Cherry Coke BBQ Sauce || Delicious

Cherry Coke BBQ Sauce is a sweet, tangy, smoky sauce made using Cherry Coke, ketchup, dried cherries, and spices.

This Cherry Coke BBQ Sauce turns out incredibly delicious, packed with rich cherry flavour and deep barbecue notes.

I made this Cherry Coke BBQ Sauce after watching a cooking show where it was featured, and I felt inspired to recreate it.

The main speciality of this sauce is the unique blend of cherry sweetness and smoky depth.

I will now show up and share step by step how I created this flavourful Cherry Coke BBQ Sauce from scratch using simple ingredients at home.

Why We Love This Recipe?

We love this Cherry Coke BBQ Sauce because it blends sweet cherries, smoky spices, and tangy ingredients into a bold, unforgettable sauce.

The Cherry Coke adds a playful twist, while dried cherries deepen the flavor. It’s easy to make and transforms ordinary meals into something special.

Whether used for grilling, dipping, or glazing, it brings excitement to every bite and always leaves us wanting more.

How To Prepare Cherry Coke BBQ Sauce?

Recipe Overview

Preparation Time: 5 minutes

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Course: Sauce / Condiment

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American, BBQ

Yield: About 3 cups of sauce

Kitchen Utensils Needed

• Medium saucepan
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Blender or immersion blender (optional, for smoother texture)
• Whisk (for cornstarch slurry, if used)

Ingredients

• 1 cup Cherry Coke
• 1 cup ketchup
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• ¾ cup dried cherries
• 2 tablespoons molasses
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon garbic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1–2 tablespoons water

Instructions

1. Combine Base Ingredients

In a medium saucepan, add the Cherry Coke, ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, molasses. Stir well to combine.

2. Add Dry Seasonings

Stir in the dried cherries, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.

3. Simmer the Sauce

Place the saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Let it simmer gently for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the flavors to blend and the cherries to soften.

4. Blend (Optional)

For a smooth sauce, use an immersion blender directly in the pot or transfer the sauce to a blender once slightly cooled. Blend until smooth.

5. Thicken (Optional)

If a thicker sauce is desired, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1–2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir it into the simmering sauce and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes until thickened.

6. Taste and Adjust

Taste the sauce and adjust salt or sweetness as needed.

7. Cool and Store

Let the sauce cool slightly, then transfer it to a jar or airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Nutrition Facts Of Cherry Coke BBQ Sauce

Nutrition	Amounts
Calories	70 kcal
Sodium	180 mg
Carbohydrates	18 g
Fat	0 g
Protein	0 g

Pro Tips And Tricks For Cherry Coke BBQ Sauce

1. Use real Cherry Coke – Don’t substitute; the unique flavor is key to the sauce’s bold, sweet base.

2. Simmer slowly – Let the sauce simmer low and slow to deepen the flavors and soften the dried cherries.

3. Blend for smoothness – For a velvety texture, blend the sauce after cooking.

4. Balance the sweetness – Taste before finishing and adjust vinegar or salt if needed.

5. Store properly – Keep in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks for best flavor.

How To Make More Delicious Of Cherry Coke BBQ Sauce?

To make Cherry Coke BBQ Sauce even more delicious, try roasting the dried cherries slightly before adding them for a deeper, caramelised flavour.

Use a splash of bourbon or a pinch of cayenne for added depth and a subtle kick. Let the sauce simmer a bit longer to concentrate the flavors, and always taste as you go to balance the sweetness, acidity, and spice. A smooth blend at the end brings everything together beautifully.

Ways To Use Cherry Coke BBQ Sauce

1. Glaze for Ribs – Brush over ribs during the last 10 minutes of grilling for a sticky, flavorful finish.

2. Burger Topping – Spread on burgers instead of ketchup for a sweet and smoky twist.

3. Pulled Pork Sauce – Mix into pulled pork for an extra layer of bold flavor.

4. Chicken Marinade – Use as a marinade or basting sauce for grilled or baked chicken.

5. Dipping Sauce – Serve with fries, onion rings, or chicken tenders.

6. Pizza Base – Swap out traditional pizza sauce for a BBQ twist on flatbreads or BBQ chicken pizza.

How Do You Preserve Cherry Coke BBQ Sauce?

To preserve Cherry Coke BBQ Sauce, let it cool completely after cooking, then transfer it to a clean, airtight glass jar or container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

For longer storage, you can freeze the Cherry Coke BBQ Sauce in small freezer safe containers or ice cube trays, then transfer the cubes to a freezer bag this way, you can thaw only what you need. Always use a clean spoon to avoid contamination and extend freshness.

Conclusion

This Cherry Coke BBQ Sauce turned into one of my easiest and most delicious kitchen successes. I truly enjoyed every step, from mixing to that first bite.

I hope my experience inspires you to try it for yourself. The recipe is simple, fun, and full of flavour that stands out.

Now it’s your turn make it soon and let me know how much you enjoyed the taste after trying it. I can’t wait to hear about your results.

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