The Best Drink Pairings for Pulled Pork: Beer, Wine, Cocktails and More

Denise of Castello di Sinio decided we should do pulled pork with a homemade barbecue sauce recipe. I had no idea bbq sauce was so easy to make – also, the kiddo loves it!.

Pulled pork is a classic barbecue dish that features tender smokey shredded pork that is absolute heaven when topped with a tangy barbecue sauce. The deep rich flavor of pulled pork makes it a perfect candidate for pairing with drinks that complement and enhance the various flavors in this iconic barbecue meal.

With so many possible tastes and textures in a pulled pork dish, you’ll want a beverage that provides an appropriate balance while still allowing the flavors of the pork to shine. The key is opting for drinks that cleanse the palate and cut through the meat’s unctuousness. When paired thoughtfully, beverages and pulled pork can elevate one another to new heights.

In this article, we’ll explore excellent beer, wine, cocktail and non-alcoholic drink options to serve alongside mouthwatering pulled pork.

Understanding the Flavors of Pulled Pork

To make informed drink pairings it’s helpful to first understand the typical tastes in a pulled pork dish

Smoky, savory pork The pork shoulder is cooked low and slow which makes the meat incredibly rich tender and smokey.
Sweet barbecue sauce: Sauces can range from tangy, tomato-based to thick and molasses-like. Sweetness balances the savoriness.
Spicy seasonings: Chili powder, cayenne, black pepper and other spices add heat.
Caramelized onions: Onions cooked down contribute balancing sweetness.
Acidity from vinegar: Vinegar gives barbecue sauce tang.
Herbal notes: Spices like garlic, oregano and thyme are commonly used.

Best Cocktail Pairings for Pulled Pork

Cocktails offer a fun way to match the casual vibe of a backyard barbecue while also complementing pulled pork’s mixture of flavors. Here are top cocktail recommendations:

Whiskey Highball – The bubbly soda water cleanses the palate while the whiskey stands up to the pork. Bourbon or rye work best.
Margarita – The lime flavor counters pork’s richness. Go for a smoky mezcal or smooth reposado tequila.
Moscow Mule – Ginger beer and lime cut through fattiness. Use aged rum or vodka. Garnish with pickled veggies.
Bloody Mary – Tomato juice and Worcestershire match tangy barbecue sauce. Use a spicy pepper vodka. Rim with pork rub.
Mint Julep – For southern flair, mint juleps pair perfectly. Bourbon and simple syrup match barbecue sweetness.
Paloma – This tequila grapefruit combo is citrusy and refreshing. Use fresh grapefruit juice for full flavor.

Best Wine Pairings for Pulled Pork

Although barbecue and wine may seem like an unlikely pairing, the right wines actually complement smokey, saucy pulled pork wonderfully:

Beaujolais – This light, low-tannin red has berry flavors that offset pork richness. Chill slightly.
Zinfandel – Bold berry and pepper notes stand up to spice rubs and sauce.
Sauvignon Blanc – Zesty acidity and grassy aromas cut through fat.
Riesling – Off-dry Rieslings balance both sweet and savory. Acidity refreshes the palate.
Rosé – Dry rosés offer refreshing fruit with enough body for the pork.
Lambrusco – This bubbly, fruity Italian red is a great match. Pair with sweeter sauces.

Best Beer Styles for Pulled Pork

You can never go wrong pairing beer with pulled pork. These brew styles complement the dish beautifully:

American Pale Ale – Hoppy bitterness provides refreshing balance.
Hefeweizen – Subtle citrus and banana tones cleanse the palate.
Amber Ale – Caramel maltiness fits beautifully with pork’s richness.
Porter – Roasty, chocolate notes hold their own against the meat and sauce.
Lager – Crisp, clean lagers cut through fat. Try a Mexican lager.
Fruit Beer – For contrast, fruited wheats or lambics offer welcomed tartness.

Non-Alcoholic Pairings

If you want to skip the alcohol, these drinks make excellent pairings:

Iced Tea – Sweet tea is a southern staple. For a twist, add citrus or spices.
Lemonade – Tart, refreshing lemonade cuts through hearty flavors.
Fruit Juice – Berry, grapefruit and other bright juices provide balance.
Arnold Palmer – Half iced tea, half lemonade. Perfect!
Agua Fresca – Refreshing fruit, herb and water blends.
Hibiscus Iced Tea – Slight tartness contrasts the pork.
Fruit Punch – Blend tropical juices like pineapple, mango and lime.

