I have, and never will, understand the Coke-phenomenon.
To me all colas are "too strong", they kill the taste food - so they cannot be drank with food. But still people do. For thirst - no, again, too much sugar or other sweeteners, it does not take the thirst away. But still people do.
By far the best drink is tap water, for thirst and with most foods (unless you fancy a nice beer or wine, but that is different story entirely).
Apparently there are even cola-connoisseur like you (not that there's anything wrong about it).
Don't get me wrong, I occasionally do drink a soft drink, but that is mostly to get some sugar into blood stream.