Smoky Coca-Cola BBQ Sauce
Elevate your grilling game with this Smoky Coca-Cola BBQ Sauce! This delectable sauce combines the sweetness of Coca-Cola with tangy and smoky flavors, perfect for slathering on ribs, burgers, or chicken. With a unique blend of ingredients that balances sweetness and heat, this sauce will add a delightful twist to any backyard barbecue or family gathering. Easy to prepare and even easier to share, it's a must-try for any grilling enthusiast!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Catsup
1 (14 ounce) bottle (Rinse the bottle out with a bit of vinegar before measuring.)
Liquid Smoke
4 tablespoons (Adjust according to taste preference.)
Mustard
1 teaspoon (Use your favorite type of mustard.)
Tabasco Sauce
1/2 teaspoon (Adjust according to desired spice level.)
Brown Sugar
2-3 tablespoons (Use more for additional sweetness.)
Worcestershire Sauce
2-4 tablespoons (Use more for a deeper flavor profile.)
Coca-Cola
6 ounces (Pour directly from the can or bottle.)
Instructions
1
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the catsup, liquid smoke, mustard, Tabasco sauce, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce.
2
Slowly pour in the Coke while whisking the mixture to ensure an even consistency.
3
Taste the sauce and adjust the ingredients to your liking—add more brown sugar for sweetness or more liquid smoke for a stronger smoky flavor.
4
Once everything is mixed well, use the sauce to coat your choice of meat, ensuring an even distribution.
5
Simmer the coated meat over medium heat for about 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Smoky Coca-Cola BBQ Sauce?
It is a sweet, tangy, and smoky grilling sauce that uses Coca-Cola as a base to create a unique flavor profile for meats.
What are the primary ingredients?
The sauce is made from catsup, liquid smoke, mustard, Tabasco sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and Coca-Cola.
How do I prepare the sauce?
Combine all ingredients except the soda in a bowl, then slowly whisk in the Coca-Cola until smooth.
Can I use Diet Coke for this recipe?
Regular Coca-Cola is recommended because the sugar content is essential for the caramelization and thickening of the sauce.
What meats are best for this sauce?
This sauce is perfect for ribs, burgers, chicken, and even pulled pork.
How much liquid smoke should I use?
The recipe calls for 4 tablespoons, but you can adjust this amount based on how smoky you want the flavor to be.
Is this BBQ sauce spicy?
It has a mild heat from the 1/2 teaspoon of Tabasco sauce, which can be increased or decreased to your liking.
How can I adjust the sweetness?
You can add more brown sugar if you prefer a sweeter sauce or reduce it if you want it more tangy.
How long should I simmer the sauce with meat?
Simmer the coated meat for approximately 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
Can I use a different brand of cola?
While designed for Coca-Cola, other cola brands can be used, though the flavor profile may change slightly.
What is the tip for getting all the catsup out of the bottle?
Rinse the empty catsup bottle with a small amount of vinegar before measuring to ensure no sauce is wasted.
What kind of mustard should I use?
You can use any variety you like, though standard yellow mustard or Dijon works best for this recipe.
Can I use this as a marinade?
Yes, it can be used as a marinade before grilling or as a finishing sauce while simmering.
Is the sauce gluten-free?
To ensure it is gluten-free, check the labels on your catsup and Worcestershire sauce brands.
How do I store leftover sauce?
Store any remaining sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, making it a day in advance allows the flavors to develop even further.
How many ingredients are in the recipe?
There are 7 key ingredients in this Smoky Coca-Cola BBQ Sauce.
Why is Worcestershire sauce included?
It adds a deep, savory umami flavor that balances the sweetness of the sugar and cola.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, it is a very easy 'mix and simmer' recipe that requires no advanced cooking skills.
Can I use this sauce in a slow cooker?
Absolutely, it works very well for slow-cooking meats like brisket or pork shoulder.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can easily double all ingredient measurements to make a larger batch for parties.
How do I thicken the sauce if it is too thin?
Simmering it for a longer period over medium heat will naturally reduce the liquid and thicken the sauce.
Can I substitute brown sugar with something else?
Honey or maple syrup can be used as substitutes, though they will change the flavor slightly.
Is this sauce vegan?
It can be made vegan if you ensure the Worcestershire sauce brand you use does not contain anchovies.
What is the texture of the finished sauce?
Once simmered, it becomes a thick, glossy glaze that coats the meat perfectly.
Can I add garlic to this recipe?
Yes, adding garlic powder or minced garlic is a popular way to customize the flavor.
Can I use this sauce on vegetables?
Yes, it works great as a glaze for grilled vegetables like corn, onions, or portobello mushrooms.
How much Coca-Cola do I need?
The recipe requires 6 ounces of Coca-Cola, which is half of a standard can.
Does the sauce freeze well?
Yes, you can freeze the sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Can I use onion powder?
Yes, onion powder can be added during the mixing phase for additional depth of flavor.