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Marilyns Treats

November 20, 2014 · 24 Comments

Bourbon and Cola Marinade

Recipe Archive· Sauces

Choosing the right marinade for your turkey is key to the one of the flavors you give the meal!
Choosing the right marinade for your turkey is key to the one of the flavors you give the meal!

Bourbon and Cola Marinade

Choosing the right marinade for your turkey is a key to the one of the flavors you add to your meal.

Let your turkey soak up the delicious bourbon flavor and the vanilla and spice of the cola!

These flavorings of the cola include a wide variety of ingredients, such as spices like nutmeg or coriander.

And the base flavorings that most people identify with a cola taste remain citrus, vanilla and cinnamon.

Brining and marinating is not a requirement to cooking the best bird,

These are the INGREDIENTS you willl need:

  • ¾ cup Coca Cola
  • ½ cup bourbon
  • ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice
  • ⅓ cup soy sauce
  • ¼ cup chopped green onions
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 each 12 to 14 pound Butterball® Fresh or Frozen Whole Turkey, thawed if frozen

These are the INSTRUCTIONS for preparation:

  • Combine all ingredients except turkey in non-reactive container large enough to hold turkey.
  • Remove turkey from packaging; drain. Remove neck and giblets; refrigerate for another recipe or discard.
  • Place turkey in marinade. Cover container. Refrigerate 6 to 8 hours, turning turkey over occasionally.
  • Place turkey on a flat rack in a shallow roasting pan, 2 to 2-1/2-inches deep. Tuck wings back to hold neck skin in place and stabilize the turkey in the pan and when carving. 
  • Brush lightly with vegetable oil or spray with cooking spray to prevent skin from drying. Insert oven-safe thermometer deep into the lower thigh muscle but not touching the bone.
  • Preheat oven to 325°F. 
  • Remove turkey from marinade; drain; pat dry. Discard marinade. 
  • Bake 3 to 3-1/2 hours. When the turkey is about 2/3 done, cover the breast and top of thighs lightly with aluminum foil to prevent overcooking. Check for doneness about 30 minutes before end of recommended cooking time. Turkey is done when thigh reaches 180°F and juices run clear.
  • Remove the turkey from the roasting pan. Let rest 15 minutes to allow juices to set before carving.

If you don’t mind the extra steps than this is a good marinade to try.

Be sure it will compliment the stuffing you choose and your meal will become a real culinary delight!

Marinating your turkey with the bourbon and cola is a delicious way to change the way you cook your turkey!

I know your family will enjoy the results as much as we do!

Choosing the right marinade for your turkey is key to the one of the flavors you give the meal!

Bourbon and Cola Marinade

Choosing the right marinade for your turkey is a key to the one of the flavors you add to your meal. 
4.61 from 23 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Keyword: marinade, Thanksgiving
Method: Bake
Skill Level: Intermediate
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
Adjust Servings: 12
Calories: 534kcal
Author: Marilyn

Ingredients

  • ¾ cup Coca Cola
  • ½ cup bourbon
  • ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice
  • ⅓ cup soy sauce
  • ¼ cup chopped green onions
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 each 12 to 14 pound Butterball® Fresh or Frozen Whole Turkey, thawed if frozen

Instructions

  • Combine all ingredients except turkey in non-reactive container large enough to hold turkey.
  • Remove turkey from packaging; drain. Remove neck and giblets; refrigerate for another recipe or discard.
  • Place turkey in marinade. Cover container. Refrigerate 6 to 8 hours, turning turkey over occasionally.
  • Preheat oven to 325°F.
  • Remove turkey from marinade; drain; pat dry. Discard marinade.
  • Place turkey on a flat rack in a shallow roasting pan, 2 to 2-1/2-inches deep. Tuck wings back to hold neck skin in place and stabilize the turkey in the pan and when carving.
  • Brush lightly with vegetable oil or spray with cooking spray to prevent skin from drying. Insert oven-safe thermometer deep into the lower thigh muscle but not touching the bone.
  • Bake 3 to 3-1/2 hours. When the turkey is about 2/3 done, cover the breast and top of thighs lightly with aluminum foil to prevent overcooking. Check for doneness about 30 minutes before end of recommended cooking time. Turkey is done when thigh reaches 180°F and juices run clear.
  • Remove the turkey from the roasting pan. Let rest 15 minutes to allow juices to set before carving.

Notes

©MARILYN’S TREATS. All images are copyright protected. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1recipe | Calories: 534kcal (27%) | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 64g (128%) | Fat: 24g (37%) | Saturated Fat: 8g (40%) | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0g | Trans Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 213mg (71%) | Sodium: 761mg (32%) | Potassium: 0mg | Fiber: 0g | Sugar: 1g (1%) | Vitamin A: 0IU | Vitamin C: 0mg | Calcium: 0mg | Iron: 0mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @marilyn_lesniak or tag #marilynstreats!

Nutrition Information is estimated based on the ingredients and cooking instructions as described in each recipe and is intended to be used for informational purposes only. Please note that nutrition details may vary based on methods of preparation, origin and freshness of ingredients used.

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Meet the Chef

blankI am Marilyn Lesniak. Writer, Photographer and Chief Bottle Washer behind the scenes at Marilyn's Treats. Don’t burn down the kitchen!! Let me help with my Kitchen Tips, Hacks and Recipes for all levels of Chefs. Read More…

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Comments

  1. blanknoodlegirl hollins says

    November 24, 2020 at 8:38 PM

    Can u marinate overnight? And what about injecting meat with creole marinate for juicier bird?

