31 Best Bourbon-Infused Recipes For Father's Day
What better way to celebrate Father’s Day than cooking some delicious bourbon-infused dishes? Whether you're a seasoned chef or just starting in the kitchen, we've covered you with breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert recipes.
So fire up the grill or get your oven cooking - it's time to show your dad or hubby how much he means to you with a fantastic Father's Day feast!
1. Bourbon Sweet Potatoes
You can't go wrong with a dish with sweet potatoes, butter, and brown sugar. But when you add in the hints of bourbon, it becomes absolutely delicious!
This is one recipe your dad will thank for on Father's Day - so don't wait any longer because these Bourbon Sweet Potato is going fast around here!!
2. Buzzard's Bay Bourbon Scallops
These tender scallops, cooked in a savory bourbon glaze, make the perfect Father's Day meal. The dish is inspired by the 2014 Buzzard's Bay Cup Challenge, a local event celebrating the best local and imported ingredients.
The scallops are served over a field of wilted greens, making them a healthy and flavorful option for any father looking to celebrate his special day. So whether you're toasting to your own dad or celebrating your fatherhood with your children, these scallops will be a hit. Cheers!
3. Corn & Cauliflower Sauteed In Bourbon Butter
In search of a new and exciting way to prepare corn and cauliflower? Try this Bourbon Butter recipe instead! Made with real bourbon whiskey, the butter has a deep amber color and distinctive flavor for sauteing vegetables or using it as a topping for grilled meats or baked potatoes.
It's also extremely easy to make, so even if you're not an experienced cook, you can still impress your father on Father's Day with this dish.
4. Maple Bourbon Chili
Maple Bourbon Chili - Image by The Wholesome Dish
This maple bourbon chili is a hearty beef and bean stew with a rich bourbon flavor and the sweetness of maple syrup. It's perfect for a father's day cookout! The best part is that it only takes about 40 minutes to make.
So if you're looking for a quick and easy meal that will impress your father, this is the recipe. And if you're not a father, don't worry - this chili is so delicious, anyone would love it! Just make sure to serve it alongside a cold beer.
5. Smoky Chicken Wings W/ Honey, Bourbon, & Molasses Sauce
Father's Day is the ideal time to fire up the grill and enjoy a delicious barbecue. This recipe for bourbon-spiked BBQ chicken wings is sure to please. The rub includes a mix of sugar and spice, which gives the wings a perfect balance of flavor.
The bourbon-spiked sauce adds an extra layer of bold flavor. Suppose you prefer the grill to the oven. In that case, you can grill the wings over medium indirect heat (about 400 °F) for about 40 minutes before adding the sauce.
6. Bourbon-Glazed Salmon
There's nothing quite like the smell of bourbon-glazed salmon wafting through the house. This recipe is a favorite among salmon lovers for its balance of sweet and sour flavors.
The lime juice and molasses make the glaze unique, perfect for topping our favorite fish. The bourbon adds a touch of warmth to the dish, making it an ideal choice for a winter meal. This recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
So, give this bourbon-glazed recipe a try next time you're looking for a new way to prepare salmon. Your dad will be sure to thank you!
7. Grilled Cheese With Bourbon Melted Onions
This Father's Day, don't just give your dad a gift - make him one of the best gifts ever by cooking up an amazing grilled cheese sandwich recipe. The key to this dish is in the onions - cooking them low and slow until they reach a deep caramelized color.
This process adds sweetness to the onions and gives them a wonderfully rich texture. Bourbon also adds a touch of elegance to the dish, making it fit for a special occasion.
Whether served as a main course or an appetizer, this grilled cheese sandwich will surely be a success.
8. Bourbon Glazed Carrots
When it comes to special-occasion carrots, these bourbon-glazed beauties are the crème de la crème. Soaked in butter and bourbon, these carrots are guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters. And their glossy glaze is sure to impress.
These bourbon-glazed carrots will hit the spot no matter what you're craving on Father's Day. They make for an impressive addition to any holiday table too!
9. Bourbon Pecan Pie
This bourbon pecan pie is the perfect Father's Day dessert. The bourbon gives the pie a rich, intense flavor, while the light and dark corn syrup help to create a gooey, delicious filling.
