I tried TikTok’s healthy coke with balsamic vinegar and added my own twist. Healthy coke with sparkling water was the breakout drink of summer 2021, and it still has people talking. With so many rave reviews, this longtime Diet Coke fan had to give it a try.
What is Healthy Coke?
TikTok has had its fair share of viral recipes, from baked feta pasta to Emily Mariko’s salmon bowl and Bella Hadid’s sandwich recipe. So, when I saw the “healthy Coke” trend, I figured, why not give it a try?
In the original viral video, TikTok user Amanda Jones (@mandyvjonesl) shared what she calls “Healthy Coke,” a drink she credits to her Pilates instructor, who enjoys the beverage nearly every day. The drink calls for a can of sparkling water and a splash of balsamic vinegar. According to Jones, it “tastes just like Coke”. Bold claim, right?
Key Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to make your very own healthy Coke!
- Balsamic Vinegar: I opted for Colavita balsamic vinegar, the same brand TikToker Amanda Jones uses in her original video. However, you can use any high-quality balsamic vinegar.
- Sparkling Water: The TikTok creator instructs followers to use any flavored sparkling water or soda water. She uses guava La Croix in the viral video, but after experimenting with different brands and flavors, I ultimately landed on berry La Croix.
- Sweetener: I tried the original recipe, but honestly, it tasted a little flat. A couple of drops of caramel liquid monk fruit sweetener and a splash of vanilla extract gave it the sweetness and depth it needed, bringing it a little closer to the real Coke flavor.
Additions and Substitutions
- Can I sweeten the drink to make it less tart? I did the experimenting for you and settled on using caramel liquid Monk fruit. It does the trick of sweetening the drink to make it taste more like pop, but sweeten the drink your way. Skip the monk fruit and vanilla extract and try a natural sweetener, such as pomegranate molasses, pure maple syrup, honey, or date syrup, instead.
- Switch up the acid. Replace balsamic vinegar with apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, or lime juice.
How to Make Healthy Coke
The full recipe with measurements is in the recipe card below.
Step 1: Fill a drinking glass with ice and add the balsamic vinegar.
Step 2: Top the ice with a can of sparkling water, vanilla extract, and a drop (or two) of liquid monk fruit. Stir to combine, and enjoy!
Pour a glass of healthy Coke and pair the viral drink with a tasty low-carb recipe!
What are Some Healthy Alternatives to Coke?
If you’re trying to break a soda habit but crave something fizzy and flavorful, here are some healthier alternatives with less sugar, fewer artificial ingredients, and no caffeine overload, depending on what you’re searching for.
You can start with this healthy Coke recipe or or check out branded options that claim to be a healthier version of Coke like Olipop vintage coke, Zevia cola, or Poppi classic cola.
Plain sparkling water has become my go-to for cutting back on Diet Coke. There are so many brands and flavors to choose from, from LaCroix to Bubly, Waterloo, San Pellegrino, and Spindrift. I also love the Kirkland’s mineral water from Costco.
If you’re willing to skip the bubbles, try kombucha, unsweetened iced tea, fruit and herb-infused water, coconut water, Yerba Mate (the peach and enlighten mint flavor are my favorites), or Hint flavored water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does balsamic vinegar and sparkling water actually taste like coke?
I will always be honest with you guys—from the first sip, I knew it tasted nothing like Coke (at least not to this Diet Coke lover). I knew it would be a tough sell from the start, but I gave it a try.
If you enjoy kombucha or find tart-flavored drinks refreshing, this drink may just hit the spot. I wouldn’t reach for it over a Diet Coke, but I will say this: a splash of liquid caramel monk fruit sweetener and vanilla made a huge difference!
Is healthy Coke actually healthy?
While the popular drink could be a substitute for sugary carbonated beverages, this is not something you want to drink every day. Research suggests drinking beverages with carbonation and vinegar can negatively impact tooth enamel.
More TikTok Recipes:
Healthy Coke with Balsamic Vinegar
- Drinking Glass
- 1 cup ice
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 can (8 ounce) sparking water
- 1-2 drops caramel liquid monk fruit
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Fill a drinking glass with ice and add the balsamic vinegar.
- Top the ice with a can of sparkling water, vanilla extract, and a drop (or two) of liquid monk fruit. Stir to combine, and enjoy!
Cindy
Thursday 22nd of May 2025
I love this recipe. I did tweak it a bit. Added balsamic vinegar and date syrup as substitutes be ause i didnt have the main ingredients. I wont be drinking coke anytime soon
Tressa Jamil
Tuesday 1st of July 2025
Yum, I will have to try those additions. The date syrup sounds delicious!
Jamie
Tuesday 15th of August 2023
I saw this on tiktok and love your additions!
Emily Patterson
Friday 26th of May 2023
Oddly addictive
Daniel Thompson
Friday 26th of May 2023
Kudos to TikTok and you for introducing me to this summer sensation!
Johm
Saturday 15th of April 2023
Why Colavita? Doesn’t seem to be available in stores l but that’s usually how online recipes go. What flavor La Croix is “Berry”? The blackberry?
Tressa Jamil
Saturday 15th of April 2023
I was trying a TikTok recipe, and that's the brand the creator used. I choose to use the same brand for consistency's sake, but any balsamic vinegar will do. And Blackberry-flavored La Croix should be just fine; honestly, the flavor is about the same no matter what you use, but I still had to try it since it was so popular on the app.