You might have seen the Batanga on your feed recently – a simple cola-based cocktail that looks a little like summer in a glass.

Is it just Coke and tequila? Well, technically, yes. But it’s also so much more.

The story goes that the Batanga was created in 1961 by Don Javier Delgado Corona, the owner and bartender of La Capilla, a tiny cantina close to the central town square of Tequila in Mexico. 

Blanco tequila, fresh lime juice and Coca Cola – ideally the proper Mexican kind – and a salt rim is all that’s needed. Don Javier’s rumoured secret ingredient was mixing it all with the knife he used to cut all the limes at La Capilla, but even without that the result is a drink that’s undeniably thirst-quenching and, yes, delicious.

Here’s how to make it:

Batanga
(Serves 1)

Salt flakes and lime zest, to rim the glass
Ice
20ml freshly squeezed lime juice (or to taste)
40ml blanco tequila (or to taste)
Cola, to top up
Lime, to garnish

1. Rub together salt flakes and lime zest in a small dish. Run a lime wedge around the rim of a highball glass, then coat in the salt and zest mixture. Fill the glass with ice.
2. Add lime juice and tequila to the glass, stir, then top with cola. 
3. Garnish with a slice of lime, and serve immediately.

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