Marinating meat in soda pop might sound unconventional, but when that soda is classic Coca-Cola, something magical happens. Paired with bold Southern flavors like garlic, mustard, Worcestershire, and brown sugar, the result is a pork loin that turns out incredibly tender, slightly sweet, and beautifully tangy.
This oven-roasted pork loin gets coated in a rich, cola-infused marinade that transforms into a glossy, caramelized crust as it cooks. Underneath, the meat stays juicy and flavorful with just a hint of Coca-Cola running through every bite. Here’s how this humble cut turns into something extraordinary.
The Power of the Marinade
The secret to this recipe is the marinade—and it works in three important ways:
- Tenderizes the pork:
The acidity and sweetness of the Coca-Cola help break down the meat fibers, giving you unbelievably moist, fork-tender pork. - Infuses deep flavor:
Classic Southern ingredients add layers of sweet, tangy, savory goodness:- Soy sauce for salty umami
- Ketchup and Dijon mustard for tang
- Worcestershire and balsamic vinegar for depth
- Garlic, ginger, thyme for aromatic richness
- Creates a caramelized crust:
As the pork roasts, the sugar in the cola and ketchup reduces and caramelizes, forming a sticky, lacquered exterior that’s irresistibly delicious.
For best results, let the pork marinate for a full 24 hours to soak up all that flavor.
A Cola Baste for Maximum Moisture
Halfway through roasting, you’ll prepare a thick, syrupy Coca-Cola sauce that gets poured over the meat. This baste keeps the pork moist and adds another layer of sweet, tangy, caramelized flavor.
The sauce blends:
- Coca-Cola
- Brown sugar
- Balsamic vinegar
- Mustard
- Ginger and garlic
As it simmers and reduces, it becomes glossy and thick—perfect for coating the pork loin with sticky Southern charm.
The Final Result
It may sound unusual, but this Coca-Cola pork loin delivers flavor and tenderness that traditional recipes just can’t match. The exterior bakes into a crisp, caramelized crust while the inside stays juicy, tender, and subtly sweet.
It’s comforting, nostalgic, family-friendly, and surprisingly affordable—perfect for busy weeknights, Sunday suppers, or anytime you want a flavorful, crowd-pleasing main dish. Even picky eaters will be asking for seconds.
Old South Coca-Cola Pork Loin
Sweet, tangy, tender, and perfectly caramelized—this classic Southern-inspired pork loin is a must-try!
Ingredients
Marinade
- 1 cup Coca-Cola
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- ⅓ cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp dry mustard
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 (3–5 lb) pork loin roast
Cola Sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp butter
- ½ tsp dry mustard
- ⅔ cup Coca-Cola
- ⅓ cup balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the Pork
Whisk all marinade ingredients in a shallow baking dish. Add the pork loin, turning to coat. Cover and refrigerate overnight. - Roast the Pork
Preheat oven to 325°F.
Remove pork from marinade and place in a roasting pan.
Roast for 30–40 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 175°F. - Prepare the Cola Sauce
In a saucepan, whisk together all sauce ingredients.
Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook until thick and syrupy. - Baste and Finish Roasting
Pour the thickened sauce over the pork.
Return to the oven and roast for an additional 30 minutes to caramelize. - Rest and Serve
Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Serve with extra sauce drizzled on top.