Bourbon

N/A (distilled spirit) Alcohol, Spirit, Flavoring

Bourbon Alcohol, Spirit, Flavoring

At a Glance

  • Category Alcohol, Spirit, Flavoring

The Forktionary Angle

"Beyond the cocktail glass: unlocking bourbon's transformative power in savory and sweet culinary creations."

Definition

An American whiskey distilled primarily from corn (at least 51%), aged in new charred oak barrels, known for its sweet, smoky, and vanilla notes.

Barrel Aging New Charred Oak
Legal Definition (US) America's Native Spirit
Minimum Corn Content 51%

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Bourbon are:

Sweet Caramel Vanilla Oak Smoky Fruity Spicy

Chef’s Secret

Use bourbon to deglaze a pan after searing meats; the alcohol evaporates, leaving behind a complex, rich fond that forms the base of an incredible sauce.

Best Substitutes

Whiskey

similar, but not legally bourbon
Ratio 1:1

Rum

sweeter, different flavor
Ratio 1:1

Brandy

fruity, less smoky
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Choose based on price point and intended use (drinking vs. cooking). Different mash bills offer varying profiles.

Recipes Using Bourbon

Southern United States Southern United States Course Beef

Bourbon Glazed Cajun Tenderloin

Fire up your Weber grill for this incredible Bourbon Glazed Cajun Tenderloin! This recipe, inspired by Weber's Big Book of Grilling, delivers a juicy, tenderloin with a spicy Cajun kick and a rich bourbon glaze. Marinate for 8-24 hours for maximum flavor. This recipe uses both direct and indirect heat for perfectly seared and cooked tenderloin.

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Chicken Main Ingredient Time To Make Dietary

Baked Bourbon Chicken

Indulge in this rich and flavorful Baked Bourbon Chicken recipe, a family favorite dating back to a Houston Chronicle submission from the early 1990s! Retired chef Ken Olszewski's masterpiece is surprisingly simple to make, delivering tender chicken bathed in a luscious bourbon sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy this classic dish.

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Course Course Time To Make Chocolate

B 52 Cake

Indulge in the decadent B-52 Bomb Cake! This intensely chocolatey and boozy masterpiece is for adults only. Inspired by the classic cocktail, this recipe layers rich chocolate cake, creamy coffee liqueur filling, and a hint of Kahlúa for an unforgettable dessert experience. (Recipe adapted from Roxsand Scocos)

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30 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Appetizers 30 Minutes Or Less

Baked Brie With Walnut Bourbon Crust

Indulge in this irresistible Baked Brie with Walnut Bourbon Crust! A sophisticated and easy-to-make appetizer, perfect for your next gathering. The creamy brie is topped with a crunchy, flavorful crust featuring toasted walnuts and a hint of bourbon. This recipe is ready in under 30 minutes and guaranteed to impress your guests. Serve with crisp apple slices and crackers for a truly unforgettable appetizer experience.

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Candy Time To Make Desserts 15 Minutes Or Less

Bananas And Pralines

Experience the magic of Bobby Flay's Bananas Foster, a decadent dessert featured on "Boy Meets Grill." This easy-to-follow recipe combines caramelized bananas with crunchy pralines for an unforgettable taste sensation. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this restaurant-quality dessert in just 15 minutes!

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Preparation Easy Preparation 4 Hours Or Less

Bally's Casino Bread Pudding

Indulge in this legendary Bally's Casino Bread Pudding recipe, a true Southern classic! This recipe, originally shared by Bally's Casino in 1996 and famously saved from Hurricane Katrina, delivers a light and fluffy bread pudding with a decadent bourbon sauce that's simply irresistible. Imagine tender, custard-soaked bread, studded with raisins, and perfectly complemented by a rich, boozy sauce. This recipe is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in – a taste of history and pure culinary delight!

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Condiments Etc Sweet Meat Pork

Bacon Bourbon Jam

Prepare for a flavor explosion! This Bacon Bourbon Jam is outrageously delicious, layering caramelized onions and garlic with the sweetness of bourbon and maple syrup, and the smoky saltiness of crispy bacon. Imagine this incredible jam on toast, as a unique sandwich spread (instead of mayo!), or even drizzled over pancakes! Made with regular bacon, this recipe is surprisingly easy and keeps for a month in the fridge. Get ready to impress!

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Preparation Occasion Dinner Party Appetizers

Awesome Nippy Franks Cocktail Wieners

Sweet and tangy perfection! This easy crockpot recipe for Awesome Nippy Franks Cocktail Wieners is a crowd-pleaser. Get ready for rave reviews – everyone will be begging for the recipe! The perfect appetizer or game-day snack.

