5 Delicious Ideas For Cooking With Cola

Coca-Cola, the world's most popular carbonated beverage, has been around since 1886. Meanwhile, a staggering number of generic and imitation brands have popped up on the scene, and whether you prefer the original or an alternate version, there's no denying that it's hard to beat. But what most people don't know is that in addition to being a refreshing soft drink, cola has many hidden culinary uses and works great in several dishes and desserts. Here are 5 creative ideas to get you started!

1. Cola Gummies

You'll need:

  • 10 fl oz cola
  • 7 fl oz cherry juice
  • 8 sheets gelatin

Here's how:

1. First mix the cola with the cherry juice and heat the mixture for 2 minutes in the microwave. Then stir the soaked gelatin sheets in with a whisk. Line a baking dish with plastic wrap, pour the liquid in, and refrigerate for 4 hours.

2. Flip the set jello onto your work surface, peel off the plastic wrap, and cut into cubes.

2. Caramelized Bacon

You'll need:

  • 9 oz bacon, thickly sliced
  • 10 oz cola

Here's how:

1. Lay the thick bacon slices in a casserole dish, pour the cola over, and let it marinate for 2 hours.

2. Fy the bacon in a pan until crispy brown on both sides – your cola bacon is ready to go!

3. Cherry Cola Sorbet

You'll need:

  • 12 oz frozen cherries
  • 3½ fl oz cherry juice
  • juice of ½ lemon
  • 2 fl oz sugar syrup
  • 4 fl oz cola

Here's how:

Put all the ingredients together in a blender and purée them. Pour the contents into a casserole dish, freeze overnight, and you'll be able to enjoy your frozen treat the next day.

4. Cola Cupcakes

You'll need (for 6 cupcakes):

For the cake batter:

  • 2½ oz flour
  • 1½ oz cocoa powder
  • 1½ oz crème fraîche
  • 2 oz sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 fl oz vegetable oil
  • 1 fl oz milk
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • 3½ fl oz cola

For the topping:

  • buttercream frosting
  • chocolate syrup
  • 6 maraschino cherries

Here's how:

1. Stir all the batter ingredients together with a hand mixer until a uniform dough is formed. Line a muffin pan with cupcake liners and pour the batter into the molds. Bake at 320°F for 20 minutes.

2. Let the cupcakes cool and decorate with buttercream frosting and chocolate syrup and top it all off with a maraschino cherry.

5. Cola Ribs

You'll need:

  • 34 fl oz (1L) cola
  • 3 garlic cloves, diced
  • 4 sprigs rosemary
  • 2 ribs
  • BBQ sauce

Here's how:

1. Mix the cola, garlic, and rosemary together and bring to a boil. Add the ribs, put the lid on the pot, and cook the ribs until tender. Remove the ribs from the pot and brush with barbecue sauce. 

2. Throw those bad boys on the grill and cook until crispy. Enjoy!

You can practically create a whole meal with these recipe suggestions... breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack, appetizer, main course, dessert — it's almost all there! Now all you have to do is come up with a side dish utilizing the beloved soda and you're set.

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Also hefty