Grilled Cola Burgers

Who would’ve thought soda and beef could be such a dreamy combo? But trust me—grilled cola burgers are the kind of backyard upgrade you didn’t know you needed. The cola works a little magic here, tenderizing the beef while adding the most unexpected hint of sweet, smoky depth. The end result? Juicy burgers with caramelized edges, slightly tangy-sweet flavor, and that unmistakable grilled goodness that just screams summer.

I tried this twist during a weekend cookout, and everyone kept asking what was in the patties. They could tell something was different—in a really good way. The secret, of course, was a splash of cola in both the meat mix and a quick glaze brushed on while grilling. It doesn’t overpower anything—it just enhances everything. That little bit of sugar from the soda helps develop a gorgeous crust, while the subtle spices in most colas add a hint of complexity.

What I love most is how easy it is to throw together. You don’t need a long marinade or fancy ingredients. Just your ground beef, a few pantry staples, and some cola (any classic brand works). You’ll be amazed at what a difference one can of soda can make to your usual burger night.

So if you’re planning a cookout or just want to elevate your dinner without the fuss, cola burgers are a fun, delicious twist on a classic. Get your grill going and be ready for lots of “Wait… did you say cola?” reactions—and some very happy eaters.

Why You’ll Love It

• Unexpected flavor with minimal effort – The cola adds a subtle sweetness and depth that makes the burgers taste like you spent way more time on them than you actually did.
• Juicy and tender every time – Thanks to the sugars and carbonation in the cola, the beef stays moist and flavorful without any complicated techniques.
• Perfect for grilling season – These burgers are made for the grill. The cola glaze caramelizes beautifully, giving you that crave-worthy charred finish.
• Customizable to your taste – You can easily switch up the type of cola, spices, or toppings to make these burgers uniquely yours.
• Crowd-pleasing and conversation-starting – Once people hear “cola burger,” they’ll be curious—and one bite will turn them into believers.

Ingredient List

For the Burger Patties

• 1 ½ pounds ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
• ¼ cup cola (regular, not diet)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Cola Glaze

• ¼ cup cola
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon mustard
• Pinch of black pepper

For Assembling

• 4 burger buns (toasted)
• Lettuce leaves
• Sliced tomatoes
• Red onion slices
• Pickles
• Cheese slices (optional)

Ingredient Notes

• Use an 80/20 ground beef blend – That bit of fat keeps the patties juicy and flavorful on the grill.
• Regular cola only – Diet versions don’t have the sugar needed for caramelization.
• Don’t skip the Worcestershire sauce – It gives that deep umami flavor that makes the burgers extra savory.
• Smoked paprika is a game changer – Adds a hint of smokiness that pairs perfectly with the grill.
• Toasting the buns is a must – It helps them hold up better and adds a nice texture contrast.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Grill (gas or charcoal) – For that perfect smoky, charred flavor. I love using a charcoal grill for extra depth.
• Mixing bowl – To combine the ground beef with seasonings and cola.
• Small saucepan – For simmering the cola glaze until thick and sticky.
• Grill spatula – Makes flipping the patties easy without breaking them apart.
• Meat thermometer (optional) – Helps ensure the burgers are cooked to your preferred doneness (I aim for 160°F for ground beef).
• Basting brush – Handy for brushing the glaze onto the burgers while grilling. Silicone ones are super easy to clean.
• Tongs – Great for handling buns and toppings on the grill.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Burger Mixture

• In a large mixing bowl, add the ground beef.
• Pour in ¼ cup of regular cola and Worcestershire sauce.
• Sprinkle in onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Using your hands or a spoon, gently mix everything together just until combined.
• Pro tip: Avoid overmixing to keep your patties tender and juicy.

Step 2: Shape the Patties

• Divide the meat mixture into 4 equal portions.
• Gently shape each portion into a round patty about ¾-inch thick.
• Make a shallow indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb. This helps them cook evenly and prevents puffing up.

