Tom Hanks says Diet Coke with champagne is ‘delicious’. Sydney wine experts give their verdict

Tom Hanks added a shot of champagne to his Diet Coke at a party, and the result went viral. He reckons it’s ‘delicious!’ Sydney wine experts give their verdict.

Diet coke mixed with champagne. It’s a match made in heaven according to US actor Tom Hanks.

The cocktail has gone viral after the Elvis actor spoke about the drink on Stephen Colbert’s late night talk show.

Hanks, who is a type two diabetic, explained he’s not a big drinker and sips on diet coke but got the wild idea to add a “shot of champagne in your diet coke” at holiday party.

Hanks, remarking the drink was “delicious” and the colour of the drink “kinda gorgeous”, then dubbed the drink “Diet Cokagne”. Colbert suggested it could be called the “Tom Hanks” or “American Aperol Spritz.”

And despite the unlikely ingredient list, Australian wine experts aren’t turning their noses up at it.

Tom Hanks sips his Diet Cokagne cocktail after mixing it on The Colbert Show. Pictures: Supplied

Jonothan Carr is Director of Bars for Etymon, who recently opened the luxe CBD bars Tiva and The Charles Bar.

He says while why it wouldn’t be his choice of beverage, he understands the appeal of Hanks’ creation.

“The Diet Coke adds some sweetness to the Brut Champagne and if you like two things separately, combining them won’t hurt for a refreshing, spritz with a touch of caffeine,’ he said.

Solotel’s Beverage Manager Pauric Kennedy said he’d happily pour the cocktail for guests. “As a young, cocky bartender I may have judged too harshly at times, but after years of serving all walks of life, I say each to their own,” he said.

“As far as becoming the next contemporary classic, I doubt it will climb to those echelons, but to be honest I’ve seen worse.”

Andrew Shedden is the Head of Fine Wine at Dan Murphy’s said people shouldn’t be scared to mix wine like they do spirits.

“Don’t be scared, do what works for you! There are a lot of options for wine based mixed drinks and cocktails e.g. Aperol Spritz, Sangria, Mimosa, Bellini, or perhaps the closest thing to what Tom has recommended a Kalimotxo [a combination of red wine and diet coke], he said.

“While I couldn’t physically bring myself to do such a thing to one of our beautiful Champagnes, who are we to tell Tom, or anyone for that matter, how to enjoy their favourite tipple?