What Is Bourbon whiskey and How Can I Use It?
Here's everything worth knowing about bourbon whiskey and how to pick it, what it is, how to store it, and what to use instead, plus 86 recipes to cook tonight.
Key Points
- Bourbon is American whiskey, at least 51 percent corn, aged in new charred oak.
- The corn and fresh oak make it sweet and vanilla-rich, the cook's whiskey for desserts.
- It loves pecans and brown sugar, anchoring pies, cakes, rum balls, and barbecue glazes.
- Cook it in a glaze to burn off the bite; in no-bake sweets it stays raw on purpose.
- Any whiskey swaps in drier; a mid-shelf bottle is all cooking needs.
What is bourbon whiskey?
Bourbon is American whiskey made mostly from corn and aged in new charred-oak barrels. By law it has to be at least 51 percent corn.
That corn is what makes it taste the way it does: sweeter and rounder than rye or Scotch, heavy with vanilla and toasted-oak caramel.
That natural sweetness is why bourbon is the cook's favorite whiskey for the dessert end of the kitchen. It folds into cakes and pies, and into sticky glazes, far more easily than a drier, smokier spirit.
The new-oak rule sets it apart. Other whiskeys often age in used barrels, but fresh charred oak pours vanilla and caramel straight into bourbon, the flavors that carry over into baking.
Cooking and Baking With Bourbon
Bourbon shows up most in sweets, where its caramel-vanilla profile reads almost like an extra flavoring.
It soaks the crumb of a Bourbon Chocolate Cake and gives Bourbon Balls with Pecans & Vanilla Wafers their boozy, no-bake punch.
It has a deep affinity for pecans and brown sugar, the holy trinity of Southern baking. That partnership is the whole idea behind a Dixie Pie, a pecan-and-raisin pie in the bourbon-spiked tradition, and the spiced custard of an Apple Pecan Bread Pudding.
Bourbon also makes a standout barbecue glaze. Simmered with brown sugar and mustard into a Bourbon-Mustard Glaze, or brushed on a Bourbon & Honey Smoke-Roasted Pork Tenderloin, it caramelizes into a sticky, sweet-smoky crust on the grill.
Getting the Most From It
The raw alcohol is harsh, so cook it or give it time.
In a glaze or sauce, a few minutes of simmering burns off the bite and concentrates the caramel notes.
In a no-bake sweet, the bourbon stays raw on purpose, which is why those treats taste so strongly of it. Use a confident but not heavy hand.
The usual mistake is dumping in too much. Bourbon's sweetness can turn cloying and its alcohol can sting, so measure it and taste before you add more, and only if the dish can carry it.
Pairing and Substitutes
Bourbon was built for sweet, warm flavors: pecan, brown sugar, chocolate, vanilla, coffee, apple, and maple all sing with it. On the savory side it loves pork and ham, and just about anything off the smoker.
Any other whiskey is the easiest swap, just expect a drier, less sweet result, especially from Scotch or rye. Dark rum or brandy also stand in for baking, trading bourbon's corn-sweet vanilla for molasses or grape.
For a no-alcohol version, mix a little vanilla extract with apple juice or strong coffee. It will not have the heat, but it echoes the warm, woody flavor in a cake or glaze.
Buying and Storing
For cooking and baking, a mid-shelf bottle is all you need. Small-batch sipping bourbons are wonderful neat, but those fine notes disappear in a hot oven or a reducing pan.
Store the bottle upright in a cool, dark cupboard. Bourbon does not need the fridge, and unlike wine it does not improve with age.
It is as good the day you open it as the day it was bottled.
A sealed bottle lasts indefinitely, and an opened one keeps its flavor for years with the cap on tight. Only when it gets low does the extra air slowly flatten the taste.
Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 1 fl oz (27g)Quick facts
Where to find bourbon whiskey: Bourbon whiskey is usually found in the liquor section or aisle of the grocery store or supermarket.
Food group: Bourbon whiskey is a member of the Beverages US Department of Agriculture nutritional food group.
- In Chinese
- 波旁威士忌
- British (UK) term
- Bourbon whiskey
- en français
- bourbon
- en español
- whisky bourbon
How much does bourbon whiskey weigh?
| Amount | Weight |
|---|---|
| 1 fl oz | 27 grams |
| 1 jigger 1.5 fl oz | 42 grams |
Related
Beverages
Recipes using bourbon whiskey
There are 86 recipes that contain this ingredient.
Christmas Memory Fruitcake
Christmas memory fruitcake steams then bakes a bourbon-soaked, dense old-fashioned fruitcake loaded with Brazil nuts, raisins, candied fruit, figs, and warming spices. Heirloom holiday recipe.
Very Orange Bundt Cake
Orange bundt cake with fresh orange juice and zest in the batter, finished with a warm bourbon-butter-sugar glaze that soaks into the hot cake. Freezes beautifully.
Christmas Fruit Cookies
Just like little fruitcakes! I soaked my fruit in the bourbon overnight. Easy recipe to put together and great way to use extra fruit from making my fruitcakes.
