Bourbon Infused BBQ Ideas

Are you tired of the same old barbecue recipes that lack that “wow” factor? Do you crave a flavor explosion that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy? Look no further! Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that combines the smoky allure of barbecue with the rich complexity of bourbon.

Get ready to ignite your grill, pour yourself a glass of bourbon, and savor the incredible flavors that await you. Dive into our article filled with Bourbon Infused BBQ Ideas in 2023, and let the culinary adventure begin!

What Are the Best Bourbon Infused BBQ Ideas?

When it comes to bourbon-infused BBQ, the possibilities are endless. From succulent steaks to vegetarian delights and delectable desserts, there’s something for everyone. To make your culinary journey even more enjoyable, we’ve ranked the best bourbon-infused BBQ ideas based on ease of preparation.

Now, let’s dive into each recipe and bring these extraordinary bourbon-infused BBQ creations to life!

Bourbon-Infused Pulled Pork: 

Ingredients:

• 4 lbs pork shoulder
• 1 cup bourbon
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine bourbon, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.
2. Place the pork shoulder in a resealable bag and pour the marinade. Seal the bag and refrigerate overnight.
3. Preheat your smoker or grill to 225°F (107°C).
4. Remove the pork shoulder from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels—season with additional salt and pepper.
5. Smoke the pork shoulder for 8-10 hours or until it reaches an internal temperature of 195°F (90°C).
6. Remove from the smoker and let it rest for 30 minutes. Shred the meat and serve with your favorite bourbon-infused barbecue sauce.

BBQ and Bourbon Peach Glazed Ribs: 

Ingredients:

• 2 racks of baby back ribs
• 1 cup peach preserves
• 1/2 cup bourbon
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C).
2. Season the ribs with salt and pepper, then wrap them tightly in aluminum foil. Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 2 hours.
3. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine peach preserves, bourbon, honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Remove the ribs from the oven and carefully unwrap them. Brush the bourbon peach glaze generously over the ribs.
5. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the glazed ribs on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, basting with additional glaze as needed.
6. Remove from the grill and let the ribs rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Bourbon Brined Chicken: 

Ingredients:

• 4 bone-in chicken breasts
• 4 cups water
• 1 cup bourbon
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup kosher salt
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 sprig of rosemary, chopped
• 1 sprig of thyme, chopped

Instructions:

1. Combine water, bourbon, brown sugar, kosher salt, minced garlic, rosemary, and thyme in a large bowl. Stir until the sugar and salt dissolve.
2. Place the chicken breasts in a resealable bag and pour the brine over them. Seal the bag and refrigerate for 4-6 hours.
3. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
4. Remove the chicken breasts from the brine and pat them dry with paper towels.
5. Grill the chicken breasts for 6-8 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving.

Bourbon Marinated Steak: 

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless ribeye steaks
• 1 cup bourbon
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine bourbon, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl to create a marinade.
2. Place the steaks in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Ensure the steaks are fully coated. Cover the dish and refrigerate for 2-4 hours.
3. Preheat your grill to high heat.
4. Remove the steaks from the marinade and let any excess marinade drip offseason with additional salt and pepper.
5. Grill the steaks for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare or until desired doneness.
6. Allow the steaks to rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Bourbon Glazed Salmon:

 Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 1/2 cup bourbon
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine bourbon, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
3. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
4. Brush the bourbon glaze generously over the salmon fillets, reserving some for basting.
5. Place the salmon fillets on the grill, skin-side down, and cook for 4-6 minutes. Baste with additional glaze while cooking.
6. Carefully flip the fillets and continue grilling for another 4-6 minutes or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
7. Serve the bourbon-glazed salmon with a drizzle of the remaining glaze.

Bourbon Infused BBQ Beans: 

Ingredients:

• 2 cans (15 oz each) of kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) navy beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 1/2 cup bourbon
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 onion, diced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Combine kidney beans, black beans, navy beans, barbecue sauce, bourbon, brown sugar, ketchup, Dijon mustard, and diced onion in a large bowl. Stir well to combine.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and cover with foil.
5. Bake for 45 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes to allow the top to slightly caramelize.
6. Serve the bourbon-infused BBQ beans as a delightful side dish to complement your barbecue feast.

