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Tennessee Whiskey Pulled Pork Sliders Recipe Easy Homemade with Crunchy Coleslaw

Tennessee Whiskey Pulled Pork Sliders - featured image

This recipe features tender pulled pork infused with Tennessee whiskey, paired with a crunchy, tangy coleslaw, served on soft slider buns. It’s a perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and fresh flavors ideal for casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 to 5 pounds pork shoulder (also called pork butt), trimmed of excess fat
  • 1 cup Tennessee whiskey (smooth, middle-shelf brand like Jack Daniel’s or George Dickel)
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 cup water or low-sodium chicken broth
  • 3 cups shredded green cabbage (or pre-shredded mix)
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise (full-fat or Greek yogurt as substitute)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon celery seed
  • 12 to 16 slider buns (soft, slightly sweet; Hawaiian rolls recommended)
  • Pickles or jalapeños for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork dry with paper towels. Mix brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Rub the spice blend all over the pork, pressing it in well. (10 minutes)
  2. Place the seasoned pork shoulder in the slow cooker. Pour Tennessee whiskey, apple cider vinegar, and water or broth around the pork, avoiding washing off the rub. (5 minutes)
  3. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 4 hours until pork is fork-tender and shreds easily. (6-8 hours low or 4 hours high)
  4. Remove pork from slow cooker onto a plate or cutting board. Shred using two forks or meat claws, discarding large fat chunks. Return shredded pork to slow cooker and stir into cooking juices. (10 minutes)
  5. While pork cooks, combine shredded cabbage, carrots, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, pepper, and optional celery seed in a large bowl. Adjust seasoning and chill until serving. (10 minutes prep + chilling)
  6. Warm slider buns in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes until soft and slightly toasted. (5 minutes)
  7. Assemble sliders by piling pulled pork on buns, topping with coleslaw, and adding pickles or jalapeños if desired. Serve immediately. (10 minutes)

Notes

If pulled pork seems dry when shredding, stir in reserved cooking liquid to keep moist. For stronger whiskey flavor, add a splash near the end of cooking. Use gluten-free buns or lettuce cups for gluten-free option. Vegan mayo can substitute mayonnaise for dairy-free coleslaw. Shred pork while warm for easier shredding and better juice absorption.

Nutrition

Keywords: pulled pork, Tennessee whiskey, sliders, coleslaw, slow cooker, BBQ, party food, Southern cuisine