Coca Cola Coleslaw
Add a fun twist to a classic coleslaw recipe with this Coca Cola Coleslaw. This classic slaw is flavorful and easy to make. It’s perfect for summer picnics and BBQs!
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Have you ever noticed that the history of soft drinks in America is closely entwined with the South? Coca-Cola was invented in Atlanta, GA. Pepsi was invented in New Bern, NC. Barq’s Root Beer was invented in Biloxi, MS. Dr. Pepper was invented in Waco, TX. (We could debate whether Texas is South, Southwest or just Texas, but for the sake of today’s post we’ll call Texas part of the South.)
So what’s up with the close connection between soda and the Southern states? One thought is that perhaps the warmer temperatures in these states led to the popularity of a cold soft drink. Another idea is the prevalence of soda fountains in drug stores throughout these states.
Even as a kid in the mid-80’s, I remember going to a Woolworth’s Drug Store in Charleston, SC and seeing the long lunch counter with a soda fountain behind it. Many smaller vacation towns across the South still have nostalgic restaurants that serve burgers, milkshakes and…you guessed it…soda from soda fountains.
Coca Cola Coleslaw
Given the popularity of Coke (in the South, all soda is called Coke), it should be no surprise that this carbonated beverage made it’s way into the kitchen. This 7UP Pound Cake is a great example of using soft drinks in a recipe. (And that cake is absolutely delicious, by the way!) Similarly, this RC Cola Pound Cake is a fun riff on the tradition of dropping peanuts in your RC Cola.
Today’s recipe goes towards the savory side of things by using a bit of Coca Cola in a traditional coleslaw recipe. Coleslaw, often called just ‘slaw,’ can be found at nearly every restaurant throughout the South. This mixture of chopped cabbage and shredded carrots is a popular side dish alongside fried fish and barbecue. (And the South certainly has plenty of fried fish shacks and BBQ joints.)
We came across the idea of Coca Cola Coleslaw at a little seafood restaurant near Charleston, SC. I thought the concept was cool, and the addition of Coke added an extra depth of flavor to the recipe. Back home, I played around with a basic cole slaw recipe until I came up with a version I liked.
The flavor of the Coca Cola in this coleslaw is not overwhelming. After all, there is only ¼ cup (2 ounces) of soda in the recipe. However, the Coke adds a subtle sweetness as well as an interesting extra layer of overall flavor. I recommend giving this recipe a shot before your next summer picnic or potluck party. Plus, it’s just fun to say that the coleslaw was made with Coca Cola!
Secrets for Making Better Coleslaw
- Use both Red and Green Cabbage. Green cabbage is the classic base for coleslaw, but I like to use a combination of red and green cabbage when making slaw at home. Red cabbage has a slightly peppery taste which works well in coleslaw. Plus, the purplish color makes for a nice presentation.
- Shred the Cabbage Yourself. Skip the bags of pre-shredded cabbage from the store. Sure, that makes life easier, but shredding the cabbage yourself means its fresher and therefore tastier. A food processor will make quick work of the shredding that cabbage.
- Use a Combination of Shredded Cabbage and Grated Cabbage. Speaking of the food processor, I like to shred half of the cabbage and grate the other half. The different textures add intrigue to the finished coleslaw. Plus, all you have to do is switch the grater blade out for the shredder blade. This easy extra step will make a big difference!
- Add a Fun (i.e. Unexpected) Ingredient. This could be shredded bell peppers, sweet onion or even jalapenos…or a bit of Coca Cola. This is what makes your coleslaw stand out from just a regular slaw.
How to Save Leftovers
Leftover coleslaw should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days. Extra liquid may collect at the bottom of the container, so just drain this off before serving. While leftovers can be frozen, the texture will change…so I recommend eating the coleslaw while it’s fresh.
If you’re looking for a fun and delicious summer side dish, then put this Coca Cola Coleslaw on the list! It’s perfect for summer picnics or outdoor BBQs. Cheers!
Did you make this Coca Cola Coleslaw recipe at home? Leave a comment, or snap a photo and tag me on Instagram (@Spicedblog) – I’d love to see your version!
Coca Cola Coleslaw
Ingredients
- ½ cup mayonnaise I recommend Duke's
- ¼ cup Coca-Cola
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 tsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1½ Tbsp lemon juice
- 1½ Tbsp white vinegar
- ½ head red cabbage shredded
- ½ head green cabbage shredded
- 2 large carrots shredded
Instructions
- Using a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Coca-Cola, milk, sugar, salt, pepper, lemon juice and white vinegar.
- Using a large bowl, add cabbage and carrots; stir until well combined.
