Sure, it’s hard to improve on bourbon on the rocks, but we’re all about innovation around here. There’s an entire world of food out there ready to be mixed, mingled and braised with our favorite liquor. The results are just as warming and delicious as you’d expect something made with whiskey to be. Here are 30 recipes where bourbon and the like play a major supporting role and add plenty of deliciously complex flavor.
1. Bourbon BBQ Ribs: Put away that bottled barbecue sauce. This homemade version, with plenty of bourbon for a smokey tang, will put the pre-made stuff to shame and make for some serious finger-licking goodness. (via Chow)
2. No-Bake Bourbon Balls: Booze in ball form? We’re so there. (via Brit + Co)
3. Pasta With Whiskey, Wine and Mushrooms: A unique take on the traditional cream sauce accompaniment will totally wow your taste buds. (via The Pioneer Woman)
4. Buttermilk Bourbon Cherry Tartlets with Bourbon Whipped Cream: Blake Lively served something very similar at her wedding. Just sayin’. (via Brit + Co)
5. Pork Chops With Bourbon-Soaked Pomegranate Seeds: Pork chops and applesauce is a classic combo turned on its head by swapping out pomegranate for the apples. The sweetness is cut through with a shot of bourbon for a flavorful punch. (via She Knows)
6. Maple-Bourbon Banana Pudding Cake: Like bananas foster, but with more bread, more pudding, more maple and more alcohol. You literally cannot go wrong. (via Food and Wine)
7. Whiskey Truffles: Whip up a batch of these super easy spiked truffles to serve as dessert for your next dinner party. Maybe just skip the post dinner drink; these pack a boozy punch. (via So Good)
8. Whiskey Burgers: Sure, they look like regular burgers, but they’re better than you could ever image. There’s a gooey center of molten whiskey cheese waiting for you to bite into. (via Better Homes and Gardens)
9. Brown Sugar Bourbon Ice Cream: You know all of those pies you’ve been baking up? This is what you’ll be serving with them. (via Brit + Co)
10. Whiskey Chocolate Bundt Cake With Whiskey Caramel Sauce: It really doesn’t get more decadent and luscious than this. Melted dark chocolate mixes with the deep flavors of whiskey and caramel for a gooey treat best eaten with vanilla (or vanilla-bourbon) ice cream. (via Love and Olive Oil)
11. Apple Galettes With Whiskey Salted Caramel Sauce: Take a classic fall dessert and give it some inspiration from the classic French tarte Tatin. Mix the decadent caramel formed during the baking process with a little bit of salt and booze. We highly doubt you’ll have leftovers. (via Portuguese Girl Cooks)
12. Whiskey Sriracha Candy: For a spicy sweet treat, mix your favorite whiskey with your favorite hot sauce. The combo may sound weird, but trust us: It’s a game-changer. (via Olives for Dinner)
13. Bourbon Maple Bacon: Bourbon and bacon. Do we really need to say anything else? (via Wonky Wonderful)
14. Muenster Apple Maple Bourbon Bacon Grilled Cheese: If you can avoid eating all the candied bacon at once, make this decadent sandwich that combines the best of salty and sweet. (via Fit Food Finds)
15. Bourbon Apple Cider Sorbet: If this doesn’t scream fall, we don’t know what does. (via Brit + C0)
16. Bourbon Glazed Wings: Spicy, finger-licking deliciousness perfect for watching the game — they marinate for hours in that bourbon-y glaze. (via Bon Appetit)
17. Whiskey Nutmeg Pound Cake: Serve this cake with a cup of tea or a glass of whiskey. It’s warm and spicy from the nutmeg and perfect for a cool morning breakfast or snack. (via Technicolor Kitchen)
18. Mulled Apple Cider: If tea isn’t your thing, try the cake above with some delicious mulled apple cider. We can’t wait to curl up with a mug of this stuff next to a cozy fire. (via Confectionalism)
19. Pumpkin Pancakes With Bourbon Maple Syrup: They say the hair of the dog is the best cure for a hangover, and this is a perfectly reasonable substitute for taking shots in the morning. We bet you’ll feel better, too. (via Spicy Southern Kitchen)
20. Giant Whiskey Cinnamon Roll Cake: Make this insane cinnamon roll when you’re having guests over. Who’s going to say no to a whiskey-glazed breakfast treat? (via Transient Expression)
21. Bourbon and Honey Grilled Flank Steak: This dish will remind you of warm summer nights and drinking bourbon on the porch, even if it’s getting cold out. (via Bourbon and Honey)
22. Black Cherry Bourbon Hot Chocolate: For chilly nights, this is the perfect comfort drink. If cherry’s not your style, swap out the Red Stag for your favorite whiskey. (via Living Better Together)
23. Pumpkin Spice Bread Pudding With Bourbon Sauce: Spoon this rich maple bourbon sauce over this soft and creamy bread pudding that tastes and looks like fall. You will not be disappointed. (via American Heritage Cooking)
24. Sweet Corn With Maple Bourbon Brown Butter and Bacon: This rich and savory side is a perfect accompaniment to any autumn meal. (via Iowa Girl Eats)
25. Salted Caramel Rye Apple Pie Bars: If delicious southern rye whiskey had a lovechild with a northeastern apple pie, it would look a little something like this decadent treat. (via F and B Department)
26. Whiskey Caramel Corn With Cocoa Nibs: Talk about a perfect movie snack. You got your booze, chocolate and popcorn all in one delicious handful. (via Confectionalism)
27. Bourbon Butterscotch Pudding: This pairing works so well because the burnt toffee taste of butterscotch brings out the sweetness in the bourbon. In short, it’s perfection. (via Chocolate and Marrow)
28. Plum Jam With Bourbon and Cinnamon: Spread this raw vegan jam on toast and cheers the start of your day. (via The Clean Dish)
29. Black Pepper Buttermilk Biscuits With Maple Bourbon Butter: Slather on that butter, folks. It’s the only proper way to eat biscuits like these. (via The Kitchen Paper)
30. Bourbon Bacon S’mores Cookies: Have plenty of extra napkins nearby for this super ooey-gooey adult dessert. (via Beyond Frosting)
Which of these bourbon recipes are you most eager to try? Let us know in the comments below!
Nora Landis-Shack
Nora is a writer, photographer, foodie and feminist. After living in New York City for 23 years, she recently moved San Francisco and can't wait to explore. When she's not pursuing her interests in health and technology, she loves hiking, yoga, playing piano and squealing over kittens as an ASPCA volunteer.
