Whiskey lovers, this one’s for you! Savory dinners, indulgent desserts, and cocktails worth toasting to! These recipes show off everything this smooth, caramel-rich spirit can do, from savory glazes and sauces to decadent desserts and cozy cocktails. Whether you’re craving an easy chicken dinner, a sweet treat, or a festive holiday drink (cheers!), there’s a little something here for every mood.
Wait – Whiskey or Bourbon?
Bourbon is a type of whiskey. Think of it like this: all bourbons are whiskey, but not all whiskeys are bourbon. Bourbon must be made in the U.S., with at least 51% corn, and aged in new charred oak barrels, which gives it that signature vanilla-caramel depth. Whiskey, more broadly, can include Scotch, Irish whiskey, rye, and other regional styles. For cooking and baking, both terms are often interchangeable, so if you see “bourbon” in a recipe, you can usually swap in your favorite whiskey (and vice versa).
Savory Whiskey & Bourbon Recipes
Whiskey and bourbon add a rich, smoky-sweet complexity to savory dishes that you just can’t get from any other ingredient. Bourbon’s caramel and vanilla notes pair beautifully with pork, chicken, and seafood, while whiskey’s oaky depth gives sauces and glazes a bold, memorable flavor. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight chicken dinner, a holiday ham, or a simple side dish like glazed carrots, cooking with bourbon brings warmth and a restaurant-quality touch to everyday meals.
1. Bourbon Blackberry Chicken
2. Easy Bourbon Chicken
3. Food Court Bourbon Chicken
4. Bourbon Chicken Skewers
5. Bourbon Peach Roasted Salmon
6. Bourbon Peach Roasted Shrimp
7. Maple Bourbon Glazed Ham
8. Slow Cooker Bourbon Glazed Kielbasa Bites
9. Bourbon Glazed Carrots
10. Fondant Sweet Potatoes with Bourbon Pecan Glaze
11. Brussels Sprouts in Maple Bourbon Sauce
12. Bourbon Peach Pecan Dip
13. Whiskey Bacon Jam
14. Apple Whiskey Bacon Jam
15. Whiskey Bacon Jam Deviled Eggs
Sweet Whiskey & Bourbon Treats
When it comes to desserts, whiskey and bourbon are a baker’s secret weapon. The natural caramel, vanilla, and toffee flavors in bourbon make chocolate richer, nuts toastier, and fruit fillings more vibrant. A splash of bourbon can transform cookies, cakes, and pies into something indulgent and unforgettable, while whiskey adds depth to jams, candies, and frostings. These boozy bakes are perfect for holidays, dinner parties, or just treating yourself to something a little extra special.
16. Bourbon Balls
17. Fireball Truffles
18. Bourbon Apple Pie
19. Bourbon Blueberry Jam
20. Bourbon Browned Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
21. Double Fudge Whiskey Cake
22. Pecan Sticky Buns
Whiskey and Bourbon Cocktails & Drinks
Cocktails are where whiskey and bourbon truly shine. Bourbon-based drinks tend to lean smooth, sweet, and comforting thanks to their corn-heavy mash bill, while whiskey drinks can range from smoky Scotch-style cocktails to refreshing citrus-forward mixes. From cozy holiday favorites like Hot Toddies and spiked hot chocolate to fruity smashes and fizzes that shine in summer, whiskey and bourbon cocktails offer something for every season and occasion. These recipes highlight the versatility of each spirit while giving you plenty of easy, crowd-pleasing drink ideas.
23. Maple Bourbon Apple Cider
24. Pineapple Bourbon Fizz
25. Apple Bourbon Milk Punch
26. Frosted Blackberry Bourbon Smash
27. Strawberry Basil Smash
28. Whiskey Strawberry Lemonade
29. Gingerbread Old Fashioned
30. Frozen Old Fashioned
31. Maple Whiskey Sour
32. Jameson and Ginger Ale
33. Spiked Apple Cider
34. Cherry Bounce
35. Skrewball Peanut Butter Cup Cocktail
36. Hot Toddy
37. Bad Santa Hot Chocolate
Whiskey & Bourbon FAQ
Can you substitute whiskey for bourbon in recipes?
Yes! In most recipes, whiskey and bourbon can be swapped without issue. Bourbon is generally sweeter and smoother, while whiskey can have smokier or spicier notes depending on the type. If you prefer a sweeter finish, stick with bourbon. If you want a bolder, more complex flavor, go with whiskey.
What’s the best whiskey for baking and cooking?
The best whiskey or bourbon to cook with is one you’d enjoy drinking, but it doesn’t have to be top-shelf. A mid-range bourbon like Maker’s Mark, Buffalo Trace, or Woodford Reserve is excellent for desserts and glazes, while a smooth Irish whiskey or a classic Tennessee whiskey like Jack Daniel’s works beautifully in both savory dishes and cocktails.
Does alcohol cook out of whiskey and bourbon recipes?
Not always. Some alcohol burns off during cooking or baking, but depending on the method and cook time, a small amount may remain. If you want the flavor without alcohol, you can try bourbon extract or a non-alcoholic whiskey alternative in your recipes.
