An improved carbonated beverage comprises adding ethyl benzoate or a coca leaf extract to a diet soda, in particular, a diet cola soda. An improved diet cola beverage comprises an extract of the coca leaf. Such improved beverages can additionally comprise sugar, glucose or an artificial sweetener. The extract of coca leaf plant may be decocainized, and provided in either liquid or powder form. One ratio of diet cola beverage product and the extract of the coca leaf plant is a ratio by weight of approximately 22:1 to 44:1 of beverage:extract.
