Coca-Cola Barbecue Sauce

Prep: 10 min Cook: 60 min Cuisine: American

A rich, tangy barbecue sauce with Coca-Cola and ketchup, perfect for glazing grilled chicken and pork with a sweet and savory flavor profile.

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Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 c. garlic, minced
  • 1 bay leaf, crumbled
  • 2 c. ketchup
  • 6 oz. Coca-Cola
  • 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
  • 2 tsp. wine vinegar

Instructions

  1. Saute the chopped onion and minced garlic until soft, not browned.
  2. Add all other ingredients and simmer for up to 1 hour.
  3. Brush the sauce on chicken during the final 10 to 15 minutes of grilling.
  4. This sauce is also good on pork.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, try adding a splash of hot sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika to the sauce while simmering. If you're out of Dijon mustard, yellow mustard works in a pinch, though it will alter the taste slightly. To make it vegetarian, substitute the Worcestershire sauce with a vegan alternative.

Serving Suggestions

This Coca-Cola Barbecue Sauce pairs beautifully with grilled chicken and pork, making it a versatile addition to your barbecue spread. Serve it alongside a fresh salad or coleslaw for a refreshing contrast. For a delightful dessert, consider serving Emily'S Delicious Chocolate Cake to round off your meal.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover Coca-Cola Barbecue Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. You can also freeze it for up to three months. When reheating, warm it gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain its texture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Coca-Cola Barbecue Sauce contains roughly 823 calories, with 17g protein, 103g carbohydrates, and 40g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (41% of the Daily Value), protein (33% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1450mg per serving (63% of the Daily Value).

823 kcal 41% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 16.7g 33% DV
Total Fat 39.7g 51% DV
Carbs 102.5g 37% DV
Fiber 7.6g 27% DV
Sugar 16.6g 33% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1450.3mg 63% DV
Potassium 451.5mg 10% DV
Cholesterol 5.4mg 2% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 275mcg 31% DV
Vitamin C 16mg 18% DV
Vitamin D 0.2mcg 1% DV
Calcium 158.4mg 12% DV
Iron 7.4mg 41% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Milk

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use diet Coca-Cola for this recipe?

Yes, you can use diet Coca-Cola as a substitute. However, keep in mind that it may alter the flavor profile slightly, as the sugar content in regular Coca-Cola contributes to the sauce's sweetness.

How can I thicken the sauce if it's too runny?

If your sauce turns out too runny, you can thicken it by simmering it uncovered for a longer period to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the sauce, cooking until it thickens.

Is this sauce suitable for vegetarian recipes?

The Coca-Cola Barbecue Sauce can be made vegetarian by substituting Worcestershire sauce with a vegan version. This adjustment allows it to complement grilled vegetables or plant-based meats perfectly, making it a great addition to vegetarian recipes.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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