Old South Coca-Cola Pork Loin — A Legendary Southern Classic

Southern cooking has always had a beautiful way of turning simple ingredients into unforgettable meals. And few recipes highlight that more than the iconic Old South Coca-Cola Pork Loin. This beloved Southern dish has been passed down through generations — a tender, slow-cooked pork loin simmered in a sweet, tangy, deeply flavorful Coca-Cola glaze that caramelizes perfectly.

Just like classic Southern ham baked with cola, this pork loin uses the natural acidity and caramel notes of Coca-Cola to break down the meat, infuse it with sweetness, and create a sticky, glossy glaze that clings to every slice. No fancy ingredients. No complicated steps. Just a timeless Southern method that transforms an inexpensive cut of meat into something spectacular.

This dish is made for family dinners, Sunday meals, holidays, potlucks, or anytime you want a comforting, crowd-pleasing centerpiece. The aroma as it cooks is nostalgic — sweet, smoky, savory, and buttery all at once.

And the best part?
It takes just a few minutes of prep before your oven or slow cooker does all the work.

⭐ What Makes This Recipe Special

1. Coca-Cola works like magic

The carbonation tenderizes the pork while the caramel flavor cooks into a beautiful glaze.

2. Brown sugar makes it sticky and glossy

This enhances the sweet-and-savory Southern profile.

3. Garlic + onion create aromatic depth

Balances the sweetness perfectly.

4. Worcestershire adds subtle smoky tang

Prevents the glaze from being overly sweet.

5. Pork loin becomes incredibly tender

Without falling apart like pulled pork — sliceable, juicy perfection.

⭐ Ingredients

For the Pork Loin

• 3–4 lb pork loin
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Coca-Cola Glaze

• 2 cups Coca-Cola (NOT diet)
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional, for depth)

Optional Garnishes

• Fresh parsley
• Extra glaze reduced on the stovetop

⭐ How to Make Old South Coca-Cola Pork Loin

1. Season the Pork Loin

Mix salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Rub all over the pork for full flavor.

2. Sear the Pork (Optional but Recommended)

Searing creates a golden crust that enhances both color and flavor.

3. Prepare the Coca-Cola Mixture

In a bowl or directly in the pan, combine:

• Coca-Cola
• Brown sugar
• Garlic
• Onion
• Worcestershire
• (Optional) Soy sauce

This mixture will bubble, sweeten, caramelize, and slowly thicken into a glaze during cooking.

4. Cook the Pork Loin

Oven Method (Classic Southern Style)

• Place pork in a baking dish.
• Pour Coca-Cola mixture over the top.
• Cover with foil and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 2.5–3 hours.
• Uncover the last 20–30 minutes to allow the glaze to thicken.

Slow Cooker Method (Easiest)

• Place pork loin inside.
• Pour glaze mixture over it.
• Cook LOW 6–7 hours or HIGH 3–4 hours.
• Reduce glaze separately on stovetop if needed.

5. Slice and Glaze

Let the pork rest 10 minutes before slicing. Spoon extra glaze over the top.

Old South Coca-Cola Pork Loin

A tender, juicy Southern-style pork loin slow-cooked in a rich Coca-Cola glaze with brown sugar, garlic, and onions. Sweet, savory, sticky, and deeply flavorful.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 3 hours hrs

Total Time 3 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Southern American

Calories: 380

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Pork Loin

• 3-4 lb pork loin
• 1 tbsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika optional
• 1 tsp garlic powder

Coca-Cola Glaze

• 2 cups Coca-Cola not diet
• 0.5 cup brown sugar
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1 onion sliced
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp soy sauce optional

Equipment

• Oven or slow cooker
• Mixing bowl
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board

Method

 

1. Season pork loin with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
2. Optional: Sear pork in a skillet until browned on all sides.
3. In a bowl, mix Coca-Cola, brown sugar, garlic, onion, Worcestershire, and soy sauce.
4. Place pork in a baking dish or slow cooker and pour mixture over it.
5. Oven: Bake covered at 300°F (150°C) for 2.5–3 hours, uncovering at the end to thicken glaze.
6. Slow cooker: Cook on LOW 6–7 hours or HIGH 3–4 hours.
7. Let pork rest before slicing. Drizzle with glaze before serving.

Notes

Use regular Coca-Cola for proper caramelization. Reduce leftover liquid on the stovetop for a thicker glaze.

⭐ Serving Suggestions

This classic Southern pork loin pairs perfectly with:

• Mashed potatoes
• Corn casserole
• Biscuits
• Collard greens
• Mac and cheese
• Green beans
• Rice or buttered noodles

It also makes incredible leftovers in:

• Sliders
• Sandwiches
• Tacos
• Rice bowls

⭐ Tips for Success

Use regular Coca-Cola, not diet

Diet soda won’t caramelize properly.

Don’t skip the rest time

This keeps the pork juicy.

Reduce glaze separately

If you want ultra-thick sauce, simmer leftover liquid until syrupy.

Choose pork loin, not tenderloin

Tenderloin cooks too fast and can dry out.

⭐ Variations

Spicy Coca-Cola Pork Loin

Add crushed red pepper flakes or a bit of hot sauce.

BBQ Coca-Cola Version

Add ½ cup BBQ sauce for smoky depth.

Garlic Herb Coca-Cola Pork

Add rosemary and thyme sprigs for a more savory twist.

⭐ Storage & Reheating

Refrigerate: 4 days

Freeze: Up to 2 months

Reheat: Gently on stove or oven with added glaze or broth

⭐ Nutrition Overview (Approx.)

• Calories: ~380
• Protein: ~36g
• Carbs: ~22g
• Fat: ~14g

⭐ Why This Recipe Is a Southern Favorite

Old South Coca-Cola Pork Loin is beloved because it’s simple, comforting, flavorful, and deeply nostalgic. The magic of the cola creates a glaze unlike anything else — sweet, savory, smoky, and caramelized. Whether you’re serving a holiday crowd or feeding hungry family members on a weekday, this dish always delivers.