Step 3: Make the Cola Glaze

• In a small saucepan, combine ¼ cup cola, ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and a pinch of black pepper.
• Place over medium heat and bring to a gentle simmer.
• Stir frequently as the glaze thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
• Pro tip: Whisk continuously to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth glaze. Remove from heat once it reaches a syrupy consistency.

Step 4: Preheat and Prepare the Grill

• Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375-400°F).
• Clean the grill grates with a grill brush and oil them lightly to prevent sticking.
• Toast your burger buns on the grill for 1-2 minutes until golden and slightly crispy. Set aside.

Step 5: Grill the Burgers

• Place the patties on the hot grill, indentation side up.
• Grill for about 4-5 minutes on the first side without pressing down.
• Flip the patties and brush the cooked side generously with the cola glaze.
• Grill for another 4 minutes, brushing the other side with glaze as well.
• If using cheese, add a slice on top during the last minute of cooking and close the grill lid to melt.
• Pro tip: Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Aim for 160°F internal temperature for ground beef.

Step 6: Assemble and Serve

• Place each glazed burger patty on a toasted bun.
• Layer with your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles.
• Add any extra sauces if desired.
• Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Use fresh ground beef for the best texture and flavor.
• Let the patties rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before grilling for even cooking.
• Don’t press down on the burgers while grilling — it squeezes out the juices.
• Brush the glaze on the burgers during the last few minutes to avoid burning the sugars.
• Keep a spray bottle of water nearby to manage any flare-ups on the grill.
• If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the patties in a cast-iron skillet on the stove.
• Allow burgers to rest for a few minutes after cooking to let juices redistribute.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

• Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, but reduce cola slightly to avoid excess moisture.
• Use diet cola if you want to cut calories, but expect less caramelization and sweetness.
• Swap Worcestershire sauce for soy sauce or tamari for a different umami profile.
• Add finely chopped jalapeños or chili powder for a spicy kick.
• Mix in shredded cheese into the patties for an oozy surprise inside.
• Top with caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor layers.
• Try different buns like brioche, pretzel, or whole wheat to suit your taste.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve these grilled cola burgers with classic crispy fries and a tangy coleslaw for a true backyard BBQ vibe.
• I love adding a side of grilled corn on the cob brushed with butter and a sprinkle of chili powder—it complements the sweet glaze perfectly!
• Pair your burgers with a fresh, crunchy cucumber and tomato salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to lighten things up.
• For a fun twist, serve the burgers with sweet potato wedges and a creamy avocado dip on the side.
• If you want something easy and fresh, these burgers are fantastic with pickled jalapeños and a side of crunchy dill pickle chips.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

• Store leftover patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Keep buns separate from patties to prevent sogginess.
• To reheat, warm patties gently in a skillet over medium-low heat until heated through, about 3-4 minutes per side.
• Toast buns lightly in the oven or on a skillet before assembling.
• Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can dry out the meat and make buns chewy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use diet cola instead of regular cola?

Diet cola won’t caramelize the same way since it lacks sugar, so your burgers might miss that sweet, sticky glaze. For best results, stick to regular cola.

How do I know when the burgers are fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer and aim for an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). If you don’t have one, cook until the juices run clear and there’s no pink in the center.

Can I make these burgers ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prep the patties a few hours before grilling. Just keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to cook.

What’s the best way to prevent burgers from sticking to the grill?

Make sure your grill grates are clean and lightly oiled before cooking. Also, avoid flipping the patties too soon; let them develop a crust first.

Can I add cheese to these burgers?

Yes! Add cheese slices during the last minute of grilling and close the lid to melt it perfectly.

Can I cook these indoors if I don’t have a grill?

Yes, a cast-iron skillet or grill pan on the stove works well. Just cook over medium-high heat and use the glaze as directed.

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Did you try this recipe? Let me know in the comments how it turned out!

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