First distilled in Kentucky more than 200 years ago, bourbon is 51% corn balanced with malted barley, rye or wheat, enhanced with charred, toasted flavors from the barrel. As America’s native spirit, bourbon is booming because of its deep American roots and buzzing craft cocktail culture, as well as its craveable food infusion capabilities. This smooth spirit is the perfect refreshment for a hot summer day and for imparting a bold, smoky flavor with notes of vanilla and caramel into both sweet and savory dishes.

Smoking Hot

As it ages in the barrel, bourbon develops its own charcoal-like flavor. To enhance these natural tastes, try smoking bourbon. Use a smoking gun (pictured above) to impart a stream of smoky flavors into bourbon through a chamber. Choose from different woodchip varieties such as maple, applewood and cherrywood to fire up the flavors of a charred spirit or incorporate smoky sensations into your next meal!

Tips for Cooking with Bourbon

When bourbon is used in place of a cooking liquid, such as broth or water, some of the alcohol evaporates while the flavor intensifies. Bourbon’s natural tenderizing properties also make it the perfect choice for marinating tough cuts of meat. Add layers of richness to pork, steak, brisket, shrimp and salmon by marinating in a mixture of bourbon and brown sugar. Or, create a glaze component by pairing with maple syrup to elevate dishes such as chicken fajitas and wings or pancakes and French toast to take breakfast to the next level.

A simple splash of bourbon can also upgrade side dishes such as Brussels sprouts and bacon, sweet potatoes, carrots and salads. Combine bourbon with apple cider vinegar, honey and lemon juice, and use as a dressing over pasta salads, fruit salads and more summer sides. Bourbon also helps create swoon-worthy boozy desserts. Blend bourbon with caramel sauce for a mouthwatering glaze to pour over fruit, ice cream, muffins and cakes, or use it to top an adult bourbon-hot fudge milkshake.

The possibilities for infusing your favorite foods with this dark and daring spirit are endless!