Standard cola usually contains caffeine, lots of sugar and caramel colouring and is often used in long cocktails, like Long Island Iced Tea.

Although each recipe is a closely guarded secret, cola usually contains sugar, citrus oils, cinnamon, vanilla and other flavourings, including nutmeg and lavender. As a carbonated drink, cola is also relatively acidic.

Despite its name, the taste of this drink usually does not rely on kola nuts, which have a bitter taste.

This popular, carbonated drink is commonly used as an ingredient for making cocktails. Its familiar taste, high sugar content and acidity make it well suited to being mixed with spirits, including rum and whisky.

Most cola brands today are sold in different categories, depending on the type and amount of sweetener (e.g. 'diet') or flavouring (e.g. lemon, lime or vanilla) provided. Unless specifically mentioned, most recipes containing cola refer to standard cola.