Alcohol, Flavoring | Gluten Free

Bourbon

Zea mays Allergen-Free
bourbon

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Poaceae
  • Primary Cuisine American, Southern American
  • Seasonality Year-Round
  • Source Corn, other grains (rye, barley), Water, Yeast

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, resulting in a sweet, smoky, and vanilla flavor.

Sensory Profile

TasteSweet, Smoky, Caramel, Vanilla, Oak, Spicy
TextureSmooth, Viscous, Warming
AromaCaramel, Vanilla, Oak, Spice, Fruity
AcidityLow-Medium

Technical Metrics

Barrel Aging

New Charred Oak

Legal Definition (US)

America's Native Spirit

Minimum Corn Content

51%

Nutrition Facts

Per 44g (1.5 oz)
Calories237 kcal
Total Fat0.0 g
Saturated Fat0.0 g
Trans Fat0.0 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Protein0.0 g
Total Carbohydrate0.0 g
Dietary Fiber0.0 g
Total Sugars0.0 g
Calcium0 mg
Iron0.1 mg
Potassium2 mg

Chef’s Secret

When cooking with bourbon, add it early to allow the alcohol to cook off, leaving behind its concentrated flavor. Flambé for dramatic effect.

Substitutions

Best Match

Other Whiskey (e.g., Rye, Scotch)

1:1

Provides alcoholic kick and complexity, but different flavor profile (rye spicier, scotch smokier).

Non-alcoholic Vanilla Extract

1:0.5 (bourbon:extract)

Good for vanilla notes in desserts, but lacks alcoholic depth and specific bourbon flavors. Add water/juice to compensate liquid.

Brandy or Cognac

1:1

Similar alcohol content and complexity, fruity and often oak-aged, different flavor notes.

Apple Juice (for savory) / Maple Syrup (for sweet)

1:1

Non-alcoholic options for some sweetness/acidity/liquid, but no alcohol flavor or complexity.

Buying Guide

Consider proof and mash bill (high corn for sweeter, high rye for spicier) based on use. Look for 'straight bourbon' for quality.

Flavor Pairings

Pork beef chocolate caramel pecans apples peaches BBQ sauces cocktails.

Recipes Using Bourbon

Time To Make 5 Ingredients Or Less Easy 3 Steps Or Less

57 Chevy

Cruise into cocktail heaven with the refreshing 57 Chevy! This vibrant, easy-to-make drink from LisaShea is perfect for a quick happy hour or a sophisticated nightcap. The perfect blend of bourbon, Grand Marnier, vodka, and pineapple juice creates a smooth and subtly sweet taste that'll have you saying 'wow!'

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Casseroles Low Saturated Fat Dietary Low Fat

3 Bean Casserole Bourbon Beans

This award-winning 3-bean casserole recipe is a family favorite, perfect for potlucks, picnics, holidays, or a cozy weeknight dinner. Our secret? A hint of bourbon for a depth of flavor that will leave everyone wanting more! (Note: Requires 2 hours of chilling time before baking – included in total cook time.)

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Low In Something Beverages Time To Make Course

Adult Root Beer Floats

Elevate your classic root beer float with a boozy twist! This recipe, inspired by a Bobby Flay Food Network tip, creates a decadent and refreshing adult beverage in minutes. Perfect for a summer evening or any special occasion, this easy-to-make treat combines the creamy sweetness of vanilla ice cream with the crispness of root beer and a kick of bourbon.

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Meat Meat Ham Main Dish

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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American Oven Fall Dietary

Apple Bourbon Cake

Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of autumn with this irresistible Apple Bourbon Cake! Inspired by New York's apple country and perfected by its apple growers, this recipe is a Thanksgiving must-have. Enjoy the perfect blend of sweet apples, rich bourbon, and warm spices. This recipe is easily adaptable to your preferred sweetness level. Prepare to be amazed!

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Appetizers Preparation Crock Pot Slow Cooker 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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Equipment Equipment Desserts Cakes

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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Cuisine Low Carb Dietary Poultry

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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Appetizers Course Preparation Appetizers

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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Holiday Event American Time To Make Preparation

Baked Ham With Bourbon Glaze

Elevate your holiday table with this decadent Southern-style baked ham! Our classic Easter and Christmas recipe features a rich bourbon glaze, perfectly balancing sweet honey and molasses with a tangy kick from orange juice and mustard. The result? A melt-in-your-mouth ham so delicious, you'll be fighting over the leftovers (and that amazing, rendered fat!). Learn how to achieve the perfect glaze and enjoy a truly unforgettable holiday feast.

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Grains Course Fruit North American

Banana Bourbon French Toast

Indulge in this decadent Banana Bourbon French Toast, the perfect showstopper for brunch or a special occasion! Rich, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make, this recipe elevates classic French toast to new heights with caramelized bananas and a hint of bourbon. Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a truly memorable breakfast. Scale it down for a cozy weekend breakfast for one!

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Dinner Party Bananas Dinner Party Desserts

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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Cakes Kid Friendly Potluck Picnic

Banana Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting

Indulge in this moist and delicious Banana Cake, a New York Times recipe sensation! This recipe delivers the ultimate comfort food experience with its perfectly spiced banana cake and creamy, dreamy cream cheese frosting. Easy to follow instructions ensure baking success for even novice bakers. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this irresistible treat!

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Desserts Low Sodium North American 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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Occasion Eggs Dairy Sweet From Scratch

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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Main Dish Number Of Servings Low Carb Course

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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Dietary Beef Southern United States Equipment

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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