Cola is a carbonated soft drink flavored with vanilla, cinnamon, citrus oils and other flavorings.

Cola became popular worldwide after the American pharmacist John Pemberton invented Coca-Cola, a trademarked brand, in 1886, which was imitated by other manufacturers. Most colas contain caffeine, which was originally sourced from the kola nut, leading to the drink's name, though other sources are now also used. The original cola drink by Pemberton contained an extract from the coca plant as well. His non-alcoholic recipe was inspired by the coca wine of pharmacist Angelo Mariani, created in 1863.

Most modern colas are made a dark color using caramel color, and are sweetened with sugar and/or high-fructose corn syrup. They now come in numerous different brands. Among them, the most popular are Coca-Cola and Pepsi. These two companies have been competing since the 1890s, but their rivalry has intensified since the 1980s.

The primary modern flavoring ingredients in a cola drink are citrus oils (from orange, lime, and lemon peels), cinnamon, vanilla, and an acidic flavorant. Manufacturers of cola drinks add trace flavorings to create distinctively different tastes for each brand. Trace flavorings may include a wide variety of ingredients, such as spices like nutmeg or coriander, but the base flavorings that most people identify with a cola taste remain based on the above. Acidity is often provided by phosphoric acid, sometimes accompanied by citric or other isolated acids. Coca-Cola's recipe is maintained as a corporate trade secret.

A variety of different sweeteners may be added to cola, often partly dependent on local agricultural policy. High-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is predominantly used in the United States and Canada due to the lower cost of government-subsidized corn. In Europe, however, HFCS is subject to production quotas designed to encourage the production of sugar; sugar is thus typically used to sweeten sodas.[10] In addition, stevia or an artificial sweetener may be used; "sugar-free" or "diet" colas typically contain artificial sweeteners only.

In Japan, there is a burgeoning craft cola industry, with small-scale local production methods and highly unique cola recipes using locally-sourced fruits, herbs and spices.

Most people don't stop to pick up ice when they grab a can of soda on the go. If you're used to drinking soda sans ice from a can or bottle, the addition of a few cubes could change the way you perceive the taste of the beverage.

Besides the obvious difference in temperature, ice can dilute the soda and decrease the sweetness of the drink. Some might prefer a less sugary beverage, while others might complain that the soda tastes watery.

"Fountain sodas are also most often served with ice … which dilutes the drink. That's the appeal of fountain sodas to some," HuffPost reported.

Fox News also reports that at one fast food restaurant, "water and Coca-Cola syrup are pre-chilled before entering [the] fountain dispensers with the ratio of syrup set to allow for ice to melt." This might decrease the "dilution effect" of filling your cup with ice.

By now, we are all well aware that sodas like Coke and Pepsi are not exactly the healthiest beverages. For many of us, these sweet and fizzy drinks remain a sort of treat — a little indulgence, a sugar kick, a cool-down on a hot day. The whole allure of any treat, however, quickly fades if you have become bored with it. Maybe a Coca-Cola is your favorite thing to pair with a burger, or a reward after a hard day at work. You want it to still feel exciting and like something you can still look forward to.