The beauty of pulled pork is that it pairs darn well with a wide range of beverages. Now that you know what drinks make smart pairings, the only question is which one to serve at your next barbecue! Mix up a cocktail, chill some wine or pop open a cold beer and get ready to enjoy one of the best summertime pairings out there.

what drink goes good with pulled pork

Key takeaways from Denise’s oven roasted pulled pork recipe:

Pork butt and pork shoulder are the two most common cuts for roasting. Both come from the shoulder, but the shoulder is further down on the foreleg than the butt.
When it comes to shoulder pork, 30% fat to 70% lean is the best meat ratio.
They both taste good when roasted, stewed, or braised for a long time because they are tough and fatty.
Denise told me to cut the pork into big chunks so that the rub would cover more evenly and the pork would roast more evenly overall.
When making this pulled pork recipe in the oven, beer is used in the cooking. Denise recommends either a dark ale or a lager. These types of beers have complex flavors that go well with the rub and the meat.
In this method, the lid stays on for the first two hours, but comes off for the last hour or two. Denise says this is what we do to make the pork crisp and the liquid go down.

Denise’s Oven Roasted Pulled Pork with barbecue sauce

4 lbs boneless pork shoulder
3 TBS packed brown sugar
1 TBS kosher salt
1 TBS smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp ground cumin
freshly ground black pepper
2 tsp vegetable oil
12 oz lager

1½ cup ketchup
3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (up to ⅓ cup for sourer sauce)
½ cup dijon mustard
¼ cup brown sugar
2 TBS Worcestershire sauce
1 TBS liquid smoke
Buns, for serving

Preheat oven to 300°F / 150°C. Take off the pork’s extra fat and cut it into big pieces that will fit in a big Dutch oven.
Mix brown sugar, salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cumin in a small bowl. Add black pepper to taste. Rub all over pork. (This can be done the night before. ).
In a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, heat oil. Working in batches, add pork and sear on all sides. (Spices burn fast, so don’t leave it on for too long!)
Pour the beer around pork, then cover with the lid. Put the pork in the oven and cook for about three hours, or until it starts to get tender. When the pork is very soft and easy to pull apart with a fork, take off the lid and cook for another 1 to 2 hours.
Take the pork out of the Dutch oven and set it aside to rest while you make the barbecue sauce.

Whisk in the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, mustard, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce with the pan juices still in the Dutch oven. Over medium-high heat, bring mixture to a boil. Lower the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, or until it gets a little thicker.
Shred pork using two forks. Toss shredded meat with about half the barbecue sauce. Serve warm with buns and more barbecue sauce.

Gordon Ramsay’s Ultimate Pulled Pork

FAQ

What drink goes best with pulled pork?

The daring, bold flavors of barbecue pork require a refreshing drink filled with light, airy flavors and a darker spirit base. Aged whiskeys and rums are excellent bases for this pairing.

What drink pairs well with pork?

The general rule of thumb when choosing wine to pair with pork is to look for a rich, fuller-bodied white wine or a juicy, fruit-forward red wine, which will complement the delicate sweetness that tends to characterize this meat.

What compliments pulled pork?

Because pork can be a bit of a heavier dish, we’ve paired it with plenty of veggies—sautéed mustard greens, cucumber, tomato, and onion salad, grilled green beans—and fresh salads to give a refreshing contrast.

What beer pairs well with pulled pork?

Some beers that go great with pork include: India Pale Lager – With a lighter and not as bitter flavor as an India Pale Ale, an IPL will have a lightly toasty and sweet malt profile to bring out the flavors in the meat, while spicy and citrusy hop flavors pair well with many BBQ sauce flavors.

Which wine goes with pulled pork?

For a tangy pulled pork recipe, you might want to opt for a refreshing rosé wine for the wine pairing.

What drink goes well with pulled pork?

The Anejo highball, which is made with rum and ginger beer, is a perfect choice for a drink with pulled pork. The ginger beer in this drink makes it the darkest selection of the bunch. Although pulled pork is a relatively simple dish to make, it has an intense variety of flavors.

Which wine goes well with barbecue pork?

For pulled pork barbecue, consider a Montes Cherub Rosé, a varietal of Syrah and Grenache grapes. Its intense and fruity nose with aromas of fresh red fruits makes it a great pairing. The bold flavors of the barbecue require a refreshing drink filled with light, airy flavors and a darker spirit base.

What goes well with BBQ pork?

Sangria: Sangria is a refreshing and fruity option that can be a great match for BBQ pork. It’s made with red wine, fruit, and often a bit of brandy or other spirits, and can be served over ice with a slice of fruit for a fun and festive pairing.