Cooking With Coca-Cola: 10 Recipes Using This Iconic Soft Drink Slideshow

From braised short ribs to perfectly glazed ham to an unexpected combination of potato chips and Coke in a sweet, chocolate-y cupcake, we have recipes that explore the savory, sweet, and in-between possibilities for this iconic soft drink in the kitchen.

In addition to the recipes below, consider substituting this flavorful soda for sugar next time you make a sweet barbecue sauce or embrace its balanced sweetness and acidity when looking for the perfect brine for your Southern Fried Chicken recipe.

Explore some of the ways you can add flavor to your favorite dishes with Coca-Cola by checking out our pick of 10 recipes using this iconic soft drink.

The vanilla, nutmeg, lemon, and orange used in this recipe are some of the natural flavors that chef paired to match the ingredients found in Coca-Cola. They are all aromatic and flavorful additions to a braising liquid and work wonderfully in this recipe. — Patrick Phelan

For the Braised Short Rib Sliders with Pickled Red Onion, Arugula, and Gruyère recipe, click here.

Here's one carne asada recipe that I hold near and dear to my heart. Serve with warm corn tortillas, salsa, lime juice, shredded cheese, avocado slices or guacamole, chopped red onion, and lime juice. — Anne-Marie Nichols

For the Coca-Cola Carne Asada recipe, click here.

For a sweet and savory dessert, try these cupcakes from 4 Rivers Smokehouse. Using store-bought ingredients, these instructions are simple and easy to follow. 

For the Coca-Cola and Potato Chips Cupcakes recipe, click here.

America's favorite soda pop can do more than satisfy your thirst and unclog your sink. The rich syrup makes it an ideal marinade for foods like chicken and pork. — Fabiana Santana

For the Coca-Cola Chicken Wings recipe, click here.

Try this alternative to honey-baked ham that uses the classic soft drink to balance sweetness with acidity.

For the Coca-Cola Glazed Ham recipe, click here.

The slow-braised pork is cooked in the Coca-Cola to give it a sweet, caramelized crust and then topped with a vinegar-based barbecue sauce that incorporates the rich pan juices.

For the Coca-Cola Pulled Pork with Homemade Barbecue Sauce recipe, click here

Cook your rice in Coca-Cola for a sweet side dish that combines perfectly with spicy chicken or topped with fresh coconut shavings.

For the Cola Rice recipe, click here.

This Coca-Cola cake is rich, chocolaty, and simple to make. Just top the cake with the Coca-Cola icing while hot and serve.

For the Coca-Cola Cake recipe, click here.

This recipe takes two all-time favorites to create a delicious and sweet dessert. — Patrick Phelan

For the Homemade Oreo Cookies with Coca-Cola Cream Filling recipe, click here.

For this lamb recipe, the chef drew inspiration from some of the flavors that he found in Coca-Cola, particularly the nutmeg. He used that to create a salty rub on the meat that was then balanced by the tartness of the tomatoes. — Patrick Phelan

For the Glazed Lamb Skewers with Charred Tomato and Apricot recipe, click here.