Slow Cooker Kentucky-Style Bourbon Pulled Pork

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender pulled pork slow-cooked in a bourbon-infused sauce with regional Kentucky flavors, perfect for sandwiches or hearty plates. This american-inspired pork ready in about 495 minutes pairs pork shoulder, bourbon whiskey, apple cider vinegar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 480 min Serves 6 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rub the 3 lbs pork shoulder evenly with 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper, massaging the spices into all sides.
  2. Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup bourbon whiskey, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 2 tbsp yellow mustard, 1/2 cup ketchup, and 1/2 cup water until smooth.
  3. Step 3: Place the seasoned pork shoulder into a slow cooker and pour the bourbon sauce over it, ensuring the meat is mostly covered.
  4. Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours until the pork is very tender and pulls apart easily with a fork.
  5. Step 5: Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks, then return it to the slow cooker and mix with the cooking juices for 5 minutes to absorb flavor before serving.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Small appliances → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow Cooker Kentucky-Style Bourbon Pulled Pork take to make?

Total time is about 495 minutes (15 min prep + 480 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Slow Cooker Kentucky-Style Bourbon Pulled Pork?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pork shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Kentucky-Style Bourbon Pulled Pork?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Slow Cooker Kentucky-Style Bourbon Pulled Pork for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Slow Cooker Kentucky-Style Bourbon Pulled Pork?

American pork like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

Related recipes