Bourbon can add a delicious, complex flavor to many dishes when used for cooking. However, not all bourbons are created equal when it comes to cooking. The best bourbons for cooking should have bold, intense flavors that stand up to other ingredients, but not overpower them. Choosing the right bourbon can make all the difference in taking your food from good to great.
What Makes a Good Cooking Bourbon?
Here are some key factors to look for when choosing a bourbon to cook with:
- High proof – Higher proof bourbons around 100 proof tend to work best for cooking. The higher alcohol content keeps the bourbon flavor strong when exposed to heat.
- Aged 4+ years – Bourbon improves with age, so look for ones aged at least 4 years. Older bourbons around 8-12 years provide even more depth.
- Spicy and bold – The bourbon should have prominent notes of vanilla, caramel and spice that complement many savory dishes.
- No overpowering oakiness – Heavy charred oak flavors can overwhelm other ingredients. Seek a balance of oak, spice and sweetness.
- Good value – Expensive premium bourbons aren’t necessary for cooking. Focus on great flavor for a reasonable price.
The Best Bourbons for Cooking
Based on these criteria, here are my top recommendations for the best reasonably-priced bourbons to use for cooking:
Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon
Four Roses Small Batch hits all the right notes for cooking bourbon. Aged around 6 years, it carries sweet hints of maple syrup and fruity essences of ripe plum and cherry. There’s a mellow spice note that’s not overbearing. It brings nice complexity to pan sauces, glazes, chili and more without overpowering. And it’s readily available for around $30, making it a great everyday cooking bourbon.
Evan Williams Black Label
For an even more affordable option under $20, Evan Williams Black Label packs quite a flavor punch. As a Heaven Hill brand, it sources some of the best bourbon stock in Kentucky. Aged 5-6 years and bottled at 86 proof, it has a crisp spiciness with ample oak vanilla flavors. Use it to add bold bourbon flair to marinades, baked beans or chocolate desserts.
Wild Turkey 101
Wild Turkey 101 provides a higher proof option that’s excellent for cooking. Despite being 50% alcohol, it maintains a refined balance with sweet hints of citrus and brown sugar. The higher alcohol content means the bourbon taste really shines through in cooking. Try it in your next bourbon pecan pie, bread pudding or whiskey BBQ glaze.
Jim Beam Black Extra-Aged Bourbon
For a few extra dollars, Jim Beam Black offers a great aged profile for cooking. It’s aged for 8 years in charred white oak barrels, resulting in deep caramel and vanilla notes with a nice spicy kick. The longer aging gives it a robust flavor that complements smoked meats, savory soups and rich sauces.
How to Cook with Bourbon
Here are some tips for using bourbon to add flavor to your cooking:
- Reduce or simmer – Simmering bourbon concentrates the flavor and burns off some of the alcohol. This can make a great base for sauces and glazes.
- Flambé or ignite – Carefully igniting bourbon can provide intense flavor. Be cautious, as bourbon is flammable!
- Add toward end of cooking – When using bourbon in dishes with direct heat, add it toward the end to help preserve the bourbon flavor.
- Use in marinades and dressings – Bourbon’s flavor nicely penetrates proteins in a marinade. It also boosts the flavor of oil and vinegar dressings.
- Complement with brown sugar or maple syrup – Bourbon pairs deliciously with a touch of brown sugar, maple syrup or honey.
- Splash in baked goods or desserts – A splash of bourbon can enhance the flavor of cakes, pies and chocolate desserts.
Bourbon Cooking Recipes
Here are some delicious recipes that showcase bourbon’s exceptional cooking properties:
Bourbon Glazed Pork Chops
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in pork chops, 1 inch thick
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the bourbon, maple syrup, brown sugar and soy sauce.
- In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Cook the pork chops in the hot oil until browned, about 3 minutes per side.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and pour the bourbon glaze over the chops. Cook for 5 minutes, flipping chops occasionally to coat with glaze.
- Remove chops from skillet and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Bourbon Brown Sugar Salmon
Ingredients:
- 1 pound salmon fillet
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons bourbon
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, bourbon, mustard and olive oil. Season salmon with salt and pepper.
- Place salmon skin-side down in a baking dish. Spread bourbon glaze evenly over the top.
- Bake salmon for 12-15 minutes until it flakes easily with a fork.
- Broil for 1-2 minutes if you want a crispy skin.
Bourbon Apple Cider Cocktail
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces bourbon
- 4 ounces apple cider
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup, plus more to rim glass
- Dash of ground cinnamon
- Orange slice garnish
Instructions:
- Dip rim of glass in maple syrup then sprinkle with cinnamon.
- Fill glass with ice cubes.
- Pour in bourbon, apple cider and 1 tablespoon maple syrup.
- Stir to combine and garnish with an orange slice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I cook with single barrel or small batch bourbon?
Small batch bourbons are generally the best choice for cooking. They balance Bold flavors and affordable pricing. Single barrel bourbons showcase an individual barrel’s unique flavors, but that complexity may get lost when cooked. Save premium single barrels for sipping.
How much alcohol burns off when cooking with bourbon?
It depends on the cooking method. Gentle simmering for 15-30 minutes will burn off about 40% of the alcohol. Quick sautéing or flambéing removes about 20%. Baked goods retain most of the alcohol. However, even after cooking, foods retain bourbon flavor compounds.
What dishes pair well with bourbon?
Bourbon’s sweet, oaky, and spicy notes complement many savory dishes:
- Meats like beef, pork, chicken, or salmon
- BBQ sauces, marinades, and glazes
- Pan sauces for steak or pork chops
- Hearty bean or chili recipes
- Rich desserts like pecan pie or bread pudding
Let bourbon be the flavor star or use it to enhance other ingredients.
Is expensive bourbon better for cooking?
Not necessarily. Many inexpensive bourbons around $20-30 are ideal for cooking. Premium high-end bourbons are aged longer and gain more nuanced flavors. But those extra qualities can get lost during cooking. The bolder, spicier flavor profile of a good mid-range bourbon will shine through in recipes.
Conclusion
Bourbon can add a new layer of flavor to many dishes. When cooking, look for an affordable small batch or straight bourbon with bold vanilla, caramel and oaky notes. Reduce bourbon in sauces and glazes to concentrate the flavor, or add it at the end of cooking to preserve its flavor compounds. Stick with a reasonably-priced bourbon like Four Roses Small Batch or Evan Williams Black Label to enjoy delicious bourbon flavor without breaking the bank.