If you’re looking to thrill your cookout crew with something bold and a little bit nostalgic, Cherry Cola BBQ Sauce is the magic you need in your grilling arsenal! This sauce brings together tart cherries, the caramel fizz of cola, and layers of smoky-sweet BBQ flavor, transforming any meal into a finger-lickin’ celebration. It’s lush, tangy, and just a little bit cheeky—you’re going to love it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Seriously Unique Flavor: Cherry Cola BBQ Sauce blends juicy cherries and sweet cola for a one-of-a-kind taste that’s both familiar and completely surprising.
- Perfect for Grilling Season: This sauce turns ribs, chicken, burgers, or veggies into mouthwatering BBQ highlights (and it doubles as a stellar dipping sauce!).
- Quick and Easy to Make: With just 30 minutes and a saucepan, you’ll whip up a thick, glossy sauce that’s so much better than store-bought.
- Crowd-Pleasing & Customizable: It’s impossible not to smile at the sweet and tangy combo—adjust the sweetness or spice level to totally make it your own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of everyday BBQ staples to bring this Cherry Cola BBQ Sauce to life, but each ingredient plays a special part! From the cherries’ bright pop of color to the molasses’ deep richness, these basics melt together for a complex, craveable sauce.
- Ketchup: The tangy-sweet base that lends classic BBQ body and helps everything blend effortlessly.
- Cherry Cola: The star of the show! Adds caramel undertones, tiny bubbles, and that nostalgic soda-shop kick.
- Fresh or Frozen Sweet Cherries (pitted): Bursting with fruity flavor and natural color—don’t skip them!
- Brown Sugar: For that molasses-y depth and gentle sweetness that balances out the acidity.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Zippy and bright to keep the sauce lively, not cloying.
- Molasses: Amps up the smokiness and gives your sauce that signature BBQ “stickiness.”
- Hey Grill Hey Sweet Rub: A spice blend to add warmth, personality, and just a touch of heat—sub with your favorite BBQ rub if you like!
Variations
The best thing about making your own Cherry Cola BBQ Sauce is just how easy it is to put your own spin on it! Play with flavors, sweeteners, or spice to tailor this sauce to your taste buds or whatever you have on hand.
- Spicier Sauce: Stir in a dash of chipotle powder or hot sauce at the end for some serious heat.
- No Cherries on Hand: Sub in frozen dark cherries, jarred cherries (drained), or even a spoonful of cherry preserves for that tart pop.
- Lighter Version: Swap brown sugar for honey or agave for a slightly lighter sweetness and a lovely floral note.
- Different Sodas: If cherry cola isn’t your thing, experiment with regular cola or even Dr. Pepper for a twist on the classic flavor.
How to Make Cherry Cola BBQ Sauce
Step 1: Combine and Boil
Add all your ingredients—ketchup, cherry cola, cherries, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, molasses, and Sweet Rub—straight into a sturdy saucepan. Give everything a quick stir and bring it up to a lively boil over medium-high heat. This gets the flavors moving and the sauce bubbling with excitement!
Step 2: Simmer to Thicken
Once you spot those first big bubbles, drop the heat down to low and let the sauce do its thing, simmering gently for 20 minutes. This is where all the magic happens—the sauce thickens, the cherries soften, and the flavors meld into that glossy, pourable perfection.
Step 3: Blend Until Silky Smooth
Let the sauce cool off for a few minutes, then transfer it (carefully!) to your blender. Pop on the lid and blitz until it’s velvety smooth, with all those cherry bits fully incorporated. This step gives your Cherry Cola BBQ Sauce that irresistible, restaurant-quality finish.
Step 4: Cool, Store, and Enjoy
You can slather it on your grilled favorites right away, or pour the finished sauce into a jar for later. Stored in the fridge, Cherry Cola BBQ Sauce stays fresh and zippy for up to a week—good luck making it last that long!
