.
A bit “you either love it or hate it” – what exactly is this devil’s candy?
WTF is Masala Coke?
Masala Coke is basically what happens when Coke meets Indian street food culture. It is not a soft drink brand you buy in a bottle, but a street-level remix of Coca-Cola where some absolute lunatic decides to throw in chaat masala, black salt, cumin powder, lime juice and anything else lying around. You’ll find it all over India, but especially at roadside vendors, food stalls, and those grimy fast food shops that also do 15 types of dosa and Chinese bhel.
No two are really the same, and that’s part of the fun. Some places will stir it up fresh in front of you, others will have it pre-mixed and poured out of a steel jug that may or may not have been cleaned this decade. It’s a bit like the bootleg cocktail of India, but made with Coke, spice, and probably no license. And yeah, of course it tastes mental. But also brilliant.
Variations on Masala Coke
Masala Coke, like anything invented by people with too much time and too many spices, comes in many variations. Some places go heavy on the black salt and cumin. Others like it more sour, so throw in way too much lime. You get versions that are spicy, fizzy, earthy, and in one place in Kolkata, actually fizzy and minty like some weird cola mojito.
Some vendors don’t even use Coca-Cola. Thums Up is a big one, and honestly might be better for it. That smoky fake flavour of Thums Up already gives it a kick, so when you add the masala it somehow tastes more complete. Pepsi has been used, but that’s generally frowned upon. Sprite and Limca have even had masala versions. I don’t know why, but I drank them anyway.
And if you really want to go off the deep end, you can mix it with soda water, a bit of tamarind, or even raw mango powder. Basically, if you can imagine it, someone in India has already tried it and is probably selling it at a bus station in a paper cup.
So, how does Masala Coke taste?
OK, so this is a drink that very much divides and to me at least reminds me of Mexican Chamoyada in that it is a sweet drink that combines with hot and spicy. And much like Chamoyada this initially meant it took me a few sips to decide if it was any good. Feelings were quite similar among my group.
It did though grow on me with the slightly weird smell being offset by the spice at the end really adding a sexy edge to things that is just amazing. Did I love Masala Coke? Yes so much that I had it all the way through Nepal to India and Sikkim.
So, does it mix with liquor? But of course! With the weapon of choice of course being Indian Whisky! Overall #ColaQuest testimony 9.5/10! This is the real thing + spice! Only loses 0.5 due to its controversialness!
Masala Coke Recipe
One can of cold Coca-Cola
Half a teaspoon of chaat masala
Quarter teaspoon of black salt
Quarter teaspoon of roasted cumin powder
Juice of half a lime
Optional: pinch of crushed mint or chilli powder
Stir aggressively, pour over ice, and if you’re feeling brave add a shot of Old Monk and call it fusion.
#ColaQuest continues.