This pie will please any bourbon lover, and it's easy to make! Just follow the simple recipe below. And don't worry - the alcohol will evaporate during baking, so this pie is safe for all ages to enjoy.
So what are you waiting for? Give this bourbon pecan pie a try today!
10. Kentucky Bourbon Balls Recipe
Kentucky Bourbon Balls Recipe - Image by Tami Dunn
Father's day is drawing near, and what better way to show dad how much you appreciate him than with a batch of smooth, delicious, and authentic Kentucky bourbon balls?
These tasty treats are made with bourbon, Nilla Wafer crumbs, cocoa powder, confectioners' sugar, and light corn syrup. They're perfect for dad's sweet tooth and sure to put a smile on his face.
So go ahead and try making it - your dad will thank you for it!
11. Bourbon-Sea Salt Caramels
Is your dad a bourbon lover? If so, he's sure to appreciate a batch of these bourbon-sea salt caramels. These caramels are rich, smooth, and irresistible, made with sweetened condensed milk, butter, and bourbon.
The addition of flaky sea salt adds the perfect amount of salty contrast. These caramels make a great gift for Father's Day or any other special occasion. Just be warned - they're pretty addictive!
12. Cheese Fondue With Beer & Bourbon
Any good cheese fondue has to have beer and bourbon, right? This meal is ideal for expressing your love for your dad on Father's Day. After all, what says, 'I love you better than melted cheese?
The best part is, it's so easy to make. Just bring all ingredients to a boil in a pot, then stir in some Babybel cheese to keep the mixture from separating. And voila!
So go ahead and spoil your father this Father's Day—he deserves it.
13. Pumpkin Cheesecake With Bourbon–Sour Cream Topping
This bourbon-spiked pumpkin cheesecake is the perfect dessert for any occasion. The rich, spiced filling is balanced by the caramelized flavor of bourbon and the tang of sour cream, while chopped pecans add a nutty dimension to the graham cracker crust.
Serve it at your next holiday gathering or as a special treat on Father's Day. Your guests will be sure to enjoy this delicious cheesecake!
14. Brownie Bourbon Bites
You'll never guess what's hiding in this chocolatey treat! Brownie mix, bourbon, and chopped pecans come together to make a sweet yet sophisticated bite-sized dessert perfect for any occasion
If you're looking for an easy way to impress guests at your next dinner party or simply want something delicious to eat on Father's Day weekend, give these bad boys another shot - you won't be disappointed.
15. Bourbon Whiskey Meatballs
There's nothing quite like a bourbon-infused meatball to get the party started! These savory bites are convenient for any occasion, and they're sure to please dads on Father's Day.
The greatest part is that they're so easy to prepare, just drop the meatballs in the bourbon sauce, and you're done! Whether serving them as a starter or combining them with a side salad for supper, these bourbon whiskey meatballs are guaranteed to delight.
16. Bourbon Barbecue Chicken Tacos
These bourbon barbecue chicken tacos are a fun and tasty way to celebrate Father's Day. The key ingredient in these delicious treats? Bourbon whiskey is a lip-smacking sauce made from scratch using our favorite summertime treat!
17. Bourbon-Soaked Bacon & Ginger Cinnamon Rolls
Is your father a bourbon connoisseur? Then these bourbon-soaked bacon and ginger cinnamon rolls are for him. The bacon's smoky, savory flavor perfectly complements the sweet, rich cinnamon rolls. The spicy ginger and pecan topping adds a tasty finishing touch.
This recipe is simple to prepare, so you can quickly make a batch for Father's Day breakfast. Whether he drinks his bourbon neat or on the rocks, we think your dad will be impressed by these delicious cinnamon rolls. So, this Father's Day, why not give them a shot? Your father will undoubtedly appreciate it!
18. Barbecue Chicken Sliders
Barbecue Chicken Sliders - Images by Exchange
It's an easy and tasty way to feed a large group. You don't have to sacrifice flavor by using rotisserie chicken. Add bourbon barbecue sauce to accentuate the sweetness and complexity of the dish. These chicken sliders are guaranteed to be a smash at your next get-togethers.
