Old South Coca-Cola Pork Loin is a flavorful, Southern-style roast that blends sweet and savory ingredients for a tender, juicy centerpiece worthy of any Sunday dinner or holiday table. With roots in vintage Southern kitchens, this recipe combines Coca-Cola—a classic American soda—with bold elements like soy sauce, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce to create a complex marinade that infuses the pork loin with deep, caramelized flavor. After hours of slow marination and oven roasting, the pork is finished with a sticky, rich Coca-Cola glaze that elevates each bite with just the right balance of sweetness and tang.
This dish isn’t just about nostalgia; it’s also about texture and aroma. The pork loin becomes incredibly moist thanks to the acidic and sugary marinade, while the glaze forms a glossy coating that seals in flavor. Crushed thyme, ginger, garlic, and balsamic vinegar add aromatic depth, complementing the richness of the meat. Served alongside traditional Southern sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, or cornbread, this pork loin transforms an ordinary evening into a comforting, full-flavored experience. It’s a standout roast that delivers old-school charm with modern ease.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Classic Southern flavor with a modern twist
• Sweet and tangy glaze made from Coca-Cola and balsamic vinegar
• Tender and juicy pork roast with a caramelized finish
• Perfect for holidays, special gatherings, or hearty family dinners
• Can be made ahead for fuss-free entertaining
Ingredients
For the marinade:
¼ cup soy sauce
1 cup Coca-Cola
½ cup dark brown sugar
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
3 tablespoons oil
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
⅓ cup ketchup
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon dry mustard
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon crushed thyme
5-pound boneless pork loin roast
For the Coca-Cola glaze:
1 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons butter
⅓ cup balsamic vinegar
⅔ cup Coca-Cola
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Pork
In a large mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, Coca-Cola, dark brown sugar, Dijon mustard, oil, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, garlic, dry mustard, balsamic vinegar, ginger, and crushed thyme. Whisk until fully blended.
Place the pork loin into a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the pork, making sure it’s fully coated.
Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 24 hours. Turn the pork occasionally to ensure even marination.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Roast
Remove the pork from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels to help it roast evenly. Discard the marinade.
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the pork loin on a roasting rack set in a roasting pan, fat side facing up. This helps the fat render and keep the meat moist during roasting.
Season lightly with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Step 3: Roast the Pork
Place the pork in the preheated oven and roast uncovered. The general rule is to roast for 30 to 40 minutes per pound, so for a 5-pound roast, allow roughly 2½ to 3 hours.
Use a meat thermometer to monitor doneness. The pork should reach an internal temperature of 175°F (80°C).
During the last 30 minutes of roasting, baste the pork with the Coca-Cola glaze every 10 minutes to develop a glossy, caramelized finish.
Step 4: Make the Coca-Cola Glaze
While the pork is roasting, prepare the glaze. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, cornstarch, butter, balsamic vinegar, and Coca-Cola.
Whisk constantly to prevent lumps and ensure the sugar dissolves completely.
Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring frequently, until the glaze has thickened and coats the back of a spoon.
Season with a pinch of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 5: Rest and Slice
Once the pork loin has reached 175°F and the glaze has set during the final roasting period, remove the roast from the oven.
Tent it loosely with foil and let it rest for 15 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every slice is moist and tender.
After resting, slice the pork into thick rounds. Arrange on a serving platter and drizzle generously with the warm Coca-Cola glaze.
Tips for Success
• Marinate for at least 24 hours to fully infuse the pork with deep flavor. You can even go up to 36 hours for a richer taste.
• Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking—pork loin is lean and can dry out if roasted too long.
• Pat the roast dry before cooking to help develop a nice crust on the outside.
• Start glazing only in the final 30 minutes so the sugars don’t burn.
• For added depth, try adding a splash of bourbon to the glaze—this complements the Southern flair beautifully.
Storage Options
Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. To reheat, place slices in a baking dish with a bit of glaze and cover with foil. Warm in a 325°F oven until heated through.
Freezer:
The pork freezes well for up to 2 months. Slice before freezing for easy portioning. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil or store in freezer bags with a bit of glaze. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating Tips:
Reheat gently to retain moisture. Use a covered skillet over low heat or microwave in 30-second intervals with a spoonful of glaze to prevent drying out.
Old South Coca-Cola Pork Loin brings together the nostalgia of down-home cooking with ingredients that modern pantries almost always have on hand. Whether it’s your Sunday family meal or a holiday roast, this dish turns a humble cut of meat into something festive and full of heart. With a sweet-savory glaze, tender texture, and unforgettable aroma, it’s bound to become a staple in your recipe box.
