In a large bowl sift all the dry ingredients together along with a pinch of salt.
In a small jug measure the milk and add the first tablespoon of lemon juice. Set aside and leave to curdle for about 5-10 minutes. In essence you're making a nice tangy buttermilk.
In a free-standing mixer add the eggs, vanilla, cola, oil, the curdled milk along with the final measure of lemon juice and lemon rind.
Beat these wet ingredients until combined.
On a low speed slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet and beat again until smooth.
Pour mixture into a measuring jug, then carefully fill paper case ⅔ the way full.
Bake for between 16-20 minutes or until cupcakes spring back when touched.
Cool and then ice with a swirl of whipped cream buttercream. Link to recipe above.
For an added hit, just before serving sprinkling some cola flavoured popping candy over the buttercream (this can devolve, so make sure they are snapped up right away!)
Recipe by Baker Gatherer at https://bakergatherer.com/cola-cupcakes/