20 Irresistible Bourbon Ideas for Meals and Drinks

Bourbon isn’t just for sipping, it can transform everyday meals and desserts into something truly special. From glazes and sauces to baked goods, cocktails, and even savory mains, these recipes show how versatile bourbon can be in the kitchen. Perfect for entertaining, weekend cooking, or just treating yourself, these dishes are packed with flavor and sure to impress.

Bourbon Maple Glazed Ham

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A sweet and slightly smoky glaze combines bourbon and maple syrup for a tender, juicy ham. The glaze caramelizes as the ham bakes, adding flavor and shine. Subtle warmth from the bourbon complements the sweetness. Perfect for holidays or special dinners.
Get the Recipe: Bourbon Maple Glazed Ham

Bourbon Pecan Pie

Classic pecan pie is enhanced with bourbon for depth and a warm, slightly smoky note. The filling is rich, sweet, and nutty. The bourbon balances the sugary sweetness and adds complexity. Golden crust holds the luscious filling perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Bourbon Pecan Pie

No Churn Cinnamon Bourbon Peach Ice Cream

A metal pan filled with ice cream, peach slices, and a scoop, with a bowl of peaches and a glass of iced tea nearby. — No Churn Cinnamon Bourbon Peach Ice Cream. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella.

Peach ice cream is infused with cinnamon and bourbon without needing an ice cream maker. The bourbon adds depth and warmth to the creamy base. Juicy peach pieces give natural sweetness. Easy, indulgent, and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: No Churn Cinnamon Bourbon Peach Ice Cream

Instant Pot Bourbon Chicken

Chicken is cooked in a sweet and tangy bourbon sauce in the Instant Pot for tender, flavorful results. The sauce is sticky, slightly caramelized, and packed with depth. Quick and convenient while maintaining rich flavor. Great for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Bourbon Chicken

Copycat Mall Bourbon Chicken

Juicy chicken is coated in a sticky bourbon-based glaze reminiscent of mall food court favorites. Sweet and savory balance with a hint of warmth from the bourbon. Easy to replicate at home. Pairs well with rice or vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Mall Bourbon Chicken

A Sweet Sticky Spicy Bourbon Glaze

This versatile glaze combines bourbon, sugar, and spices for a sticky, flavorful topping. Perfect for drizzling over meats, vegetables, or even roasted nuts. The bourbon adds warmth, while the spice adds complexity. Easy to make and crowd-pleasing.
Get the Recipe: A Sweet Sticky Spicy Bourbon Glaze

Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail

Fresh apple cider and bourbon come together for a warming, slightly sweet cocktail. Cinnamon or cloves can add a festive note. Served hot or cold, it’s perfect for seasonal gatherings. Sweet, spiced, and aromatic.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail

Coconut Bourbon Coffee Nog

A rich coffee and coconut base is enhanced with bourbon for a creamy, boozy drink. Sweet, nutty, and warming, it’s ideal for chilly nights. Whipped cream or nutmeg on top adds visual appeal. Each sip is indulgent and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Bourbon Coffee Nog

Bourbon Bacon Jam Crostini

Sweet and savory bacon jam is flavored with bourbon and served on crispy crostini. The jam balances smoky bacon, caramelized onions, and a hint of bourbon. Perfect as an appetizer or snack. Bold, rich, and layered in flavor.
Get the Recipe: Bourbon Bacon Jam Crostini

Bourbon Molasses Glazed Pork Chops

Pork chops are glazed with a sweet bourbon-molasses sauce for a sticky, flavorful finish. The bourbon deepens the richness of the molasses. Juicy, tender chops are complemented by a caramelized exterior. Ideal for a hearty dinner.
Get the Recipe: Bourbon Molasses Glazed Pork Chops

