Old South Coca-Cola Pork Loin: Sweet, Tangy & Southern-Inspired

Marinating meat in soda pop might raise eyebrows, but in true Southern fashion, we’re here to turn skepticism into satisfaction. With Coca-Cola as the secret star, this Old South Pork Loinrecipe creates a sweet, tangy, and mouthwateringly tender roast that will steal the show at any family dinner or holiday table.

Roasted to perfection and basted in a sticky cola glaze, this pork loin delivers a lacquered crust outside and succulent flavor inside. Whether you’re serving it for Sunday supper or a special gathering, this dish promises to be both nostalgic and unforgettable.

Why Coca-Cola?

Coca-Cola has long been a Southern kitchen staple—not just in glasses but in marinades. Thanks to its acidity and sweetness, Coke acts as both a meat tenderizer and a flavor infuser, creating layers of caramelized goodness during roasting.

The real magic, however, comes from pairing it with pantry staples like:

• Soy sauce for a savory umami base

• Ketchup and mustard for tangy brightness

• Worcestershire and balsamic vinegar for depth

• Garlic, ginger, and thymefor aromatic complexity

Ingredients

🥣 For the Marinade:

• 1 cup Coca-Cola

• 1/4 cup soy sauce

• 3 Tbsp vegetable oil

• 2 Tbsp Dijon mustard

• 1/3 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

🍯 For the Cola Sauce:

• 1 Tbsp cornstarch

• 1 cup brown sugar

• 2 Tbsp butter

• 1/2 tsp dry mustard

• 2/3 cup Coca-Cola

• 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar

• Salt and pepper to taste

 Instructions

1. Marinate the Pork

• In a large bowl or zip-top bag, combine all marinade ingredients. Whisk until smooth.

• Add the pork loin and turn to coat. Marinate for 24 hoursin the refrigerator, turning occasionally.

2. Roast the Pork

• Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).

• Remove pork from marinade and place it in a roasting pan. Discard remaining marinade.

• Roast uncovered for 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on size, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).

3. Make the Cola Sauce

• In a saucepan, combine Coca-Cola, brown sugar, butter, dry mustard, and balsamic vinegar. Bring to a simmer.

• Mix cornstarch with 1 Tbsp of water to form a slurry. Add to the sauce and stir until thickened.

• Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Baste and Glaze

• Midway through roasting, spoon some sauce over the pork to keep it moist.

• In the final 15 minutes of cooking, baste again to build up that gorgeous caramelized coating.

• Reserve remaining sauce for serving.

5. Rest and Slice

• Let the pork rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

• Serve with remaining cola sauce on the side.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair it with mashed sweet potatoes, buttered green beans, or Southern-style cornbread.

• Leftovers make amazing sandwiches with a touch of slaw and extra sauce!

Tips & Variations

• Substitute Coke Zero or Dr. Pepper for a fun twist.

• Add a dash of crushed red pepper to the sauce for mild heat.

• Roast over a bed of onions for even more flavor infusion.