The Ultimate Guide to Soda-Based BBQ Sauces and Techniques

found on BarbecueBible.com

Don’t believe us? Just ask a Filipino grill master. Sprite or similarly-flavored 7-Up is an essential ingredient in many Pinoy barbecue sauces. (Check out Steven Raichlen’s recipe for Sparkling Barbecue Sauce in his groundbreaking book, Barbecue! Bible. It’s terrific with pork (ribs, pork shoulder, chops, etc.) or chicken, adding a satisfying stickiness to the meat if applied near the end of the cooking time.

Soda-Based BBQSauces:

Soda pop is also terrific when used as a braising liquid. Venezuelans, for example, braise their pot roasts in Coke. Making our ultra-popular 3-2-1 ribs? Add a bit of pop to the ribs during the foiling stage (step 2)—enough to come up the side of the ribs by about 1/3 inch. When you return the unfoiled ribs to the grill, reserve the flavorful braising liquid and add, if desired, to your preferred barbecue sauce.

Soda Spritz:

Then there’s the soda spritz. Start with a glass bottle of Pepsi, Dr. Pepper, or your preferred soda. Hold your thumb over the opening and gently shake the bottle. Point the neck at that brisket or rack of ribs in your smoker or pork shoulder on the rotisserie. Slide your thumb back just a bit: a thin stream of soda will squirt out, basting the meat with effervescent goodness.

Barbecue Sauces:

One of Steven’s all-time favorites is the Coca Cola Barbecue Sauce published in Barbecue Sauces, Rubs, and Marinades. Developed by financial-planner-turned-pit-master, American Royal Champion Jim Budros, this unique sauce takes advantage of Coke’s sweet, tart, and spicy character, aided by ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and a few other pantry ingredients.

Speaking of soda-based barbecue sauces, how about a cherry soda barbecue sauce? It’s flavored with black cherry soda, whole Bing cherries, and cherry preserves. We love it with pork ribs.

Soda Can Chicken:

The ultimate use of soda in barbecue might well be the soda can chickens in Steven’s latest book (newly re-released): Beer Can Chicken. You’re likely familiar with chicken cooked on a beer can. Did you know you can use the same technique with cola soda, orange soda, root beer, and even black cherry soda? For more exciting summer recipes and grilled dessert ideas, check out this blog article on Aprontify.

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