Bourbon Marinade (All-Purpose)
All-purpose bourbon marinade with white wine, vinegar, and aromatics built for wild game. Tames gamey flavors and tenderizes up to 7 lbs of venison, elk, or any cut.
Josh's Eggnog
Rich homemade eggnog with bourbon, cognac, whipped cream, and beaten egg whites dusted with nutmeg. A classic holiday punch that's thick, boozy, and impossibly smooth.
Run for the Roses Pie
Kentucky Derby-style chocolate walnut bourbon pie with a deep molasses backbone. The Run for the Roses pie has 3 tablespoons of bourbon, two cups of walnuts, and chocolate chips in a sweet syrup base.
Georgia Country Ham
Slow-roasted Georgia country ham soaked overnight, rubbed with bourbon and brown sugar, baked low for 8 hours. Southern heritage cooking for special occasions.
Glace Beef la Louisanne
Rotisserie beef rump roast marinated in bourbon, honey, and Worcestershire, stuffed with walnuts, pistachios, and broccoli. A Louisiana-style showpiece roast sliced thin over rice.
Chocolate Julep Cheesecake
Chocolate julep cheesecake with bourbon, creme de menthe, and a swirled chocolate-and-cream-cheese filling on a chocolate cookie crust. A Southern-inspired dessert.
Bourbon Pecan Pie
Bourbon pecan pie with a flaky homemade crust, gooey caramel filling made with light and dark corn syrups, melted butter, and a splash of whiskey. Holiday dessert at its most classic.
Mint Julep
Classic mint julep with bourbon, fresh mint, powdered sugar, and shaved ice served in a silver mug. The official cocktail of the Kentucky Derby, ready in 5 minutes.
Perfect Pecan Pie
Bourbon pecan pie with cane syrup, dark brown sugar, and a pre-cooked filling for a deeper, less cloying caramel base. Toasted pecans bake into a glossy, crackly top.
Bourbon Pie
Bourbon pie loaded with chocolate chips and chopped pecans in a buttery, boozy custard filling. Like a Kentucky Derby pie with a warm bourbon kick, served with whipped cream.
Wesley's Secret Eggplant Recipe
Tongue-in-cheek eggplant recipe where the real secret is ditching the eggplant entirely and reaching for Kentucky bourbon instead. A classic joke recipe for eggplant haters everywhere.
Praline Pumpkin Pie
Praline pumpkin pie with a candied brown sugar pecan layer baked into the bottom of a flaky homemade crust, plus a bourbon-spiked spiced pumpkin custard. Holiday pie at its richest.
Pumpking Ginger Pie
Pumpkin ginger pie with crystallized ginger, brandy, bourbon, brown sugar, and warm spices in a flaky shell. A boozy, spicy twist on classic pumpkin pie topped with sweetened sour cream.
Joe's Eggnog
Old-fashioned spiked eggnog with bourbon, dark rum, whipped cream, and 60 eggs for a crowd of 50. A rich, boozy holiday punch with real whipped cream and fresh nutmeg.
Mint Julep (Southern Style)
Classic Southern mint julep with bourbon, powdered sugar, shaved ice, and fresh mint sprigs. The traditional Kentucky Derby cocktail served ice-cold in a silver mug.
Coffee Ice Cream Punch
A Cajun-style party punch made with Louisiana chicory coffee, bourbon, beaten eggs, and scoops of vanilla and coffee ice cream. Rich, boozy, and ready in 15 minutes flat.
Field & Stream Stuffed Burgers
Field and Stream stuffed burgers seal a savory mix of sweet relish, onion, garlic, Worcestershire, and a splash of bourbon between two thin beef patties. A juicy backyard burger with a flavor-packed surprise inside.
Bourbon Pate
Creamy pate blended with cream cheese and topped with a shimmering bourbon-beef aspic. A retro-chic appetizer that unmolds beautifully for cocktail parties.
Eggnog with Bourbon Whiskey
Classic homemade eggnog with bourbon, separated eggs, and a full pint of heavy cream. Old-school holiday punch bowl recipe that gets richer overnight in the fridge.
Richard's Applesauce Cake
Old-fashioned applesauce cake with warm spices, walnuts, and raisins, baked in a tube pan and finished with a bourbon whiskey frosting. A holiday-worthy spice cake that improves overnight.
Whiskey Eggnog
Add a little twist to your eggnog that is perfect for some quiet time around the fireplace.
Carolina Dream Frosting
Carolina Dream frosting with bourbon-spiked egg yolk custard, candied cherries, pecans, raisins, and coconut. The Southern fruitcake topping that's almost a layer in itself.
Bourbon Barbecue Sauce
Homemade bourbon barbecue sauce with molasses, ketchup, red wine vinegar, soy sauce, and dry mustard simmered until thick and smoky. A rich, complex glaze for ribs, chicken, or brisket.
Kentucky Turkey & Bacon Brochettes
Kentucky turkey and bacon brochettes marinated in a bourbon, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, and scallion blend, wrapped in bacon, and grilled until crispy. Smoky, sweet, and sharp with a Southern bourbon kick.
