13 Ways to Incorporate Bourbon Into Your Grilled Meals, According to Grill Masters
Grilling season isn’t just about firing up the grill; it’s also about experimenting with flavors. While many think of bourbon as just a drink, top grill masters know it can be a game-changer when added to your cookout.
No need to pack up for a camping trip—bourbon can enhance the flavors of your backyard BBQ like never before.
Here are 13 ways to incorporate this smoky spirit into your grilling routine.
1. Bourbon-Infused Marinades
Combine bourbon with brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, and spices to create a marinade that infuses your meats with flavor and helps tenderize them.
Let your steak or chicken sit in this blend for at least an hour before grilling.
2. Bourbon Glazes
A thick, bourbon-based glaze can add a rich, caramelized finish to your meats. Mix bourbon with honey, Dijon mustard, and a splash of vinegar for a tangy-sweet glaze.
3. Bourbon BBQ Sauce
Bourbon can elevate any BBQ sauce, turning it from ordinary to extraordinary.
Add a shot of bourbon to your favorite BBQ sauce recipe, stirring in brown sugar and ketchup for a deep, smoky finish.
4. Bourbon-Infused Butter
Melt butter and mix in a bit of bourbon, along with garlic, herbs, and a pinch of salt.
Brush this flavorful concoction over grilled corn, vegetables, or steak for a rich, savory kick.
5. Bourbon-Soaked Wood Chips
Soak wood chips in bourbon before tossing them on the grill. The bourbon-infused smoke will impart a unique depth of flavor to your meats, enhancing the natural smokiness of the grill.
6. Marinating Vegetables
Don’t leave your veggies out of the bourbon fun! Toss mushrooms, bell peppers, or even corn in a mixture of bourbon, olive oil, and spices.
The result is a caramelized sweetness that perfectly complements grilled meats.
7. Bourbon-Glazed Shrimp
Shrimp cooks quickly, so a bourbon glaze will give them a rich finish without overpowering the natural sweetness of the shrimp.
A touch of bourbon, honey, garlic, and chili flakes makes for an irresistible glaze.
8. Bourbon-Finished Steak
Once your steak is grilled to perfection, finish it off with a splash of bourbon in the pan.
Let it reduce slightly, then pour the sauce over your steak for an added layer of rich, smoky flavor.
9. Bourbon Marinade for Chicken Wings
Bourbon’s caramel notes pair wonderfully with crispy, charred chicken wings.
Combine bourbon with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic for a marinade that gives the wings an extra depth of flavor.
10. Bourbon-Infused Grilled Fruit
Bourbon can even pair well with fruit on the grill. Try marinating peaches or pineapples in a bourbon-sugar mix before grilling. The heat caramelizes the sugars, bringing out the bourbon’s smoky, sweet character.
11. Bourbon and Mustard for Grilled Sausages
Grilled sausages get an upgrade with a bourbon mustard sauce. Mix bourbon with mustard, brown sugar, and a splash of vinegar for a tangy and slightly sweet topping.
12. Glazed Grilled Salmon
Salmon pairs perfectly with bourbon’s smoky flavor. Use bourbon, soy sauce, and maple syrup to make a glaze that complements the richness of the fish while adding a bold finish.
13. Bourbon Cocktail Pairing
And finally, don’t forget the drink! A bourbon cocktail, like an Old Fashioned or a simple bourbon sour, makes for a perfect companion to any grilled meal. It’s the ultimate way to round out a smoky, flavorful evening.
Whether you’re marinating, glazing, or even sipping, bourbon offers an unexpected, yet delicious twist to your grilling routine. It’s time to raise a glass (and a grill brush) to this versatile spirit!
Want to take your BBQ to the next level? Visit our homepage for more tips on infusing your grilled meals with bourbon and other bold flavors.