Bourbon Cranberry Sauce

A bowl of cranberry sauce garnished with orange zest, with a spoon inside. Fresh cranberries and a sliced orange are nearby on a light-colored surface. — Bourbon Cranberry Sauce. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Cranberries are simmered with bourbon for a tangy-sweet accompaniment. The bourbon adds warmth and complexity. Great for pairing with turkey, chicken, or pork. A classic sauce with a rich twist.
Get the Recipe: Bourbon Cranberry Sauce

Raspberry Bourbon Smash Cocktail

Two glasses of raspberry mint cocktails with ice and garnished with mint leaves, a bottle of bourbon, and a bowl of fresh raspberries on a white surface. — Raspberry Bourbon Smash Cocktail. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella.

Fresh raspberries are muddled with bourbon, citrus, and sweetener for a refreshing cocktail. The fruit balances the warmth and depth of the bourbon. Served over ice for a bright, flavorful drink. Tart, sweet, and invigorating.
Get the Recipe: Raspberry Bourbon Smash Cocktail

Blackberry Bourbon Smash

Blackberries add juicy, tangy flavor to a bourbon-based cocktail. Muddled berries and citrus complement the warmth of the bourbon. Served over ice, it’s fruity, boozy, and refreshing. Perfect for summer or festive evenings.
Get the Recipe: Blackberry Bourbon Smash

Bourbon Glazed Pork Chops

Pork chops are brushed with a sweet bourbon glaze before baking or grilling. The glaze caramelizes for a rich, sticky exterior. The bourbon enhances the natural flavor of the meat. Simple yet impressive dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Bourbon Glazed Pork Chops

Air Fryer BBQ Peach Bourbon Wings

Chicken wings are tossed in a peach-bourbon BBQ sauce and cooked in the air fryer for crispiness. The sauce is sweet, tangy, and slightly smoky. The bourbon adds warmth and depth. Perfect for game day or casual gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer BBQ Peach Bourbon Wings

Maple Bacon Bourbon Jam

A savory-sweet jam of bacon, maple syrup, and bourbon. Great on toast, burgers, or charcuterie boards. The bourbon adds complexity and subtle warmth. Rich, sticky, and irresistible.
Get the Recipe: Maple Bacon Bourbon Jam

Bourbon Baked Beans Recipe

A skillet of baked beans with bacon sits beside a bottle of Maker’s Mark bourbon on a wooden surface. — Bourbon Baked Beans Recipe. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Baked beans are flavored with bourbon, brown sugar, and spices. The bourbon adds depth to the sweet and savory beans. Perfect for barbecue sides or casual dinners. Rich, hearty, and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Bourbon Baked Beans Recipe

The PERFECT Bourbon Old Fashioned Cocktail

A glass of whiskey with a large ice cube, an orange peel, and a cherry, placed on a wooden tray with a blurred bottle in the background. — The PERFECT Bourbon Old Fashioned Cocktail. Photo credit: xoxo Bella.

Classic Old Fashioned with bourbon, bitters, and a touch of sugar. The bourbon provides warmth and complexity. Served over ice with a citrus twist for aroma. Smooth, balanced, and timeless.
Get the Recipe: The PERFECT Bourbon Old Fashioned Cocktail

Apple Bottom Bourbon Pecan Cheesecake

Rich cheesecake is layered with bourbon-infused pecans and apple flavor. The bourbon adds warmth and depth to the dessert. Creamy, nutty, and slightly boozy. Perfect for special occasions or indulgent dessert.
Get the Recipe: Apple Bottom Bourbon Pecan Cheesecake

Chocolate Bourbon Pumpkin Bread

A loaf of chocolate bread with chocolate chips, partially sliced, is displayed on a white rectangular plate. — Chocolate Bourbon Pumpkin Bread. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

Moist pumpkin bread is enhanced with chocolate chips and a splash of bourbon. The bourbon adds depth to the sweet, spiced bread. Soft, tender, and flavorful. Ideal for autumn baking or dessert.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Bourbon Pumpkin Bread