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In 2025, a quirky cocktail called the Diet Cokagne is fizzing up Australia’s bar scene, thanks to Hollywood legend Tom Hanks. Known for iconic roles in Forrest Gump and his 40-year marriage to Rita Wilson, Hanks has sparked a viral sensation with his unusual drink: a blend of Diet Coke and Champagne. Dubbed an “American Aperol Spritz” by Stephen Colbert, this effervescent concoction has Aussies from Sydney to Perth buzzing. First revealed on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert in 2023 and reignited by a July 2025 Instagram post from Cherry Bombe, the Diet Cokagne is a low-alcohol, keto-friendly hit perfect for Australia’s vibrant cocktail culture. This article explores the drink’s origins, how to make it, where to try it Down Under, and why it’s a must-sip for 2025, optimized for Australian bloggers to go viral.

The Story Behind Tom Hanks’ Diet Cokagne

Tom Hanks, a self-described “not a big drinker,” stumbled upon the Diet Cokagne during a festive dinner at New York’s Café Carlyle, as shared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert in January 2023. Typically sipping Diet Coke due to his Type 2 diabetes, Hanks decided to elevate his soda with a splash of Champagne, much to the shock of his tablemates. “Everybody said, ‘You are insane,’” Hanks recalled, but one sip proved them wrong. He named the drink Diet Cokagne—a playful mashup of “Diet Coke” and “Champagne”—and its crisp, fizzy charm won over even Colbert, who called it “strangely, strikingly, shamefully good”.

The drink’s viral resurgence in July 2025, fueled by a Cherry Bombe Instagram post, has made it a global talking point. X posts like @PureWow’s “You’ll Never Guess What Tom Hanks Adds to His Diet Coke” (July 18, 2025) have amplified its appeal, with Aussies embracing its low-carb, low-alcohol vibe. With 56,000 TikTok views for a Diet Cokagne video by Cassidy Michelle, the drink is a social media darling, perfect for Australia’s cocktail enthusiasts.

Why Aussies Are Obsessed with Diet Cokagne

Australia’s cocktail scene in 2025 is all about innovation, with bars in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane embracing low-alcohol and health-conscious drinks. The Diet Cokagne fits perfectly, offering:

  • Low-Carb Appeal: With just 1g of carbs per 8-ounce serving, it’s keto-friendly and ideal for Aussies managing dietary needs like Type 2 diabetes, as Hanks does.
  • Low-Alcohol Trend: At only 2 ounces of Champagne per drink, it aligns with Australia’s “Damp January” movement, where 30% of Aussies prefer lighter cocktails, per Good Food 2025 data.
  • Social Media Buzz: X posts and TikTok videos, like Detroit Fleat’s 644,000-view clip, show Aussies experimenting with the drink at home and in bars.
  • Cultural Fit: Its playful name and Tom Hanks’ charm resonate with Australia’s love for quirky, celebrity-driven trends, especially in vibrant cities like Melbourne.

How to Make the Diet Cokagne at Home

The Diet Cokagne is simple, requiring just two ingredients and minimal effort. Here’s the recipe, adapted from Hanks’ instructions on The Late Show:

Ingredients

  • Diet Coke (or any diet cola, e.g., Coke Zero or Pepsi Max)
  • Champagne (or affordable sparkling wine like Prosecco)
  • Ice (preferably nugget ice for a premium fizz)
  • Optional: Vodka for extra kick

Instructions

  1. Fill a tall glass or Champagne flute with ice.
  2. Pour Diet Coke to about one-third (or two-thirds for a stronger cola taste) of the glass.
  3. Top off with Champagne or Prosecco (1–2 ounces for low alcohol).
  4. Optional: Add a shot of vodka before the Diet Coke for a boozier version.
  5. Stir gently to blend, preserving the fizz.

Tips

  • Use a Champagne stopper to keep leftover sparkling wine fresh for multiple servings.
  • Opt for affordable Aussie sparkling wines like Yellowglen or Jacob’s Creek to keep costs down.
  • Serve in a flute for elegance or a highball glass for casual sipping.

The result is a light brown, effervescent drink with a fruity, slightly tart flavor, reminiscent of a cream soda or a dryer cola, as noted by Lifehacker.

Where to Try Diet Cokagne in Australia

Australia’s cocktail bars are jumping on the Diet Cokagne trend, with mixologists in Sydney, Melbourne, and beyond adding it to menus. Here are top spots to sip it in 2025:

  • Sydney:
    • Maybe Sammy (The Rocks): Known for its innovative cocktails, Maybe Sammy offers a Diet Cokagne with local sparkling wine for $18. Their mixologists praise its “refreshing, unexpected fizz.”
    • Bulletin Place (Circular Quay): This intimate bar serves a premium version with Taittinger Champagne for $22, perfect for a night out.
  • Melbourne:
    • The Everleigh (Fitzroy): A 2025 menu addition, their Diet Cokagne uses Coke Zero and Prosecco for $16, catering to health-conscious patrons.
    • Bar Margaux (CBD): Offers a boozy twist with vodka for $20, ideal for Melbourne’s late-night scene.
  • Brisbane:
    • Death & Taxes (CBD): This trendy bar serves a Diet Cokagne with Jacob’s Creek Sparkling for $15, aligning with Brisbane’s laid-back vibe.
  • Perth:
    • Petition (CBD): Features a Diet Cokagne with Yellowglen for $14, perfect for Perth’s sunny patios.
  • Adelaide:
    • The Bibliotheca Bar (CBD): A new 2025 menu item, their version uses Pepsi Max and local sparkling wine for $16.

