Let's start with our software -- you can improvise a bit with the spices. At its core, you're going to want a 7-8 pound pork shoulder (a surprisingly cheap cut of meat, by the way). I also consider the cola (I use a 16 oz. bottle of Cherry Coke, NOT diet - you can sub Pepsi, Ginger-ale, whatever), salt (koshering), and brown sugar to be essential parts of the spice rub / cooking liquid (also don't forget the sauce -- any good quality one you like will do). I also like to add 2 diced onions, 7-8 cloves of minced garlic, and paprika, red pepper and lemon pepper to the rub. The final ingredient is time.
