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.
Elevate your BBQ game with these soda-based techniques and keep your grilling experience mess-free with quality aprons from Aprontify.
Trending Merchandise

LEBEXY cooking apron cooking apron cotton apron apron grill apron work apron apron cotton plain black for men men women boys

atopo 4 Pack Chefs Apron, Black Apron for Men Women, Waterproof Apron with 2 Pockets, Adjustable Neck Strap Apron for Kitchen Cooking Baking Garden BBQ

LEFUNDA® Cooking Apron Waterproof Apron with 3 Pockets Adjustable BBQ Apron with Long Straps Kitchen Apron for Men Women Kitchen Restaurant Café

Chef Pomodoro Cooking Apron – Apron – Cooking Apron Women – Cooking Apron Men – Grill Apron for Men – Cooking Apron Men – Cotton Cooking Apron – Kitchen Apron for Kitchen, Grill, Restaurant

Tempery High Quality Kitchen Apron with Large Pocket, Stylish Unisex Design for Men and Women

Asquare Cooking Apron 65x85cm – Breathable Apron 100% Cotton – Adjustable Kitchen Apron with 2 Large Pockets – Cooking Apron – Grill Apron for Men and Women

MOLENKY Apron, 2 Pieces Adjustable Apron with 2 Pockets, Adjustable Neck Strap Cooking Apron, BBQ Apron, Kitchen Apron, Café for Men & Women (Stripe-Black)

Gaosaili 2 Pack Women’s Apron Cooking Apron with Large Pockets, Kitchen Apron for Women, Adjustable Kitchen Apron Kitchen Chef Aprons Grill Apron for Women
