Crack Open Cola Case File: A Retro Homemade Soda

There’s something timeless about a backyard cookout—grilled favorites, lawn games, and ice-cold drinks shared with friends. At Skills Murder Mysteries, we are taking that classic summer vibe and turning it into something unforgettable, like a cookout-themed mystery game. But no matter the twist, the best gatherings always come down to good food, great company, and drinks with a story of their own.

Enter the Cola Case File—a homemade cola syrup inspired by vintage recipes and reimagined as the perfect signature drink for your next cookout or a 1950s-style mystery party. Whether you're flipping burgers or flipping clues, this soda is your sidekick.

A Cola with Character

Why serve something straight from a store shelf when you can offer your guests a handcrafted soda with bold citrus, rich spice, and that unmistakable cola zing? Whether you’re hosting a full-blown backyard whodunit or channeling 1950s diner vibes with checkerboard tablecloths and jukebox hits, Cola Case File brings nostalgic flavor with a fresh, personal twist.

Inspired by Cocktail Time with Kevin Kos

This recipe is adapted from Kevin Kos of Cocktail Time, who shared a thoughtful, mixology-friendly method for crafting cola without hard-to-source essential oils. His homemade "Kevin Cola" became our jumping-off point for creating something tailor-made for cookout settings and retro-themed mystery parties alike.

You can find his original process at kevinkos.com—a fantastic resource if you're into flavor experimentation and cocktail craftsmanship.

What’s in the Case?

Our version calls for a flavorful blend of:

• Sugars: White sugar, demerara, and homemade caramel sugar

• Zests: Lemon, lime, and orange peels

• Acids: Citric and malic for that tangy cola brightness

• Spices: Ceylon cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla bean, and coriander seeds

• Bitters & Botanicals: Rosehip, kola nut, coffee bean, and makrut lime leaf

• Caramel coloring: For that classic cola look

The syrup is made sous vide-style to seal in aromatics and create a rich, smooth final product. It’s easy to make ahead and bottle for party-ready sipping—perfect for drink stations, favor tables, or simply handing to a suspect with a wink.

Let's break it down further:

• 300 mL (10 oz) water

• 180 g plain white sugar

• 90 g demerara sugar

• 60 g caramel sugar

• 6 g caramel coloring

• 0.7 g grated lemon peels

• 0.7 g grated lime peels

• 1.8 g grated orange peels

• 2.3 g citric acid

• 0.6 g malic acid

• 0.6 g ceylon cinnamon

• 0.6 g nutmeg

• 0.45 g vanilla bean

• 0.75 g coriander seeds

• 4.5 g rosehip

• 0.12 g coffee bean

• 0.9 g kola nut

• 0.3 g makrut lime leaf

How to Mix It

To make one 200 mL serving:

• 30 mL (1 oz) Cola Case File syrup

• 2 drops saline solution (20% salt)

• Top with chilled soda water

Serve over ice for a nostalgic non-alcoholic treat, or mix it with rum and lime for a classic Cuba Libre with a twist. You can even pre-bottle it with custom labels for extra flair. Take advantage of our 3" x 4" label, perfect for your mystery, or make your own!

Cola Case File Bottle Label.zip

Download ZIP • 1.34MB

From Diner to Backyard—This Cola Fits the Scene

Whether you're solving clues under the summer sun or surrounded by chrome barstools and milkshake vibes, Cola Case File is the perfect sip. It’s a hit with all ages and instantly elevates your theme, without making things too complicated.

Feeling adventurous? Make it from scratch and impress your guests. Feeling more casual? You can always grab a cola-making kit and glass longneck bottles and keep it simple without losing the charm.

Case Closed (Almost)

Special thanks to Kevin Kos for inspiring this recipe. At Skills Murder Mysteries, we believe even small details—like a house-made soda—can help bring an event to life. So, gather your ingredients, get your sous vide ready, and crack open your very own Cola Case File.

Ready to mix it up for your next mystery? We’ve got the games—and now, the drinks—to match.