Real cola is supposed to taste like more than just sugar and food coloring. We brew our True Cola with actual kola nut, whole spices, and organic citrus concentrates (lime and orange) plus a touch of phosphoric acid for the snap that makes a cola taste like a cola. The result is more complex, more layered, and frankly more interesting than anything in a can.
Mix 1 oz syrup with 6 oz sparkling water and a squeeze of lime for the cola you forgot was supposed to be good. Splash it into rum for an instant Cuba Libre that's worth the trip. Stir it into bourbon for a depth-charged whiskey-cola, or pour it over vanilla ice cream for a real-deal cola float.
Tasting Notes: real kola nut, warm whole spices, citrus brightness, smooth phosphoric snap, lingering vanilla finish
The Short Version: A craft cola syrup made with real kola nut, whole spices, and organic citrus concentrates — noticeably more interesting than anything in a can.
Ingredients: Filtered water, organic cane sugar, kola nut, whole spices, organic concentrates of lime and orange, natural vanilla flavor, phosphoric acid.
Perfect For: Cola purists, craft soda fans, rum-and-coke drinkers, late-night sippers, and anyone who's wondered what cola actually tastes like.
Best Enjoyed In: True Colas (1 oz syrup + 6 oz sparkling water + lime), Cuba Libres (1 oz + 1.5 oz rum + lime), bourbon-and-cola, whiskey-cola, or 1.5 oz over ice with a splash of cream for a cola float.
The Portland Syrups Promise: Ethically sourced, carefully brewed, and bottled in glass jars right here in SE Portland, Oregon.
Get Inspired
- A retro Lounge Lizard cocktail for evening sipping
- A tropical Coconut Cream Rum & Cola for warm-weather cocktails
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does the syrup last after opening?
A: Our syrups are shelf-stable for 24 months unopened. Once opened, refrigerate and enjoy within 6 months.
Q: How does True Cola compare to Coca-Cola or Pepsi?
A: They're playing different games. Coca-Cola and Pepsi are mass-produced colas built around corn syrup, caramel coloring, and proprietary "natural flavors." True Cola is a small-batch craft cola syrup made with real kola nut, whole spices, real citrus concentrates, and 100% cane sugar instead of corn syrup — so it tastes more layered, less candy-sweet, and noticeably more complex. It's what cola is supposed to taste like. Mix it 1:6 with sparkling water and you'll never go back to a 12-pack.
Q: Can I use True Cola syrup as a substitute for cola in cocktails?
A: That's actually one of its primary uses. Mix 1 oz of syrup with 6 oz of sparkling water and you've made craft cola from scratch — significantly more flavor than a can, and you can adjust the sweetness and concentration to your liking. For Cuba Libres, rum-and-cokes, or whiskey-and-colas, just combine the syrup directly with your spirit and top with sparkling water (skip the canned cola entirely). Cleaner finished drinks, no flat-soda problem.
