Have you ever been wondering what to do with the remaining fizz while gazing at half-empty Coca-Cola bottles in your refrigerator? You’re not alone, though. Many of us have experienced it, and it turns out that the sweet, sparkling nectar may be used for much more than just slake your thirst.
Cleaning with a Can of Cola
Coca-Cola can surprisingly effectively cut through grease and filth because of its carbonation and phosphoric acid concentration. For example, let your greasy pot or skillet soak in some Coke if it’s causing you trouble. To assist dissolve the tough grease, you can even reheat it on the burner for 30 minutes. Your cookware should then shine with a little elbow grease with soap and water.
However, Coke’s cleaning capabilities don’t end there. Additionally, it helps keep your clothes from those annoying oil stains. Particularly on dark fabrics, a small amount of fresh stain applied before washing will do wonders. Additionally, choose a clear soda like Sprite to prevent color transfer if you’re working with lighter clothing.
Let’s discuss restrooms. Cleaning the bowl is a chore that anyone likes, but Coca-Cola can make it seem less intimidating. Scrub away after pouring a few cans into the toilet and letting them sit. The outcomes may surprise you. What about those dirty grout lines on tiles? Coke is on your side. Your tiles can be brightened quickly with a little soaking.
A Coke washing is also beneficial for mirrors and windows. For easier application, use a spray bottle. To prevent stickiness, remember to rinse with warm water. Additionally, Coke can be used as an emergency lens cleaner for those who wear glasses.
From the Bathroom to the Garage
The benefits of Coca-Cola go beyond the restroom. You can use Coke in the garage to remove oil spots from the cement or driveway. After letting it soak, rinse it with a hose. Additionally, a little Coke can help clean a corroded automobile battery terminal, but be sure to detach the cables first.
The phosphoric acid in Coke is stronger than rusty tools and unyielding bolts. Watch the rust go by soaking your tools or applying some Coke on the bolt. For those minor irritations that arise during home maintenance, it’s an easy and affordable fix.
Coca-Cola in the Garden
Coke can draw microorganisms to your compost pile, hastening the composting process. Additionally, a bowl of Coke left out overnight can attract slugs and snails and keep your plants safe.
Even some plants that favor acid could benefit from a modest bit of Coke in their soil. A modest amount will help lower the pH of the soil and support the growth of plants like gardenias and azaleas, but be careful not to use too much.
Culinary Adventures with Coca-Cola
Coca-Cola is an excellent component in the kitchen due of its sweet and tart flavor. It may give a variety of foods, including desserts and main courses, with a particular edge. Here are a few unique ways to incorporate Coke in your recipes:
1. Cake with Coca-Cola: With a touch of Coke in each mouthful, this rich and delectable chocolate cake is a Southern staple. In addition to adding taste, the soda helps form the cake’s smooth crumb. Not to mention the shiny Coca-Cola icing that completes everything. Any sweet craving will be fulfilled by this crowd-pleasing dessert. You can check out the recipe below or click on the recipe link if you are interested: https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/7502/coco-cola-cake-ii/
Cola Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups white sugar
- 1 cup butter
- 1 cup cola-flavored carbonated beverage
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ cups miniature marshmallows
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cola Frosting: (This is not a necessary step, so you can ignore this part if you prefer the easy way out.)
- ½ cup butter
- 6 tablespoons cola-flavored carbonated beverage
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 4 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Cooking Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Make cola cake: Combine flour and sugar in a mixing bowl. Place butter, cola soft drink, and cocoa in a saucepan over medium heat; bring to a boil. Pour over flour mixture; mix well.
- Stir in marshmallows, buttermilk, eggs, baking soda, and vanilla until well combined. Pour batter into the prepared dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 40 minutes. Spread cola frosting over hot cake.
- Make cola frosting: Combine butter, cola soft drink, and cocoa in a saucepan; bring to a boil. Pour over confectioners’ sugar in a large bowl; mix well. Stir in chopped nuts.