- Pour mayonnaise mixture over cabbage; stir until well combined.
- Refrigerate coleslaw for 1-2 hours before serving.
Looking for more summer side dish recipes? Check out these other favorites, too:
I need to try this soon for me BTW cant wait to make your recipes soon for me
Thanks, Ramya – I hope you enjoy this coleslaw!
Well this recipe is very strange and surprising! Coke? Well, I guess it provides some sweetness? Very interesting!
I thought the same thing, Mimi! At first, it sounds odd…but it actually makes sense if you think about it as coleslaw typically include a bit of sugar.
What a fun idea, David! I’ve never thought of adding Coca-Cola to coleslaw, but now I’m really curious to try it.
I had the same thought, Ben! Once I saw this on a menu, I knew I needed to try making a version of it at home. Cheers!
what a fascinating idea David. Makes me think of that Nigella Lawson recipe for ham baked in coca cola. All that sweet spicy flavouring…
sherry
Yes! I’ve used ginger ale for smoking ham before. It sounds odd, but it makes a lot of sense when you realize that soda is just sugar and other flavors.
What an interesting bit of culinary lore, David. I knew about Coke’s southern roots, of course, but not Pepsi’s. I guess I was thrown off since Pepsi’s current HQ is very close to where I grew up in suburban NYC. Anyway, this is an intriguing idea! Too late for our July 4 cookout at this point, but there’ll be plenty more outdoors eating this summer!
I didn’t realize Pepsi’s HQ is in NYC. I guess that makes sense. But their roots trace back to a sleepy Southern town on the NC coast. New Bern is a fun place to visit if you ever get the chance to go! And, yes, the Coca Cola in coleslaw is a fun idea. It makes sense when you realize that Coke is basically sugar plus other flavors.
I can totally see this coleslaw not making it long at a BBQ or Sunday roast. I never realized that most sodas were coming from the south. I can’t wait to try it! I’ll let you know how it goes. enjoy the rest of your weekend, ~Nessa
Thanks so much, Nessa! It is interesting to trace the history of different sodas. I hope you had a great weekend! 🙂
Where has your coca cola slaw been all of my life! I have coleslaw all the time, so something like this makes such a difference. The added depth of flavor is absolutely fantastic!
Haha – well now you can say that this Coca Cola coleslaw is in your life! The extra depth of flavor is such a fun twist. Cheers! 🙂
wait… Coke? In slaw? Honestly that was my first exact reaction but after reading through it, it actually makes total sense. It’s just that tiny hit of sweetness and extra flavour hiding in the dressing, nothing wild, but enough to make people ask why your slaw tastes better than usual. Nice
Same here, Raymund! At first glance, this sounds like it shouldn’t work at all. But as you think about it, it makes more sense. It’s not over the top Coke flavored at all – just a nice bit of sweetness along with the depth of flavor from the other ingredients in the Coca Cola. Cheers, my friend!
Re: Coca-Cola Coleslaw recipe.
I have just found your website off another one I frequent. I have to say your comment on who’s known for what drink and your comment “‘(We could debate whether Texas is South, Southwest or just Texas, but for the sake of today’s post we’ll call Texas part of the South.)'” made me think about it… having been born in the Deep South and leaving at 21… living in TEXAS for 51+ years let’s just say TEXAS IS JUST TEXAS!! I didn’t consider it anywhere “South” like… my friend use to tell me that Texas is as far South you can go, but I told her that being from the Deep South I consider Texas to be just Texas. I consider myself a Texan my choice and darn proud of it!!! However, I am now back in the Deep South again, but Texas will always have my heart!! Just sayin’
BTW I can’t wait to try this Coca-Cola Coleslaw recipe. I will rate it after making it as written… sure it will be good! I plan on making this & taking it really soon to a cookout here in town.
Thanks David for sharing your recipes… have looked at a lot of your recipes and like what I see!
Hey Tricia! First of all, thanks for taking the time to leave such a thoughtful comment. I was born in Texas myself, although I grew up in Charleston, SC – so I claim both Texas and South. 🙂 I do hope you enjoy this coleslaw recipe. The Coca-Cola in there isn’t too pronounced, but it does add a nice sweetness. (To be fair, I don’t think I’d want the Coke to be too pronounced – that would just taste weird!) Have fun cooking, and I look forward to chatting with you more!
Steve and I were just talking about the whole soda fountain in drug stores concept just yesterday – we didn’t make the connection to the South – so this was so interesting to read, David. I had no clue (my fav) Pepsi was born in NC! Also interesting is this Coleslaw. I saw it on IG a while back and made a note to come over and check it out as soon as I got some time. This sounds so good – I cannot wait to give it a try!