Bourbon Glazed Grilled Shrimp Skewers: 

Ingredients:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 cup bourbon
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Wooden skewers soaked in water

Instructions:

1. Whisk together bourbon, honey, olive oil, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, lime juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.
2. Add the shrimp to the marinade, toss to coat, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
3. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
4. Thread the marinated shrimp onto the soaked skewers.
5. Grill the shrimp skewers for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque.
6. Serve the bourbon-glazed grilled shrimp skewers as an elegant appetizer or as part of a decadent seafood feast.

Bourbon Basted Corn on the Cob: 

Ingredients:

• 4 ears of corn, husked
• 1/2 cup bourbon
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
2. Whisk together bourbon, melted butter, honey, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl to create a basting sauce.
3. Grill the corn on the cob for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until it develops a slight char.
4. Begin basting the corn with the bourbon sauce during the last 5 minutes of grilling.
5. Remove the corn from the grill and serve immediately, optionally, with an extra drizzle of the bourbon basting sauce.

Bourbon Glazed Sweet Potato Wedges:  

Ingredients:

• 2 large sweet potatoes, cut into wedges
• 1/4 cup bourbon
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Whisk together bourbon, maple syrup, melted butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a small bowl.
3. Toss the sweet potato wedges in the bourbon glaze until evenly coated.
4. Arrange the wedges in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping the wedges halfway through until they are tender and slightly caramelized.
6. Remove from the oven and serve the bourbon-glazed sweet potato wedges as a delightful side dish.

Bourbon Infused Coleslaw:

Ingredients:

• 4 cups shredded cabbage
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup bourbon
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine shredded cabbage and carrots.
2. Whisk together mayonnaise, bourbon, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl to create the dressing.
3. Pour the dressing over the cabbage and carrots, tossing until evenly coated.
4. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Serve the bourbon-infused coleslaw as a refreshing, tangy side dish that perfectly complements your barbecue spread.

Bourbon Glazed BBQ Meatballs: 

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup bourbon
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Combine ground beef, bread crumbs, milk, Parmesan cheese, onion, parsley, egg, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix until well combined.
3. Shape the mixture into bite-sized meatballs and place them on a baking sheet.
4. Bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Combine bourbon, barbecue sauce, honey, and Worcestershire sauce in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Remove the meatballs from the oven and brush them generously with the bourbon glaze. Return them to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
7. Serve the bourbon-glazed BBQ meatballs as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a delectable main course.

Bourbon Peach Upside-Down Cake: 

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup bourbon
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 2 peaches, pitted and sliced
• 1/4 cup brown sugar

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a separate bowl, cream softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
5. Slowly add the bourbon and buttermilk to the mixture, alternating between the two, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
6. In a greased 9-inch round cake pan, sprinkle brown sugar evenly on the bottom.
7. Arrange the sliced peaches on top of the brown sugar, covering the entire bottom of the pan.
8. Pour the cake batter over the peaches, spreading it evenly.
9. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
11. Invert the cake onto a serving plate, allowing the bourbon-peach topping to be on top.
12. Slice and serve the bourbon-peach upside-down cake as a delightful ending to your barbecue feast.

Bourbon Infused Banana Foster: 

Ingredients:

• 4 ripe bananas, sliced
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup bourbon
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• Vanilla ice cream (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the brown sugar and stir until it dissolves and starts to bubble.
3. Carefully add the bourbon to the skillet, stirring continuously.
4. Add the sliced bananas to the skillet and gently stir to coat them with the bourbon sauce.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the bananas are tender and slightly caramelized.
6. Remove the skillet from the heat and slowly stir in the heavy cream.
7. Serve the bourbon-infused banana foster warm over vanilla ice cream for a decadent and boozy dessert.

What is Bourbon Infused BBQ?

Bourbon Infused BBQ refers to the technique of incorporating bourbon, a type of American whiskey, into various aspects of barbecuing. It involves using bourbon as an ingredient in marinades, sauces, brines, basting liquids, and even as a flavor enhancer for grilled dishes.

