Cola Selection: Choose natural colas made with real sugar instead of high fructose corn syrup for cleaner taste and better mixability with rum. Ice Quality: Use fresh, clear ice cubes – cloudy or old ice can dilute flavor and affect carbonation retention. Rum Choice: Dark rum provides richer, more complex flavor that pairs better with cola’s sweetness than light rum. Lime Benefits: Fresh lime juice adds vitamin C and brightens the drink while balancing sweetness – bottled lime juice lacks freshness. Mixing Technique: Pour cola slowly to preserve carbonation and stir gently just once to avoid losing fizz. Glass Selection: Highball or Collins glass provides proper volume and ice-to-liquid ratio for optimal dilution. Serving Tips: Serve immediately while cola is at peak carbonation for best drinking experience and refreshing taste.