Pro Tips for Making Cherry Cola BBQ Sauce
- Choose Bold Cherries: Dark, sweet cherries deliver the richest flavor and most vibrant color—frozen cherries work beautifully if fresh aren’t in season.
- Simmer Low and Slow: Stir occasionally and keep the heat gentle while simmering; this prevents sticking and gives your sauce time to reach thick, syrupy goodness without burning.
- Blend with Caution: Let the sauce cool slightly before blending, and don’t overfill your blender—hot liquids expand!
- Balance Sweetness: Taste after blending and adjust with a splash more vinegar if you want a tangier edge or a pinch of sugar for extra sweetness.
How to Serve Cherry Cola BBQ Sauce
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped flat-leaf parsley or a few finely diced cherries over the top instantly makes your Cherry Cola BBQ Sauce pop with color and freshness. If you really want to wow your guests, a dusting of your favorite BBQ rub adds an extra layer of aroma and visual flair.
Side Dishes
This sauce is positively dreamy with the classics: smoky baked beans, charred corn on the cob, or a big bowl of creamy slaw. Mop it over grilled chicken, brushed brisket, or roasted veggies and watch even the pickiest eaters light up!
Creative Ways to Present
Try drizzling Cherry Cola BBQ Sauce in squiggles on a platter of sliders, use it as a dip for air-fried potato wedges, or even bottle some up as a fun take-home gift for your BBQ guests. For cookouts, tuck a little bowl of sauce beside every plate—you’ll be surprised how quickly it disappears.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Simply spoon your cooled Cherry Cola BBQ Sauce into an airtight jar or container and stow it in the refrigerator. It’ll keep its tangy, fruity punch for up to a week, ready to elevate quick weeknight dinners or impromptu backyard feasts.
Freezing
You can freeze this BBQ sauce with ease! Pour portions into freezer-safe containers or small bags (leaving a little space for expansion), then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and stir well before using to restore that silky texture.
Reheating
To reheat, just scoop out what you need and warm gently in a saucepan on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. This ensures your Cherry Cola BBQ Sauce keeps its velvety consistency and bold flavor—just like fresh!
FAQs
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Can I use diet or zero-sugar cherry cola in this BBQ sauce?
Absolutely! Using diet or zero-sugar cherry cola works just fine and the sauce will still taste delicious. You might notice a slightly different texture or sweetness, so you can always add a touch more brown sugar if you want to adjust.
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Is there a substitute for Hey Grill Hey Sweet Rub?
If you don’t have that specific rub, no worries. Any favorite sweet BBQ rub will do, or toss together a quick blend of brown sugar, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper for a homemade touch.
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How spicy is Cherry Cola BBQ Sauce?
This recipe is delightfully mild—just a subtle background warmth from the rub—but you’re in control! Turn up the heat by adding hot sauce or cayenne, or keep it sweet for the kiddos.
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Can I use this sauce as a marinade?
Definitely—Cherry Cola BBQ Sauce is a fantastic marinade for chicken, pork, or tofu. Just brush it on during the last few minutes of grilling or roasting so the sugars caramelize without burning.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been craving a BBQ sauce that’s playful, punchy, and totally unforgettable, give this Cherry Cola BBQ Sauce a try. It’s a little bit of summer in every jar, and I promise your backyard cookouts (and weeknight dinners!) will never be the same. I can’t wait to hear what you think—happy grilling, friends!
Print
Cherry Cola BBQ Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Simmering, Blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and tangy Cherry Cola BBQ Sauce that adds a unique twist to your grilled dishes. The combination of sweet cherries and cherry cola creates a flavorful sauce perfect for marinating and glazing meats.
Ingredients
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 cup cherry cola
- 1/2 cup sweet cherries, pits removed
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 Tablespoons molasses
- 2 Tablespoons Hey Grill Hey Sweet Rub
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine all sauce ingredients and bring to a boil.
- Simmer: Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes to thicken the sauce.
- Blend: Cool slightly, then blend until smooth.
- Use or Store: Sauce can be used immediately or stored in a jar in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 130mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
