Derby Brisket Burnt Ends with Coca Cola BBQ Glaze

Mar 15, 2024

Coca-Cola Glazed Brisket

Brisket is a beloved barbecue classic, known for its tender, smoky, and slightly crispy exterior. By infusing a unique twist with a Coca-Cola brine and glaze, the brisket takes on a rich, sweet, and savory flavor profile that's perfect for any occasion. The brine helps tenderize the brisket while imparting a subtle sweetness, and the glaze adds a caramelized finish that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or a beginner, this recipe will surely impress your guests with a deliciously innovative take on a traditional favorite.

Brine Ingredients:

• 1 gallon of water
• 1 cup kosher salt
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons whole black peppercorns
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 liters of Coke

Rub Ingredients

• .25 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons paprika
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Brine: In a large pot, combine 1 gallon of water, kosher salt, brown sugar, whole black peppercorns, bay leaves, and the 2 liters of Coke. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar and salt. Once it reaches a boil, remove from heat and allow the brine to cool completely. Once cooled, submerge your brisket in the brine, ensuring it is fully covered. You can use a large zip-top bag or a container. Let the brisket soak in the brine for at least 8 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
2. Preheat Your Smoker/Grill: Preheat your smoker or grill to 225°F (107°C) for low and slow cooking. If you’re using a smoker, use your favorite wood (hickory or oak works well for brisket).
3. Prepare the Rub: In a small bowl, mix together the rub ingredients: 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons paprika, 1 tablespoon kosher salt, 1 tablespoon black pepper, 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, and 1 tablespoon onion powder. Once the brisket has finished brining, pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Generously apply the rub to all sides of the brisket, pressing it in to coat evenly. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to allow the rub to set.
4. Smoke the Brisket: Place the brisket on the smoker, fat side up. Close the lid and smoke for approximately 12 hours, or until the internal temperature of the brisket reaches about 195°F (90°C), ensuring it is tender and easily shred with a fork. You may need to check occasionally and add wood chips if necessary to maintain the temperature.
5. Prepare the Coca-Cola Glaze: While the brisket is smoking, in a saucepan, combine 7.5 oz of Coca-Cola, 1/2 cup brown sugar, a pinch of salt, pepper, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and ketchup. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Let it reduce by half until it becomes a syrupy glaze (about 20-30 minutes). Remove from heat.
6. Make Burnt Ends: Once the brisket has reached the desired temperature and is tender, remove it from the smoker.
Spread the Coca-Cola glaze evenly over the brisket. Return the glazed brisket to the smoker until the edges begin to crisp up and form a beautiful caramelized glaze, about 30 minutes.
7. Serve: Once the burnt ends are nicely caramelized and crispy, remove them from the smoker. Serve immediately with extra Coca-Cola glaze on the side for dipping.
8. Enjoy your Coca-Cola Glazed Brisket!