Lena Savoie
Pulled pork sandwiches are a delicious and hearty meal, perfect for a summer barbecue or a cosy winter supper. While the classic toppings of coleslaw, cheese, and pickles are always a hit, you might want to try something different. So, what alcohol should you pour over your pulled pork sandwich? A whiskey-based cocktail like a John Collins or Lynchburg lemonade cuts through the richness of the meat, while a rum-based Anejo highball with ginger beer adds a spicy kick. For wine lovers, a refreshing rosé is versatile enough to handle the complex flavours of barbecue sauce, salty pork, and sweet onions.
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What You'll Learn
Beer
If you want a milder flavour that won't overpower the pork, you can opt for a light lager. Brown ales also work well, as they can lend toasty, rich, earthy and spicy notes to the dish. A craft brown ale can be a good choice, as well as a pale ale, though you may need to add something extra to balance out the taste if the beer is particularly hoppy.
When cooking pulled pork in beer, you can use a slow cooker. First, thinly slice an onion and trim any excess fat from the pork. Mix your dry rub ingredients and season the meat, rubbing it into all the crevices. You can use a BBQ rub by mixing kosher salt, brown sugar, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Any leftover rub can be added to the crock pot. Place the pork butt or pork shoulder, about 3 to 4 pounds, into the slow cooker. Boneless is preferred, but if there is a bit of the shoulder blade bone, it will be easy to remove at the end. Pour the beer into the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 8 to 12 hours, or on high heat for 4 to 6 hours, depending on the size and weight of the meat. The pork is ready when it easily falls apart when pressed with a fork. Once pulled apart, leave the meat in the slow cooker on warm for a few minutes to absorb the juices.
You can also deglaze the pan by scraping any leftover spices and then adding the beer and stirring over medium-low heat. Add apple cider vinegar and stir, then pour the sauce over the pork. Cover and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours, or until tender. Once done, use two forks to break apart the meat. It should be tender and fall apart easily. You can thicken the sauce with corn starch if you like.
Leftover beer pulled pork can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days or frozen for up to five months.
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Cider vinegar
Some recipes suggest spritzing the pork butt with a 50/50 mix of apple juice and cider vinegar while it cooks. This helps to add moisture and flavour to the meat, and gives it a nice mahogany colour.
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Barbecue sauce
A good barbecue sauce is essential for a pulled pork sandwich. While some prefer store-bought options, others opt for homemade sauces. The latter allows for customisation and experimentation with different ingredients. For instance, some recipes suggest adding alcohol like bourbon, whisk(e)y, or beer to the sauce. Beer can also be used as a marinade or rub for the pork.
A basic barbecue sauce typically includes a combination of tomato-based products, vinegar, and sweeteners. For example, a simple recipe may consist of ketchup, brown sugar, honey, molasses, vinegar, hot sauce, and dry rub seasonings. To add a unique twist, other ingredients like butter, apple cider, apple juice, and beer can be incorporated. These additions not only enhance the flavour but also modify the consistency of the sauce.
When preparing a pulled pork sandwich, the barbecue sauce can be utilised in multiple ways. Some recipes suggest adding the sauce to the pork while it rests or during the pulling process. Alternatively, the sauce can be applied just before serving, either on top of the pork or as a finishing glaze. Allowing the sauce to simmer and thicken before use is a common practice.
The versatility of barbecue sauce extends beyond the preparation stages. Some individuals prefer their pulled pork sandwiches with extra sauce on the side, enabling them to dunk their sandwiches or add more sauce as desired. Others opt for a drier sandwich, allowing the sauce to soak into the bun. Serving the sauce warm is generally recommended to prevent it from cooling down the hot sandwich.
In addition to the sauce, the type of pork and cooking method play pivotal roles in the overall flavour and texture of the sandwich. Pork shoulder, pork butt, or pork sirloin roasts are popular choices, with the latter praised for its tender meat. Slow cooking or smoking the pork imparts a deep flavour, and techniques like wrapping the pork or spritzing it with a mixture of apple juice and cider vinegar contribute to its tenderness.
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Mustard
When using mustard as a spread, a thin layer of mustard and mayonnaise on both sides of the roll can add flavour and prevent sogginess. Alternatively, you can brush the buns with melted butter and toast them on a grill before piling on the pork.
For those who like a sauce with their pulled pork, a mustard barbecue sauce can be made by combining mustard, brown sugar, vinegar, and liquid smoke in a saucepan over medium-high heat and boiling until thick. This type of sauce is popular in South Carolina. The sauce can be mixed with the pork or served on the side.
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Alcohol-free options
While many recipes for pulled pork sandwiches include alcohol, there are several alcohol-free options to pour over the meat or use as a glaze. Here are some ideas:
Apple Juice and Cider Vinegar
A 50/50 mix of apple juice and cider vinegar can be spritzed over the pork butt while it cooks. This will help to keep the meat moist and add a subtle sweetness to the dish.
Vinegar Sauce
A vinegar-based sauce is a popular choice for pulled pork sandwiches. You can use a store-bought variety, such as Killer Hogs Vinegar Sauce, or make your own by combining vinegar with other ingredients such as olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Barbecue Sauce
Barbecue sauce is a classic pairing with pulled pork. You can choose from a variety of styles, such as Carolina, Kansas City, or Texas, or make your own by simmering a mixture of ingredients on the stove. You can adjust the sweetness or heat to your taste and even add some vinegar for a tangier profile.
Mustard
A tangy mustard can be used as a topping or poured over the sandwich. It will provide a zesty kick that complements the savoury richness of the pork.
Tomato Sauce
A simple tomato sauce can be made by combining tomato slices with salt and pepper. This sauce will add moisture and a subtle acidity to the sandwich.
These alcohol-free options will enhance the flavour of your pulled pork sandwiches without the need for alcoholic ingredients.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several alcoholic drinks that can be paired with a pulled pork sandwich. If you're looking for a cocktail, a pineapple margarita or Pimm's punch is a good choice. For a darker spirit base, aged whiskeys and rums are excellent. Top these with soda to add freshness to the meal. For wine, a refreshing rosé is a versatile option that can handle the salty and sweet flavours of a barbecue sauce.
If you're looking for non-alcoholic drinks, fresh-squeeze lemonade, strawberry iced tea, and cherry limeade are good options.
Some classic sides to serve with pulled pork sandwiches include coleslaw, pickles, and barbecue baked beans.