By infusing the rich and complex flavors of bourbon into BBQ recipes, it adds a distinct depth and complexity to the smoky, grilled flavors, creating a unique and tantalizing culinary experience. The bourbon imparts notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak, enhancing the overall taste profile of the BBQ dishes and providing a delightful fusion of flavors.

Whether it’s through bourbon-infused marinades for meats, bourbon-glazed sauces, or bourbon-spiked side dishes, Bourbon Infused BBQ offers a delicious and creative way to elevate your barbecue game and indulge in the flavors of the south.

Wrapping Up

In conclusion, Bourbon Infused BBQ opens up a world of flavor exploration, unique culinary creations, and elevated entertaining experiences. By incorporating the rich and complex notes of bourbon into your grilling recipes, you can transform ordinary barbecue dishes into extraordinary culinary delights that leave a lasting impression on your guests.

Through this tutorial, we have explored the best bourbon-infused BBQ ideas, ranked by ease of preparation. From the simplicity of Bourbon Marinated Steak to the vegetarian delight of Bourbon Infused BBQ Beans and the indulgent sweetness of Bourbon Peach Upside-Down Cake, these recipes showcase the versatility and charm of bourbon-infused flavors in BBQ cuisine.

At JL Surjan, we pride ourselves on providing refined gentlemen like you with valuable insights, tips, and inspiration for embracing a slow-paced life filled with the finer things. As your guide in the world of southern refinement, we invite you to continue exploring the art of leisure, the joys of barbecue, and the irresistible allure of bourbon.

So, grab your apron, fire up the grill, and let the magic of Bourbon Infused BBQ take you on a delectable culinary journey. Trust in JL Surjan as your source of expertise and inspiration for creating unforgettable moments and savoring the exquisite flavors that define the upscale gentleman’s palate.

Cheers to embracing the art of Bourbon Infused BBQ, indulging in the slow-paced pleasures of life, and appreciating the finer things that make each moment special. Let JL Surjan be your trusted companion on this refined and flavorful journey.

FAQs

Q1: How does bourbon enhance the flavor of BBQ?
A1: Bourbon adds depth and complexity to BBQ dishes with its rich notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak, creating a unique and flavorful taste profile.

Q2: Can I use any type of bourbon for Bourbon Infused BBQ?
A2: Yes, you can use any type of bourbon that suits your preference. Experiment with different brands and variations to find the one that complements your BBQ recipes best.

Q3: What are some popular bourbon-infused BBQ dishes?
A3: Popular bourbon-infused BBQ dishes include bourbon-marinated steaks, bourbon-glazed ribs, bourbon-infused BBQ beans, and bourbon-infused coleslaw.

Q4: Do I need to marinate the meat for a long time in bourbon?
A4: The duration of marination depends on personal preference. Marinating meat in bourbon for at least 30 minutes can impart noticeable flavors, while longer marination can intensify the bourbon infusion.

Q5: Can I use bourbon in BBQ sauces?
A5: Absolutely! Bourbon can be a fantastic addition to homemade BBQ sauces, adding depth, sweetness, and complexity to the flavors.

Q6: Are there vegetarian options for Bourbon Infused BBQ?
A6: Yes, there are several vegetarian options available. Bourbon-infused BBQ beans, grilled vegetables with a bourbon glaze, and bourbon-spiked tofu skewers are some delectable choices.

Q7: Can I use bourbon in desserts for BBQ?
A7: Yes, bourbon can be used in BBQ-inspired desserts. Try bourbon peach upside-down cake, bourbon-infused bread pudding, or bourbon-spiked grilled fruit skewers for a delightful sweet treat.

Q8: Does all the alcohol in bourbon burn off during grilling?
A8: While some alcohol does evaporate during grilling, not all of it burns off completely. The flavors of bourbon remain, enhancing the overall taste of the BBQ dishes.

Q9: Can I substitute bourbon with another spirit?
A9: Yes, if you prefer, you can experiment with other spirits like whiskey or rum to achieve different flavor profiles in your Bourbon Infused BBQ recipes.