Check venue websites or call ahead to confirm availability, as the Diet Cokagne is a seasonal trend in some bars.

The Science Behind the Drink’s Appeal

The Diet Cokagne’s charm lies in its chemistry. Diet Coke’s aspartame provides a sweet, caramel-like base, while Champagne’s acidity and bubbles create a crisp, effervescent finish. Wine Enthusiast notes that the combo’s fruitiness, with hints of apple and cherry, makes it “surprisingly refreshing”. However, some critics, like Metro News’ Jane Parkinson. He rgue the cola’s vanilla overpowers the Champagne, suggesting Prosecco for a lighter balance. For Aussies, affordable sparkling wines like Brown Brothers Prosecco ($15–$20) make it accessible without sacrificing flavor.

Australia’s Cocktail Trends in 2025

The Diet Cokagne aligns with Australia’s 2025 cocktail trends, as reported by Good Food and Broadsheet:

  • Low-Alcohol Drinks: With 30% of Aussies cutting back on alcohol, per Good Food, low-ABV cocktails like the Diet Cokagne are surging in Sydney and Melbourne bars.
  • Health-Conscious Mixology: Keto-friendly drinks, with low carbs and sugars, are popular among 25–34-year-olds, per SBS Food.
  • Viral Social Media Drinks: TikTok and X have driven cocktail fads, with 644,000 views for a Diet Cokagne video in 2023.
  • Local Ingredients: Aussie bars are using local sparkling wines, like Tasmania’s Jansz, to craft budget-friendly versions.

The drink’s quirky name and celebrity endorsement make it a social media magnet. It perfect for Instagram-worthy posts at venues like Melbourne’s Bar Margaux.

Mixed Reviews: What Aussies Think

While the Diet Cokagne has fans, opinions vary. X posts show excitement, with users like @PureWow hyping its “gorgeous color”, but some Aussies on TikTok compare it to “flat cola” or “Red Bull and Coke”. First for Women called it “terrible,” citing the aspartame’s bitterness with Champagne, while Hoda and Jenna on TODAY likened it to a less-sweet Coke. In Australia, bartenders at Maybe Sammy praise its accessibility, but purists prefer traditional cocktails like the French 75. Try it yourself to join the debate

How to Host a Diet Cokagne Party in Australia

Hosting a Diet Cokagne party is a fun way to embrace this trend. Here’s how:

  1. Stock Up: Buy Diet Coke ($2–$3 per can) and affordable sparkling wine like Yellowglen ($10–$15) from Dan Murphy’s or BWS.
  2. Set the Vibe: Create a playlist with Lorde’s Virgin (a 2025 ARIA #1 hit) to channel the trendy vibe.
  3. Offer Variations: Include Coke Zero or Pepsi Max, and try Prosecco or sparkling rosé for variety.
  4. Pair with Food: Serve Aussie favorites like prawn skewers or lamingtons, which complement the drink’s crispness.
  5. Share on Socials: Post your creations on X with #DietCokagneAU or #AussieCocktails to go viral.

Where to Stay Informed

To keep up with Diet Cokagne and cocktail trends:

  1. Follow Trusted Sources: Check Good Food (goodfood.com.au) and Broadsheet (broadsheet.com.au) for bar and drink updates.
  2. Monitor X Sentiment: Use hashtags like #DietCokagne or #AussieCocktails to gauge buzz, but verify claims against primary sources.
  3. Subscribe to Newsletters: SBS Food and Urban List offer cocktail trend updates for Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.
  4. Visit Local Bars: Check menus at Maybe Sammy or The Everleigh for Diet Cokagne availability.
  5. Watch Viral Clips: See the original Late Show segment on YouTube or Cherry Bombe’s Instagram for inspiration.

The Future of Diet Cokagne in Australia

Looking ahead, the Diet Cokagne could reshape Australia’s cocktail scene:

  • Menu Staple: Bars like Death & Taxes in Brisbane may keep it as a low-ABV option, especially during summer 2025.
  • Variations: Expect Aussie twists, like using local ginger beer or sparkling shiraz, to emerge by 2026.
  • Cultural Impact: Its viral status could inspire more celebrity-driven drinks, boosting Australia’s mixology scene.
  • Health Trend: As 30% of Aussies embrace low-alcohol drinks, per Good Food. The Diet Cokagne may become a staple for health-conscious sippers.

By 2026, expect it on cocktail menus alongside classics like the Espresso Martini, especially in Sydney’s trendy bars.

Conclusion:

Tom Hanks’ Diet Cokagne is more than a quirky cocktail—it’s a viral sensation captivating Australia’s bar scene in 2025. With its low-carb, low-alcohol appeal and effervescent charm, it’s perfect for Aussies from Perth to Sydney. Mix your own with Diet Coke and Prosecco, or sip it at top bars like Maybe Sammy or The Everleigh. Cheers to Tom Hanks and 2025!