Chocolate-Bourbon Balls
Chocolate bourbon balls are no-bake holiday treats made with crushed vanilla wafers, walnuts, honey-sweetened melted chocolate, and a splash of bourbon. A Southern Kentucky tradition.
Burbon Baked Beans
Slow cooker bourbon baked beans loaded with crushed pineapple, chili sauce, strong coffee, brown sugar, and molasses. Sweet, smoky, boozy, and effortless for cookouts and potlucks.
Derby Tart
A Kentucky Derby-inspired tart with chocolate chips, pecans, bourbon, and melted butter baked in a pie shell until puffy and golden. Topped with bourbon whipped cream. Pure Southern indulgence.
Double Dark Chocolate Cake with White Chocolate Sauce
Double Dark Chocolate Cake with White Chocolate Sauce recipe
Boozey Rich Eggnog From a Cooked Base
Boozy rich eggnog from a cooked custard base with bourbon, dark rum, cognac, vanilla bean, and freshly whipped cream. Holiday punch bowl showstopper made the safe, food-safe traditional way.
Bourbon Sauce for Desserts
Rich bourbon dessert sauce made with butter, egg yolks, cream, and a half cup of bourbon whiskey cooked over a double boiler. Pour over bread pudding, ice cream, or pound cake.
Favorite Egg Nog
Boozy homemade eggnog spiked with a full quart of bourbon and two cups of brandy, enriched with vanilla ice cream and folded with whipped egg whites. The big-batch holiday party punch.
Sweet Potato Streusel Casserole
Sweet potato streusel casserole with bourbon, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg topped with a crunchy pecan-oat streusel. A Southern holiday side dish.
Pecan Pie with Spike Cream
This pecan pie can be make a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator until about one hour before serving time.
Super Rich & Yummy Egg Nog
Boozy homemade eggnog with bourbon, cognac, and dark rum stirred into a custardy base of egg yolks, milk, and heavy cream. Folded with whipped cream and beaten whites for a frothy holiday punch.
Smoked Chicken Roulade with Dried Fruits
Elegant smoked chicken roulades stuffed with a Port wine mousse and diced dried fruits, sliced on the bias and drizzled with a bourbon-veal stock sauce. A showpiece dinner.
Persimmon Bread with Walnuts & Bourbon
Moist persimmon bread studded with walnuts and raisins, lightly spiced and finished with a touch of bourbon. The persimmons keep the loaves tender for days.
Vicki's Noggin-Knockin' Eggnog
Triple-spirit eggnog spiked with dark rum, brandy, and bourbon, folded with whipped cream and fluffy egg whites. Topped with fresh nutmeg for the holidays.
Cocoa Bourbon Balls
No-bake cocoa bourbon balls made with crushed vanilla wafers, pecans, powdered sugar, and a generous pour of bourbon. Roll in fruit sugar, chopped pecans, or cocoa powder. Ready in 15 minutes.
Kentucky Kernels
Kentucky Kernels fold chopped pecans into a bourbon-and-butter sugar cream, dropped by spoonfuls and chilled into bite-size Southern candies. A 4-ingredient holiday treat.
Chocolate Chestnut Bourbon Torte
Flourless chestnut and pecan torte with a bourbon-coffee-chocolate filling, bittersweet chocolate ganache icing, and bourbon chantilly cream. Rich, nutty, and deeply warming. The kind of torte that ends a dinner party with a standing ovation.
Chocolate Chestnut Bourbon Torte
Flourless chestnut and pecan torte with a bourbon-coffee-chocolate filling, bittersweet chocolate ganache icing, and bourbon chantilly cream. Rich, nutty, and deeply warming. The kind of torte that ends a dinner party with a standing ovation.
Venison with Green Peppercorns
Late making dinner? Try this dish that can be served with potatoes or rice.
Fruit Fritters with Lemon-Bourbon Sauce
Deep-fried fruit fritters made with apples, pears, and bananas in a light vanilla batter, served with a warm lemon-bourbon sauce. A Creole-inspired dessert.
Soy Bourbon Chicken
Soy bourbon chicken breasts marinated overnight in a smoky-sweet glaze of bourbon whiskey, soy sauce, and brown sugar, then oven-baked low and slow until lacquered and deeply browned.
More bourbon whiskey recipes
- Bob's Bourbon Chicken
- Boozey Rich Eggnog From a Cooked Base
- Bourbon Banana Chiffon Cake
- Bourbon Nut Cake
- Bourbon Sauce for Desserts
- Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce
- Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce #1
- Carolina Dream Frosting
- Chocolate Chestnut Bourbon Torte
- Eggnog Bread Pudding
- Favorite Egg Nog
- Kentucky Derby Chocolate Nut Pie
- Kentucky Turkey & Bacon Brochettes
- Orange-Bourbon Chicken with Buttered Almonds
- Persimmon Bread with Walnuts and Bourbon
- Pumpkin Bread Pudding
- Rib Roast with Bourbon Marinade **
- Richard's Applesauce Cake
- Super Rich & Yummy Egg Nog
- Sweet Potato Streusel Casserole
- Wet Marinade/Beef