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Course Sauces 60 Minutes Or Less Marinades And Rubs

Bbq Sauce

Unleash your inner pitmaster with this incredible BBQ sauce recipe! Developed for rich, smoky flavor, it's perfect for slathering on ribs, chicken, brisket, or anything that craves a tangy, sweet, and savory kick. This easy-to-follow recipe yields a mouthwatering sauce that'll have everyone asking for more. Get ready to elevate your grilling game!

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American Low In Something Dinner Party American

Banana Pudding Trifle

Indulge in this creamy, dreamy Banana Pudding Trifle, a classic Southern dessert that's sure to impress! Layers of buttery wafers, sweet bananas, and rich custard are topped with whipped cream and crushed candy bars for the ultimate taste of comfort and nostalgia. Easy to make, yet elegant enough for any occasion.

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Easy 60 Minutes Or Less Vegan Main Dish

Baked Bbq Tofu Vegan

Indulge in this mouthwatering Baked BBQ Tofu recipe! This vegan delight features a rich and smoky BBQ sauce (inspired by veganmenu.blogspot and slashfood, with my own special twist!), perfectly complementing the tender baked tofu. Prepare the BBQ sauce ahead of time (12-48 hours for best flavor) for an even more intense taste. Serve this delicious tofu over creamy cheesy grits and a vibrant spinach salad for a complete and satisfying vegan meal.

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Lemon Lemon Occasion 30 Minutes Or Less

Arnold Palmer Iced Tea

Quench your thirst with this refreshing twist on the classic Arnold Palmer! This recipe delivers the perfect balance of sweet lemonade and robust iced tea, with an optional bourbon kick for an adult twist. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, this iconic beverage is perfect for summer barbecues, relaxing afternoons, or any occasion that calls for a delicious and revitalizing drink.

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Course Oven Holiday Event Meat

Apricot And Pecan Stuffed Pork Loin

This show-stopping Apricot & Pecan Stuffed Pork Loin is surprisingly simple to make! Enjoy a delicious, elegant meal in under 2 hours. The sweet and savory combination of apricots, pecans, and bourbon creates an unforgettable flavor profile. Perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight treat!

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Easy Equipment Ham Meat

Alton Brown's City Ham

Elevate your holiday or special occasion with Alton Brown's unforgettable City Ham recipe, straight from Food Network's 'Good Eats'! This recipe transforms a simple, ready-to-cook city ham (a brined ham, conveniently pre-packaged from the grocery store) into a culinary masterpiece. Learn how to perfectly score, glaze, and bake your ham to achieve a stunning diamond pattern and irresistible flavor. Impress your guests with this show-stopping dish – the ultimate in effortless elegance!

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Dietary Holiday Event Course Low Sodium

Baked Apricots

A delightful twist on a Southern classic! Inspired by a memorable Christmas celebration, these baked apricots are infused with a hint of bourbon for an unforgettable flavor. Imagine tender apricots, bathed in a sweet and spicy brown sugar cinnamon glaze, topped with buttery cracker crumbs. This recipe is surprisingly easy to make and perfect for brunch, dessert, or a unique holiday side dish. Forget the usual cranberry sauce – these baked apricots are a delicious and unexpected pairing for ham or turkey, just as delightful on their own. Prepare to impress your family and friends with this simple yet elegant recipe.

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Dinner Party Time To Make Main Ingredient Preparation

Banana Cake With Bourbon Cream Cheese Frosting

Indulge in this moist and decadent banana cake, bursting with banana flavor and perfectly complemented by a smooth, bourbon-infused cream cheese frosting. Nut-free and incredibly delicious, it's a crowd-pleaser for birthdays, brunch, or any special occasion! (Shhh...it's also amazing for breakfast!)

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Preparation 4 Hours Or Less Main Ingredient Sweet

Banana Nut Pound Cake

Winner of Better Homes and Gardens' Reader Recipe of the Year (2012)! This decadent Banana Nut Pound Cake is unbelievably moist and bursting with flavor. The perfect blend of sweet bananas, crunchy pecans, and a hint of bourbon creates a truly unforgettable treat. Easy to follow instructions guarantee baking success for both novice and experienced bakers.

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Low In Something Pork Chops Meat Dietary

Bourbon Chops

Elevate your weeknight dinner with these incredibly juicy and flavorful Bourbon Pork Chops! Inspired by our famous Bourbon Chicken, this recipe uses thick, boneless pork chops for maximum tenderness. The rich bourbon sauce is simply irresistible and perfect for soaking up with rice or noodles. Make extra sauce – you won't want to waste a drop! Get ready for a flavor explosion that'll have everyone asking for seconds.

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