When I cracked open the Jack Daniel’s and Coca-Cola Zero Alcoholic Ready-To-Drink (ARTD) can, I wasn’t ready for the trip it was about to take me on. First sip in, and I was hit with that familiar Coca-Cola taste—iconic, unmistakable, and somehow still managing to hit you right in the feels. Let me tell you, the Coca-Cola Zero version is no exception to the OG combo we’ve all come to love.
Here in South Africa, we’ve got a little term for this: the perfect dash. It’s that magic blend of Coke and whiskey that’s just the right mix—neither too strong nor too weak—balancing that sweet refreshment with the boldness of Jack. And trust me, this spirit cooler lives up to the name. But what I didn’t expect was how it sent me straight back to the good ol’ days. You know, post-apartheid South Africa, when the Rainbow Nation still felt like a real thing. Before the corruption, before state capture, and before we had to deal with load-shedding schedules like they were part of the national calendar. It reminded me of a time when South Africa felt… lighter. Happier.
Maybe it’s just the Coca-Cola magic—because, let’s face it, nothing pulls you down memory lane quite like that crisp Coke taste—but this drink definitely has a way of unlocking memories. And while the taste might take you back, don’t be fooled by the 5% ABV on the can. I had to do a double take because it felt like I was sipping something more like 43%. Within a couple of sips, I was dangerously close to spilling all the family secrets and debating whether my aunt’s potato salad actually deserves a place at Christmas lunch.
But all jokes aside, this can packs a punch. It’s smooth, easy on the palate, and can creep up on you faster than the DJ switching to amapiano at a groove. You’re happily enjoying yourself one minute, and the next, you’re halfway through the can wondering if you should be handing over your car keys (seriously, don’t drink and drive, fam).
All in all, Jack Daniel’s and Coca-Cola Zero ARTD is the perfect reminder of why these two brands are so iconic. It’s a can of nostalgia, with a twist of whiskey—and yes, it goes down way too easily. So next time you grab one, maybe leave the family confessions for another day.
Cheers to the perfect dash—just make sure it doesn’t dash you off your feet!
(PS: Stay responsible. We need you around to argue about that potato salad again next year.)
Main Image: The Grocer
