Why Diet Coca-Cola Is the Perfect Thanksgiving Drink
Every year people wring their hands over which wine to serve with turkey, potatoes and dressing, although we already know that champagne is the best choice . But not everyone can drink champagne (or any other alcohol, for that matter), and while it quenches thirst, the water just isn’t festive enough for Thanksgiving. Luckily (for everyone, but especially for me) there is Diet Coke, and it’s the perfect drink to pair with The Big Meal.
(Before I continue, let me say that I will not tolerate any kind of defamation of Diet Coke fueled by chemophobia in the comments or in my inbox. It’s a delicious drink that I’ve enjoyed since I was five, and I’m fine .)
Anyway. Diet Coke has many of the same qualities that make it the perfect champagne for Turkey Day. To quote an expert source (myself) like champagne , “The sour, vibrant, effervescent nature of Diet Coke makes it the perfect foil for the salty, fatty foods that make up a good Thanksgiving menu.” (In contrast to the champagne, you can get a liter for two dollars.) A refreshing, almost aggressive astringency Diet Coke comes from two of my favorite acid – phosphoric and citric – and they make it ideal for washing away the rich spicy taste. flavors and preparation of the mouth for the next bite. (This is why Diet Coke is so good with cheeseburgers.)
Yes, Diet Coke is a little sweeter than sparkling wine, but it’s a sugar-free sweetness. Unlike classic Coca-Cola, Diet Coke does not cover the palate or cause pain in the teeth – it simply clears the palate before moving on to the stomach, which settles slightly in bubbles. (Plus, it’s calorie-free, which some people care about and I don’t.) Diet Coke even goes well with most desserts. (Try this with peanut M&M if you don’t believe me.)
Diet Coke contains caffeine, which helps fight post-turkey sleepiness, and non-alcoholic, which helps prevent seasonal controversies (although it’s unlikely that your racist cousin or uncle will be on Thanksgiving this year due to … you know, Now It also comes in a wide variety of flavors and is fun, although I haven’t found one that I like more than regular Diet Coke (which tastes like robot bath water and is perfect).
If you know you will have Diet Coke haters at your table (we can’t pick our family!), There are a few other options you can suggest. Unsweetened tea, seltzer water, and ginger ale are all good non-alcoholic choices, though none of them clean up the taste or make me as happy as Diet Coke.