Maker's Mark Bourbon BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches -

When you’re looking to impress at your next gathering, Maker’s Mark Bourbon BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches could be just the ticket. You’ll find that the combination of slow-cooked pork, infused with the distinct flavor of Maker’s Mark bourbon and a rich BBQ sauce, creates a mouthwatering experience. As you prepare the marinated pork shoulder and watch it transform into tender perfection, you’ll start to understand why this dish stands out. But there’s more to it than just the ingredients; the method plays a vital role in achieving that ultimate flavor profile. Curious about the secrets behind perfecting this dish?

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

Maker’s Mark bourbon enhances the flavor of pulled pork with its smooth, rich profile and unique sweet taste from soft red winter wheat.
Marinate pork shoulder overnight in a mixture of Maker’s Mark, BBQ sauce, onion, garlic, and spices for optimal flavor and tenderness.
Cook the marinated pork on low heat in a slow cooker for about 8 hours to achieve perfect shredding and moisture retention.
Serve the shredded pork on toasted buns, optionally adding coleslaw for an extra crunch and flavor contrast.
Pair the sandwiches with pickles, jalapeños, or a variety of BBQ sauces for an elevated dining experience.

Heritage Craft Distillery Tradition

Heritage craft distilleries, like Maker’s Mark, celebrate a rich tradition of handcrafted whiskey-making that dates back generations. When you step into a distillery, you can feel the passion and dedication in every corner.

These distilleries take pride in using time-honored techniques, which often include careful ingredient selection and meticulous aging processes. You might notice that many distillers still rely on traditional pot stills and charred oak barrels, ensuring that their spirits develop deep flavors and character.

Visiting a craft distillery offers more than just tasting whiskey; it’s an experience that connects you to the history and culture of the region.

You’ll learn about the grains used, the fermentation process, and the art of blending unique flavors. Distillers often share stories about their family traditions, emphasizing the importance of quality and craftsmanship.

Recipe

Maker’s Mark is a renowned American bourbon whiskey that has captured the hearts of spirit enthusiasts around the world. Established in 1953 in Loretto, Kentucky, Maker’s Mark is celebrated for its smooth, rich flavor profile and distinctive red wax seal.

Made from a unique recipe that includes soft red winter wheat, this bourbon stands out for its sweet and approachable taste, making it an excellent choice for sipping neat or mixing into cocktails. The versatility of Maker’s Mark extends beyond beverages, as it can elevate various culinary dishes, including those that feature healthful ingredients like ginger and turmeric, known for their health benefits.

What truly sets Maker’s Mark apart is the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into every bottle. The distillation process involves traditional methods, including the use of copper pot stills and aging in charred American oak barrels, which contribute to its signature taste.

The commitment to quality and heritage has made Maker’s Mark a beloved brand among bourbon lovers, and it adds a delightful twist to recipes, especially in dishes like pulled pork sandwiches.

Ingredients:

3-4 pounds pork shoulder
1 cup Maker’s Mark bourbon
1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
1 onion, sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
8 burger buns
Coleslaw (optional, for serving)

To prepare this delicious pulled pork sandwich, you’ll need a slow cooker for easy cooking, a mixing bowl for combining ingredients, and a fork for shredding the pork once it’s cooked to perfection. Gather your ingredients, and get ready for a flavorful meal!

When preparing this recipe, one key tip is to let the pork shoulder marinate in the bourbon and spices overnight for the best flavor infusion.

Also, don’t rush the cooking process; allowing the meat to slow cook for 8 hours will result in incredibly tender and juicy pulled pork. If you prefer a thicker BBQ sauce, consider simmering it on the stove after the pork is cooked to reduce and concentrate the flavors.

Finally, don’t forget to toast your burger buns for added texture and taste!

For serving suggestions, consider pairing your pulled pork sandwiches with homemade coleslaw to add a crunchy texture and tangy flavor that complements the rich pork. You can also serve them with pickles or chips for a delightful crunch. Enjoy your culinary creation and the smiles it brings to the table!

Step 1. Marinate Pork Shoulder Overnight

To create the most flavorful pulled pork, marinating the pork shoulder overnight is essential. Start by mixing together the Maker’s Mark bourbon, your favorite BBQ sauce, sliced onion, minced garlic, brown sugar, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper (if you like a little heat). This mixture not only adds incredible flavor but also helps tenderize the meat.

Next, place the pork shoulder in a large resealable bag or a shallow dish, then pour the marinade over the meat. Make sure the pork is well-coated by massaging the marinade into the surface. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and pop it in the refrigerator.

It’s best to let it marinate for at least 8 hours, but overnight is ideal. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat fully, infusing it with that signature bourbon taste.

