Whether you’re slathering it on ribs, brushing it over grilled chicken, or mixing it into pulled pork, barbecue sauce is an easy way to add bold, smoky-sweet flavor to any dish. And while store-bought barbecue sauces can be convenient, some can have an artificial taste, and simply don’t live up to one made from scratch. For a richer, more complex homemade version, consider an unexpected secret ingredient that might already be in your fridge: Coca-Cola. To find out how, Food Republic spoke to Kyle Taylor, recipe developer and content creator at He Cooks.
“The sugar helps with caramelization as the sauce cooks down, and the slight tang from the carbonation balances out heavy or smoky flavors,” Taylor said. “You can use it instead of sugar for a more unique flavor.”
To incorporate it into your Coca-Cola barbecue sauce, add about a cup of Coca-Cola to your other ingredients and let the mixture simmer on the stove until it thickens and reduces. The result is a glossy, sticky-sweet sauce with depth and character. Other dark sodas like Dr. Pepper or Pepsi also work, each bringing their own distinct twist — think hints of cherry, vanilla, or spice that pair beautifully with grilled meats.
Balance is key for Coca-Cola barbecue sauce
Barbecue sauce comes in several regional American styles, and Coca-Cola can complement many of them in different ways. “[Coca-Cola] works best in thick, sticky styles like Kansas City or [Texas], the kind you glaze over ribs or brisket burnt ends and let bubble up into a glossy coat,” Kyle Taylor explained. “Vinegar-based sauces like Carolina-style are less traditional, but a small splash can mellow the edge and give it a little warmth.”
To avoid tipping the sauce too sweet or soda-flavored, reach for other balancing ingredients. Give your barbecue sauce a spicy kick with harissa paste and chili powder, a dash of liquid smoke, or smoked paprika for a savory, smoky finish without overpowering the cola’s sweetness. Mustard or apple cider vinegar can also add acidity and brightness to an overly rich sauce. Don’t forget to taste as you go, and dial back on other sweeteners (like brown sugar or honey) to ensure the savory notes aren’t lost. Once your sauce is made, add it to grilled meats and veggies, barbecue chicken pizza, or meatballs before storing leftover sauce in the fridge for up to three weeks.