2. Slow-Cooked Ham: Picture a ham that is so delectable and tender that it almost melts on your lips. You can accomplish that by using Coca-Cola to cook a ham in a slow cooker. It is an easy yet striking recipe for any occasion since the cola softens the meat and gives a hint of sweetness. This can be found in the classic slow cooker ham recipe, except that the cola is substituted for brown sugar: https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/80525/slow-cooker-ham/
The ingredients needed are simple：
- Bottle of Coke
- Water
- 1 (8 pound) cured, bone-in picnic ham
3. Cola-Flavored Chicken Wings: Try a cola glaze for a variation on the basic wing sauce. The soda’s caramel undertones generate a wonderfully sticky, sweet, and savory coating. You can surprise your visitors with something different and boost your wing game at the same time. The recipe is from: https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/168611/cola-brined-chicken-wings/
Ingredients
- ½ cup kosher salt
- 1 liter cola-flavored carbonated beverage
- 4 pounds chicken wings
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons ground mustard
- 4 teaspoons paprika
Cooking Steps:
- Pour 1/2 cup kosher salt and the cola into a resealable plastic bag, mix until the salt dissolves. Add the chicken wings, coat with the brine, squeeze out excess air, and seal the bag. Brine in the refrigerator for 2 hours. While the chicken is brining, stir together the vegetable oil, brown sugar, 2 tablespoons kosher salt, garlic powder, black pepper, mustard powder, and paprika in a small bowl to form a paste; set aside.
- Preheat an outdoor grill for medium heat, and lightly oil the grate.
- Drain the chicken wings in a colander set in the sink, then pat dry with paper towels. Place the wings into a large mixing bowl, then mix in the spice paste until evenly coated.
- Grill the wings on the preheated grill, turning occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink at the bone, 10 to 15 minutes.
4. Coca-Cola Burgers: It is feasible to integrate Coca-Cola into your burger recipe. Before grilling, a small quantity of cola can help keep your ground beef patties moist and add a delicate sweetness that balances the meat’s savory features. This tiny tip can improve your burger experience. Its method will not be very complicated, merely you need to add some cola. This will make your patties more moist. The recipe can be found at: https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/80581/cola-burgers/
- 1 egg
- ½ cup cola-flavored carbonated beverage, divided
- ½ cup crushed saltine crackers
- 6 tablespoons French salad dressing, divided
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- Preheat a grill for high heat. When the grill is hot, lightly oil the grate.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the egg, 1/4 cup of cola, crackers, 2 tablespoons of French dressing, and Parmesan cheese. Crumble in the ground beef, and mix well. Form into 6 balls, and pat into 3/4 inch patties. Pour the remaining cola and dressing into a small bowl, and mix well.
- Grill burgers for about 3 minutes per side. Brush with the dressing and cola, then grill for 8 to 10 more minutes, basting occasionally.
Emergency Hacks with Coca-Cola
Even if we hope to never have to deal with an emergency, it’s always a good idea to be prepared with a few pointers. Coca-Cola can save the day in a number of unforeseeable circumstances:
1. Asthma Attack Aid: By expanding the airways, the caffeine in Coca-Cola may offer short reprieve from an asthma attack if an inhaler is not available. It might buy you some time while you look for help, but it’s not a replacement for competent medical care.
2. Neutralizing Jellyfish Stings: Coca-Cola’s acidity can assist in neutralizing jellyfish stings if you’ve ever been stung by one and vinegar isn’t accessible. It can help decrease some of the agony until you can get the correct medical attention, but it’s not a panacea.
3. Defrosting Windshields: An icy windshield can be pretty bothersome on a chilly winter morning. You can clear your windshield and get on the road more quickly if you pour Coca-Cola over the ice to help it break down. To avoid any sticky residue, make sure to clean your automobile afterward.
Coca-Cola is more than just a drink; it’s a multifunctional ingredient that can give your meals a distinctive flair and even come in help in an emergency. There are surprisingly numerous uses for Coca-Cola, whether you’re cooking a ham, baking a cake, or managing a jellyfish sting. Therefore, keep in mind that Coke isn’t simply for drinking the next time you find yourself with leftovers.
