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

As a barbecue enthusiast and home cook pulled pork is one of my go-to favorite dishes. There’s nothing quite like tender, smokey shredded pork topped with tangy barbecue sauce and served on a soft bun. While the pork itself is incredibly flavorful, pairing it with the right beverage can take the experience to the next level.

In this article, I’ll share my top drink recommendations to serve alongside pulled pork based on all the various flavors in this iconic barbecue meal. My goal is to highlight beverages that complement and enhance the pork rather than overpower it.

Whether you’re looking for beer, wine, cocktails or non-alcoholic options, I’ve got you covered with plenty of delicious paired drinks for pulled pork. Let’s get started!

Understanding the Flavors of Pulled Pork

Before exploring drink pairings it’s helpful to break down the main tastes in a typical pulled pork dish

• Smoky, savory pork: The long cooking process makes the pork incredibly rich, tender and smokey.

• Sweet barbecue sauce: Sauces 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 are often cooked down, contributing sweetness.

• Acidity from vinegar: Vinegar gives barbecue sauce a tang.

• Herbal notes: Spices like garlic, oregano and thyme are commonly used.

With this flavor profile in mind, let’s look at drink options that complement these tastes.

Best Cocktail Pairings for Pulled Pork

Cocktails offer a fun, flavorful way to accompany a casual barbecue meal like pulled pork. Here are my top mixed drink recommendations:

Whiskey Highball

A simple highball made with whiskey, soda water and lemon pairs wonderfully. The bubbly soda cleanses the palate while the whiskey stands up to the pork. I prefer bourbon or rye for their sweet, vanilla notes.

Margarita

A margarita highlight’s pulled pork’s Mexican influences. Its tart lime flavor counters the meat’s richness. Go for a smoky mezcal or reposado tequila.

Moscow Mule

The ginger beer and lime juice cut through the pork’s fattiness. Aged rum or vodka works well. Garnish with pickled veggies.

Bloody Mary

A barbecue classic! The tomato juice and Worcestershire sauce complement the tangy barbecue sauce. Use a spicy pepper vodka. Rim the glass with a pork rub spice blend.

Mint Julep

For a southern flair, mint juleps pair perfectly. The sweetness of bourbon and simple syrup matches the barbecue sauce.

Paloma

This tequila and grapefruit soda combo is fresh and citrusy, balancing the dish. Use 100% grapefruit juice for a bigger flavor impact.

Best Wine Pairings for Pulled Pork

Wine and barbecue may sound unlikely but dry, fruity wines actually pair wonderfully with saucy pulled pork. Here are smart wine selections:

Beaujolais

This light, low-tannin red has berry flavors that offset pork’s richness. Chill it slightly.

Zinfandel

Its bold berry and peppery notes stand up to spice rubs and barbecue sauce.

Sauvignon Blanc

The zesty acidity and grassy aromas cut through the meat’s fattiness.

Riesling

An off-dry Riesling balances both sweet and savory flavors. Its acid keeps the palate refreshed.

Rosé

Dry rosés have the refreshing fruitiness of a white wine with enough body for the pork.

Lambrusco

This bubbly, fruity Italian red wine is a great choice. Match a sweeter barbecue sauce.

Best Beer Styles for Pulled Pork

You can never go wrong with beer and barbecue. These brew styles pair deliciously:

American Pale Ale

An easy-drinking pale ale provides a refreshing balance with its hoppy bitterness.

Hefeweizen

A wheat beer’s subtle citrus and banana flavors cleanse the palate perfectly.

Amber Ale

With moderate bitterness and caramel maltiness, ambers beautifully complement.

Porter

A roasty, chocolatey porter holds its own against the pork and sauce.

Lager

Crisp, clean lagers cut through the meat’s richness. Mexican lagers work great.

Fruit Beer

For contrast, fruited wheat beers or lambics offer tartness. Try cherry or raspberry.

Non-Alcoholic Drink Pairings

If you want to skip the alcohol, try these options:

• Iced tea: Sweet tea is a southern staple with barbecue. For a twist, add citrus slices or spices.

• Lemonade: Tart and refreshing, lemonade cuts through the hearty flavors.

• Fruit juice: Berry, grapefruit and other bright, acidic juices balance the dish.

• Arnold Palmer: This classic half iced tea, half lemonade drink hits all the right notes.

• Agua Fresca: Refreshing blends of fruit, herbs and water complement the meal.

• Hibiscus tea: Its slight tartness contrasts the pork perfectly. Serve over ice.

• Fruit punch: Blend tropical fruit juices like pineapple, mango and lime for a fruity beverage.