Cherry Cola Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Indulge in the perfect balance of sweet and smoky with this Cherry Cola BBQ Pulled Pork. Made effortlessly in a slow cooker, the tender pork absorbs the rich flavors of cherry cola and tangy barbecue sauce, creating a dish that's perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or even served over rice. With minimal prep and a big flavor payoff, this recipe is a must-try for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Equipment
- slow cooker
- Mixing Bowl
- forks for shredding
Ingredients
- 4 lbs pork shoulder bone-in or boneless
- 1 large onion sliced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 cup Cherry Cola
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper optional for a kick
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Base
- Place the sliced onion and minced garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker.1 large onion, 4 cloves garlic
Season the Pork
- Season the pork shoulder generously with salt, pepper, chili powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper if using. Place the pork on top of the onions and garlic.1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, Salt and pepper to taste, 4 lbs pork shoulder
Mix the Sauce
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, Cherry Coke, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, yellow mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Ensure the mixture is smooth and well-combined.1 cup barbecue sauce, 1 cup Cherry Cola, 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 tbsp yellow mustard, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Combine and Cook
- Pour the Cherry Coke mixture over the pork shoulder, making sure the meat is evenly coated.
- Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours (or high for 4-6 hours) until the pork is tender and can be easily shredded.
Shred the Pork
- Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Discard any large pieces of fat. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix it with the juices to enhance the flavor.
Serve
- Serve the pulled pork on hamburger buns with additional barbecue sauce, if desired. Add coleslaw on top for extra crunch.
Notes
Ingredient Substitutions
- Cherry Cola: Use regular cola or root beer for a different twist.
- Brown Sugar: Replace with honey or granulated sugar.
- Smoked Paprika: Use regular paprika for a milder flavor.
- Cayenne Pepper: Omit for less spice or replace with red pepper flakes.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze portions in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of barbecue sauce to retain moisture
- Spicy Twist: Add extra cayenne or hot sauce to the sauce mix.
- Sweet BBQ: Mix in pineapple juice or honey for a sweeter profile.
- Smoky Flavor: Add a drop of liquid smoke to enhance the smokeiness.