This holiday season, bring out the rich, warm flavors of bourbon and impress your guests with a festive table that’s all about indulgence. Whether you’re gathering with family, friends, or fellow bourbon lovers, these bourbon-inspired dishes (some from our very own Bourbon Women!) will make your spread extra special.
Savory Bourbon Accents to Add to Your Feast
1. Bourbon-Glazed Brisket or Prime Rib
Why stick to turkey? Many of us prefer a perfectly cooked brisket or prime rib, and trust us—pairing it with a glass of bourbon is a match made in heaven. For an extra touch, glaze your brisket or prime rib with a bourbon-infused sauce. Think deep, caramelized flavors that blend beautifully with the meat’s tenderness.
Recipe Tip: Combine bourbon, brown sugar, garlic, and a dash of Worcestershire sauce for a rich, sticky glaze that enhances any roasted meat.
2. Maple Bourbon Glazed Brussels Sprouts
These Brussels sprouts will steal the show! Roast a whole tray of Brussels sprouts, seasoned and caramelized, then glaze them with a mix of maple syrup and bourbon. The slight bitterness of the sprouts is perfectly balanced by the sweet and smoky glaze.
Recipe: Roast at 350°F for 30 minutes, toss in a bourbon-maple mixture, and roast until golden. Drizzle a little extra glaze before serving for added sweetness.
3. Sweet Potato Casserole with a Bourbon Kick
A holiday favorite gets a grown-up twist with the addition of bourbon! Mix a few tablespoons of bourbon into your sweet potato mash for a flavorful depth that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of this dish. Don’t forget those toasted marshmallows on top!
Recipe Tip: Don’t use a high proof spirit for this. Avoid anything over around 105-110 proof, you don’t want to ignite the marshmallows in the oven! If you’d rather not risk it. Use a small atomizer or spritz bottle to spritz the top of the cassarole as you take it out of the oven!
SWEET BOURBON DELIGHTS TO TREAT YOUR HOLIDAY
1. No Corn Syrup Bourbon Pecan Pie
This twist on a classic pecan pie skips the corn syrup and brings in a richer flavor with bourbon and maple syrup. Soak your pecans in bourbon for at least 8 hours to infuse them with that warm, caramel-like flavor. This pie will be the talk of the table!
Ingredients: Eggs, maple syrup, bourbon, sugar, butter, vanilla, and pecans (soaked in bourbon overnight for that extra kick!). Bake until golden and set.
Easy Add On: If you’d like to add an extra special kick to the pie, infuse real whipping cream with bourbon before you whip up the cream for a delightful finish.
Traditional pumpkin pie with a smooth, spicy filling is made even better with a splash of Bird Dog Maple Whiskey. This slight twist gives the classic a sweet maple-bourbon flavor that pairs perfectly with the warmth of fall spices.
Easy Add-On: Infuse your whipped cream with Rivulet Pecan Liqueur and top the pie for a decadent finish!
3. Vanilla Bourbon Cranberry Sauce
Tired of the same old cranberry sauce? Add bourbon and vanilla for a twist that will transform this holiday staple. The bourbon’s rich flavor melds with the tartness of the cranberries for a sauce that pairs beautifully with meats or even on top of biscuits!
Ingredients: Fresh cranberries, vanilla extract, bourbon, and sugar. Simmer until thick and enjoy!
Easy Add-On:If you need a little extra sweetness, swap out some of the sugar for barrel aged maple syrup (but not all of it)!
4. Dark Chocolate Bourbon Mousse
Rich, silky, and sinful, this dark chocolate mousse gets an extra hit of complexity with bourbon. It’s the perfect dessert to finish off your holiday meal with something smooth and indulgent.
Easy Add on: Serve it with a small sidecar pour of the bourbon you used to infuse it to pull those flavors from the fudge! Remember, room temperature fudge and chocolate will express those aromatic volatiles more than chilled or cold fudge.
Speaking of fudge, a few squares of this dark chocolate bourbon fudge are just what you need to cap off your holiday feast. Make it ahead of time for a sweet treat that lasts all season long.
Easy Add On: If you like the flavor of nuts in your fudge but not the consistency, add a bit of nut liqueur as well. Rivulet Pecan Liqueur is a fabulous add!
Bourbon Pairings to Sip & Savor
Sometimes the perfect holiday treat is simple—a great bourbon paired with classic desserts. Try sipping Heaven Hill Bottled in Bond alongside your pecan pie or top your traditional pumpkin pie with a little Maker’s Mark 46-infused whipped cream. The balance of sweetness and oak will elevate your desserts to the next level.
Whether you’re glazing meats, whipping up pies, or sipping bourbon, these festive additions will give your holiday table an unforgettable, bourbon-infused twist. Many of these recipes come straight from your fellow Bourbon Women—so get ready to celebrate with a spread that’s full of flavor, warmth, and a little extra spirit!
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