When you’re ready to cook, you’ll be amazed at how fragrant and flavorful your pork shoulder has become. Trust us, the wait is worth it! Enjoy the anticipation as you look forward to serving up delicious pulled pork sandwiches that everyone will love.

Step 2. Cook on Low Heat

After marinating your pork shoulder overnight, it’s time to cook it low and slow for that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Set your slow cooker to low heat and place the marinated pork shoulder inside.

Add the sliced onion and minced garlic on top, allowing their flavors to seep into the meat. Pour in the Maker’s Mark bourbon and your favorite BBQ sauce, making sure to coat the pork evenly.

Cover the slow cooker and let it do its magic for about 8 hours. This long cooking time is essential—it breaks down the tough fibers in the pork, transforming it into tender, juicy goodness.

Resist the urge to lift the lid too often; each time you do, you let precious heat escape.

As the hours pass, your kitchen will fill with mouthwatering aromas that’ll have everyone excitedly waiting for dinner.

If you want a thicker BBQ sauce, you can simmer it on the stove after the pork is done, allowing it to reduce and intensify in flavor.

Once the cooking time is up, you’ll be amazed at how easy it’s to prepare these delicious sandwiches. Enjoy the anticipation!

Step 3. Shred Pork With Two Forks

Once the cooking time is up, it’s time to shred the pork. Carefully remove the pork shoulder from the slow cooker and place it on a large cutting board.

Let it cool for a few minutes, but not too long, or it might be harder to shred. Grab two forks—this is where the fun begins!

Using one fork to hold the pork steady, use the other fork to pull apart the meat. You’ll notice how easily it falls apart; that’s the magic of slow cooking!

Keep shredding until all the pork is in bite-sized pieces. Don’t worry if some pieces are larger; they’ll still taste amazing in your sandwich.

Once you’ve shredded the pork, you can set it aside for a moment. This shredded goodness is going to be the star of your pulled pork sandwiches.

It’s flavorful, tender, and packed with that bourbon-infused taste that’ll have everyone coming back for more.

Step 4. Add BBQ Sauce Generously

Adding BBQ sauce to your shredded pork is where the flavor really comes alive. Once your pork is perfectly shredded, it’s time to elevate your dish with that delicious BBQ sauce. Pour in about a cup of your favorite BBQ sauce, but don’t hold back—this is your chance to make the flavors pop!

Stir the sauce into the warm, tender pork, ensuring every piece is coated evenly. Feel free to taste as you go; if you want it sweeter, add a bit more sauce. For an extra kick, you can even mix in a splash of bourbon or a pinch of cayenne pepper. The key is to make the pork juicy and flavorful, so don’t be shy about adding that sauce generously.

Once you’ve mixed everything together, let the pulled pork sit for a few minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and gives you a chance to get everything ready for serving.

You’ll love how the sweet and tangy BBQ sauce complements the rich flavors of the bourbon-infused pork. Trust me, this is going to be a hit with everyone at your table!

Step 5. Serve With Toasted Buns

To truly elevate your Maker’s Mark Bourbon BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches, serving them on toasted buns makes all the difference. The warmth and crispness of the toasted buns create a delightful contrast to the tender, juicy pulled pork.

You’ll want to choose sturdy burger buns that can hold up to the delicious filling without falling apart.

To toast your buns, simply preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cut-side of the buns facing up on a baking sheet, and bake for about 5-7 minutes, or until they’re golden brown.

This simple step enhances the texture and flavor, providing a satisfying crunch with each bite.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can brush the inside of the buns with a little melted butter or olive oil before toasting. This adds a rich flavor that complements the bourbon BBQ sauce beautifully.

Once your buns are toasted, pile on the pulled pork and drizzle with extra BBQ sauce if you like. Add some coleslaw for a crunchy, invigorating touch.

Your sandwiches will be a hit, and everyone will enjoy the perfect balance of flavors and textures!

Pro Tips for Making This Recipe

For the best results with your Maker’s Mark Bourbon BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches, marinate the pork shoulder overnight in the bourbon and spices. This step really helps to infuse the meat with rich flavors, making it incredibly tasty.

When you’re ready to cook, don’t rush the process; letting the pork slow cook for at least 8 hours is key for achieving that ideal tender texture.

Another pro tip is to use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. You want the internal temperature to reach around 190°F for optimal shredding.

After cooking, let the pork rest for about 15 minutes before shredding it. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist.

If you like a thicker BBQ sauce, consider simmering it on the stove after the pork is done. This will help concentrate the flavors nicely.

And don’t forget to toast your burger buns! A little crunch adds a great texture that complements the soft pulled pork perfectly.