This Coca-Cola Rice with Raisins is a popular side dish in Colombia during the holidays and parties. It's delicious and easy to make.
About Coca-Cola Rice
I posted a rice with cola recipe without raisins when I started this blog, as this is one of my favorite side dishes for entertaining. One of my aunts always made this rice for our family parties and I loved it.
My husband is not a big fan of raisins and that is why I always made it without the raisins, but yesterday I made it for lunch and I decided to add the raisins...he didn’t complain 🙂 This Rice with Coca- Cola and Raisins (Arroz con Coca- Cola y Pasas) with It is sweet and sticky and delicious.
If you've never tried making rice with Coca-Cola, you might be a little surprised by this one! But trust me, it's worth trying.
Coca-Cola rice, or Arroz con Coca-Cola, is a popular Colombian side dish that brings a little something different to the dinner table. It's slightly sweet, full of flavor, and pairs really well with all kinds of meals.
The best part? It's easy to make and doesn't require any fancy ingredients.
Ingredients You'll Need
The printable recipe card with exact amounts and cooking directions for this Coca- Cola Rice with Raisins is below.
- Rice: I like to use long grain white rice, because I love the texture, but feel free to use your favorite.
- Coca-Cola: I don't recommend using sugar free cola for this recipe.
- Water: To cook the rice.
- Bouillon: Chicken or vegetable bouillon
- Oil: Butter or oil
- Scallions: For extra flavor and texture.
- Raisins: You can omit them if you don't like it.
What Does Coca-Cola Rice Taste Like?
You might be wondering if the rice actually tastes like Coca-Cola. The answer is not exactly! The Coca-Cola adds a subtle sweetness and a wonderful depth of flavor. As it cooks, it blends with the rice and creates a delicious combination that's different from your everyday white rice.
Depending on how you prepare it, you can also add raisins for a little extra sweetness.
How to Make Coca-Cola Rice with Raisins
- Place the rinsed rice in a medium saucepan. Then add the butter, coca-cola, water, chicken or vegetable bouillon, raisins and scallions.
- Bring to a boil over medium high heat. Stir once, cover, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 20 minutes, remove the pan from the stove and let it sit for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice using a fork and serve immediately.
Tips for the Best Results
- Stick with regular Coke. Diet or zero versions won’t give you that nice caramelized note.
- Rinsing the rice really does make a difference for fluffier grains.
- If you like a little more color and sweetness, use a higher ratio of Coke to water (some people go almost all Coke).
- Want a fancier version? Toast a few sliced almonds and scatter them on top with extra scallions right before serving.
- Leftovers reheat well in the microwave with a splash of water.
What to Serve It With
This rice is perfect with roasted or grilled meats. Roasted chicken, pork leg, grilled steak, or even some baked fish. It also works great at holiday meals when you want a side that feels a little celebratory without extra work.
Coca-Cola rice is one of those “why didn’t I try this sooner?” dishes. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but special enough for company. Give it a shot—your dinner table might just get a new regular.
More Rice Side Dishes to Try
Rice with Coca-Cola and Raisins Recipe (Arroz con Coca- Cola y Pasas)
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups Coca-Cola
- ½ cup water
- 1 tablet chicken or vegetable bouillon
- 2 tablespoon butter or oil
- 3 tablespoon chopped scallions plus more for garnish
- ½ cup raisins
Instructions
- Place the rinsed rice in a medium saucepan. Then add the butter, coca-cola, water, chicken or vegetable bouillon, raisins and scallions.
- Bring to a boil over medium high heat. Stir once, cover, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 20 minutes, remove the pan from the stove and let it sit for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice using a fork and serve immediately.
Will
I 've tried this in Colombia but found that it too sweet for my taste. Others may enjoy though.
Javier
What a delicious recipe. I made it for a dinner party last week and served it with scallops and it was a hit, every person asked for the recipe.
grace
this is one of the best uses for coca cola that i've seen! the raisins sound like a great addition too. 🙂
Adriana Jones
I am sitting with my mother right now checking the "recetas" for tonight dinner NEW YEAR DINNER. We were looking for the ARROZ CON COCA COLA Y PASAS. I personally have not try it yet. My mother loves this recipe and we will make tonight it for my friends ; all of them are from different cultures. i will post the results of my COLOMBIAN DINNER.
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!!!!!!.
Pilli
Erica,
Thank you!!!
I am originally from Colombia. I can't remember the last time that I ate arroz con Coca-cola. I have three kids and we don't drink sodas, but when I mentioned to them this rice they keep asking for it. Well, here I am trying your recipe. I am sure it will be delicious like your pandebonos that I made recently for friends and family.
Johana
Hello!! Could you tell me please, what other stuff could go great with this rice? I mean what meat, if it goes with plantain or fries, what vegetables, etc ... Thanks!!
Alma
You know what's funny this is what I call the arroz con coco cause on top of the raisins and coco cola we also use coconut milk my grandma who is from Barranquilla makes it for the holidays it goes good with turkey I know a lot of different variations on this recipe..and although I don't really like raisins this is so good that I eat it with the raisins
luz
yo soy colombiana pero no sabia como hacer esta receta.Bueno por que soy de la costa (cartagena).
gracias...
Stephanie
When my husband first told me about this rice, I thought he was joking!! I am Canadian born from a French Canadian dad and 2nd generation Italian mom, I have never cooked using soft drinks!! Again with your help Erica all these wonderful traditional Colombian dishes are now available with one click. So, I decided tonight I would make this side dish to accompany our steaks, wish me luck!
Erica
Thank you all for commenting and try this recipe! You are going to love it 🙂