    Reply
    • blankMarilyn says

      November 24, 2020 at 9:30 PM

      Yes marinating overnight is good. It will create a stronger blend of flavors. As far as creole marinate, I never tried one. But most all marinates with low sodium will make the bird juicier. Let me know what worked for you! Enjoy a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

      Reply
  2. blankDonna Spino says

    November 18, 2020 at 6:05 PM

    Marilyn, you didn’t say what size turkey this receipe is for? Does the marinate have to cover the whole turkey at once or do I just rub the marinate all over the turkey? Thanks, Donna

    Reply
    • blankMarilyn Lesniak says

      November 18, 2020 at 8:31 PM

      Thank you for asking Donna. I had to look myself for the size. It is the last ingredient. This recipe works for a 12-14 pound turkey. As far as the marinade it doesn’t have to cover the turkey the entire time. It should make enough to cover a bit up the turkey. And midway turn the turkey over to get the other parts covered. The marinade can be doubled as needed for a larger turkey. I hope this helps! If you try the recipe please come back and tell me your thoughts! Enjoy.

      Reply
  3. blankMichelle Leslie says

    October 11, 2018 at 1:16 AM

    Oh my, we have got to try this. Someone gave us a bottle of bourbon last Christmas and we don’t drink spirits so it’s just been packed away. Now I can finally use it 😀

    Reply
    • blankMarilyn says

      October 11, 2018 at 7:55 AM

      I don’t drink either except every few years at New Year. I cook with it though since the alcohol cooks off and leaves a great flavor. This marinade is wxcellent! Enjoy.

      Reply
  4. blankMiz Helen says

    October 9, 2018 at 10:03 AM

    Hi Marilyn,
    This looks like a delicious marinade for the turkey. Thanks so much for sharing your post with us at Full Plate Thursday, we have really enjoyed it. Hope you have a great day and come back soon!
    Miz Helen

    Reply
    • blankMarilyn says

      October 9, 2018 at 3:25 PM

      Thank you Miz Helen. I am glad you liked the marinade recipe. Have a lovely week.

      Reply
  5. blankJann Olson says

    October 7, 2018 at 5:08 PM

    I bet it’s a great tenderizer! Thanks for sharing it with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

    Reply
    • blankMarilyn says

      October 7, 2018 at 7:25 PM

      It is a great marinade Jann. It adds a lot of flavor to the meat. Enjoy your week!

      Reply
  6. blankSandra Garth says

    October 5, 2018 at 6:55 PM

    I don’t use many marinades but I’d sure like to try this one. Thank you for sharing with us at Celebrate Your Story and have a great weekend.

    Reply
    • blankMarilyn says

      October 6, 2018 at 7:41 PM

      This is a tasty marinade and adds flavor to the turkey. Enjoy!

      Reply
  7. blankChristie Hawkes says

    October 3, 2018 at 8:32 PM

    You always have the most delicious looking photos on your blog, Marilyn. Thanks for linking up on #BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty. I will share on social media.

    Reply
    • blankMarilyn says

      October 3, 2018 at 9:10 PM

      Thank you so much Christie. I appreciate your kind words. Enjoy your week.

      Reply
  8. blankChas Greener says

    October 3, 2018 at 5:06 PM

    My husband will ask me to try this glaze I’m sure! I’m thinking we’ll start with a chicken, any other meat recommendations to try it on? Thanks for sharing on To Grandma’s House We Go!

    Reply
    • blankMarilyn says

      October 3, 2018 at 6:52 PM

      Pork is always good too. The other more exotic meats I haven’t tasted. I am really a plain type of girl when oit comes to that. I hope he enjoys it Chas. Keep in touch!!

      Reply
  9. blankIrene says

    October 1, 2018 at 1:00 AM

    This recipe sounds so delicious, and the turkey has such a nice colour!

    Reply
    • blankMarilyn says

      October 1, 2018 at 12:30 PM

      Thank you the kind words Irene. I am glad you like the post. Have a lovely week.

      Reply
  10. blankBecky Ellis says

    September 30, 2018 at 11:59 AM

    Your marinade sounds fabulous…I pinned your recipe.

    Reply
    • blankMarilyn says

      September 30, 2018 at 7:24 PM

      Thank you Becky! The pin is appreciated. Have a lovely week!

      Reply
  11. blankHelen at the Lazy Gastronome says

    September 30, 2018 at 10:58 AM

    This sound pretty good!! I’m going to have to give it a try! Thanks for joining the What’s for Dinner party! Hope we see you every week. Have a wonderful day.

    Reply
    • blankMarilyn says

      September 30, 2018 at 7:24 PM

      I love this marinade for a change the sweet and earthy flavors work well with the turkey. Have a lovely week!

      Reply
  12. blankMichelle says

    December 13, 2016 at 9:21 AM

    Oh wow, we’re always on the look out for new marinades when we have a braai at home. I’ve heard that coca cola makes meats super soft, but adding the bourbon must give it such a distinctive flavor. Sharing with the hubby to try this.

    Reply
    • blankMarilyn says

      December 13, 2016 at 11:33 AM

      You will love this one then! Let me know how it turns out. Enjoy!

      Reply

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