Old South Coca-Cola Pork Loin: A Southern Classic with Sweet Heritage Flavor

If you’re searching for a nostalgic, richly flavored Southern pork dish that’s unbelievably tender and beautifully glazed, look no further than Old South Coca-Cola Pork Loin. This recipe has been beloved across Southern kitchens for generations. What makes it special is the unexpected but magical combination of Coca-Cola, brown sugar, garlic, and savory seasonings that gently infuse the pork with sweetness, depth, and caramelized richness.

The Coca-Cola doesn’t make the dish taste like soda — instead, it acts like a flavor booster, tenderizer, and glaze all in one. As it reduces in the oven, it forms an incredible sticky-sweet sauce that clings to every slice of pork. It’s simple, iconic, and guaranteed to impress.

Let’s dive into the full recipe and all the secrets that make this Southern pork loin so unforgettable.

What Makes Coca-Cola Pork Loin So Good?

1. Coca-Cola caramelizes beautifully.

Its sugar content helps create a lacquered glaze that coats the pork.

2. Tenderizes the meat.

The acidity softens tough fibers, resulting in juicy, sliceable pork.

3. Sweet meets savory.

Brown sugar, garlic, Worcestershire, onion, and spices balance perfectly against the sweet cola.

4. Practically effortless.

A few ingredients + one pan = magic.

5. Crowd-pleasing flavor.

This is the kind of old-fashioned recipe Southern grandmothers swear by — because it works.

Ingredients

Pork Loin

• 3–4 lb pork loin
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder

Coca-Cola Glaze & Braising Liquid

• 2 cups Coca-Cola (NOT diet)
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, smashed
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional, for depth)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Preheat and prep.

Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Pat pork loin dry and season all sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

2. Sear the pork.

Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven. Sear pork on all sides until golden brown — 2–3 minutes per side.

3. Add aromatics.

Scatter sliced onion and smashed garlic around the pork.

4. Pour the Coca-Cola mixture.

Whisk Coca-Cola, brown sugar, Worcestershire, paprika, chili powder, vinegar, and extra salt. Pour over pork.

5. Roast slowly.

Cover and roast 2–2½ hours, basting every 30 minutes, until pork is tender and internal temp reaches 145–155°F depending on preference.

6. Reduce the sauce.

Remove pork. Simmer cooking liquid on stove until thickened into a glossy glaze.

7. Slice and serve.

Slice pork loin against the grain. Spoon cola glaze generously on top.

Old South Coca-Cola Pork Loin

A tender, sweet-savory Southern-style pork loin braised in classic Coca-Cola with brown sugar, garlic, and spices for a rich caramelized glaze.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs 45 minutes mins

Servings: 8 slices

Course: Dinner, Main

Cuisine: American, Southern

Calories: 390

Ingredients

  

Pork Loin

• 3-4 lb pork loin
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder

Coca-Cola Glaze

• 2 cups Coca-Cola not diet
• 0.5 cup brown sugar
• 1 onion sliced
• 4 cloves garlic smashed
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp paprika
• 0.5 tsp chili powder optional
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 0.5 tsp salt

Equipment

• Dutch oven
• Oven
• Knife
• Cutting board

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Pat pork dry and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven and sear pork on all sides until golden brown.
3. Add sliced onion and smashed garlic around the pork.
4. Whisk Coca-Cola, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, chili powder, vinegar, and salt. Pour over pork.
5. Cover and roast 2–2.5 hours, basting every 30 minutes, until tender and internal temperature reaches 145–155°F.
6. Remove pork and reduce cooking liquid on the stovetop until thick and syrupy.
7. Slice pork and spoon Coca-Cola glaze over the top before serving.

Notes

Use Coca-Cola Classic for best caramelization. Rest pork 10 minutes before slicing.

Expert Tips

Use Coca-Cola Classic.

Diet soda will NOT caramelize or thicken correctly.

Sear first.

Creates flavor and keeps juices inside the pork.

Low and slow is key.

The longer simmer gives the sauce time to deepen.

Let the pork rest.

Rest 10 minutes before slicing to keep juices in.

Reduce glaze until syrupy.

This is what makes the pork irresistible.

Flavor Variations

• Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or chipotle powder.
• Maple Cola Glaze: Replace ¼ cup brown sugar with maple syrup.
• Herb-Infused: Add rosemary or thyme sprigs.
• BBQ Twist: Add ¼ cup barbecue sauce to the glaze.

Serving Suggestions

• Mashed potatoes
• Southern-style green beans
• Cornbread
• Mac and cheese
• Buttered rice
• Collard greens
• Roasted sweet potatoes

Storing & Reheating

Store:

Up to 4 days refrigerated.

Freeze:

Freeze sliced pork + glaze up to 3 months.

Reheat:

Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of Coke or broth to maintain moisture.