19. Southern Peach Upside-Down Cake
Southern Peach Upside-Down Cake - Image by Waitrose & Partners
Who doesn't love a ripe, juicy peach? And there's nothing quite like a freshly-baked peach cake infused with the warm, sweet flavors of bourbon and brown sugar. Celebrate the dad in your life with this scrumptious dessert.
It's easy to make and is sure to be a hit! Simply place sliced peaches in the bottom of a Bundt pan, then pour over a buttery bourbon-spiked batter. Bake until golden brown, smoothing the top with an offset spatula. Serve it with a generous scoop of ice cream or bourbon whipped cream. Your dad will love it
20. Honey-Bourbon-Glazed Ham
This bourbon-glazed ham is the perfect centerpiece for your Father's Day feast. The sweet-and-sticky glaze is made with bourbon, BBQ sauce, honey, and brown sugar—subtly spiced with fennel, coriander, and star anise.
The ham is roasted to perfection and served with a delicious bourbon glaze. So make sure to include this honey-bourbon-glazed ham on your Father's Day menu. Your dad will love it!
21. Bourbon Pumpkin Tart With Walnut Streusel
Bourbon fans, rejoice! This delicious pumpkin tart is loaded with good stuff and a rich nutty walnut streusel. This tart is ideal for fall entertaining or a special treat for Father's Day.
Don't worry if you're not a bourbon connoisseur; the alcohol cooks off, leaving only the flavor. So, whether you like bourbon, this tart will satisfy you!
22. Kentucky Lemonade
Nothing beats a tall glass of cold lemonade on a hot summer day. But if you're looking for something different, why not try Kentucky lemonade?
This delicious drink combines the refreshing taste of lemonade with the smoothness of bourbon and the zing of ginger ale. It's perfect for cooking, tailgating, or enjoying the porch with friends.
To add a special touch, serve it in mason jars with straws and mint sprigs. Kentucky lemonade is sure to be a hit at your next summer gathering!
23. Bread Pudding With Bourbon Sauce
Bread pudding is a classic dessert that has been enjoyed for centuries. This delicious dish is made by cooking bread in a batter of milk and eggs and adding flavorings like bourbon, raisins, and spices. It is commonly baked in a special pan known as a bain-marie and can be served plain or with various sauces.
Bread pudding is a popular holiday and special occasion dessert and makes excellent Father's Day sweets. Try cooking your bread pudding with bourbon instead of milk for something unique.
24. Bourbon Candied Bacon Deviled Eggs
Look no further than these bourbon candied bacon deviled eggs for the ultimate Father's Day dish. They're everything you love about deviled eggs topped with bacon cooked in bourbon until it's nice and crispy. The best part is that the cooking process is so simple that anyone can do it. Try them out and see if you can't eat them all in one sitting!
25. Vidalia Onion Relish
A truly Southern dish, Vidalia Onion Relish is a sweet and savory condiment made with Vidalia onions, the official state vegetable of Georgia. Named for the town of Vidalia, where they were first grown, these onions are prized for their sweetness and lack of bitterness.
You can use this relish to top hors d'oeuvres or serve as an accompaniment to ham or poultry. It's also a great addition to burgers or sandwiches. For a truly unique flavor, try cooking the relish with bourbon.
26. Whiskey Pineapple Chicken
Grill up a batch of Whiskey Pineapple Chicken for your dad this Father's Day. The key to this recipe is a marinade of bourbon, pineapple juice, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and pepper.
For the best flavor, let the chicken marinate for at least 24 hours (up to 2 days if you have the time). When it's time to cook, brush the chicken with a little extra BBQ sauce and let your dad enjoy his delicious Father's Day meal.
27. Grilled Figgy Pies
There's nothing quite like a delicious hand pie, and these fig and bourbon hand pies will surely be a hit at your next backyard cookout. The sweet taste of the figs is perfectly complemented by the richness of the maple, walnuts, and mascarpone.
The cooking with bourbon adds a unique flavor that will make these hand pies disappear quickly. They're also perfect for Father's Day, as Dad can easily enjoy them while he's cooking on the grill.
So if you're looking for a decadent treat that's easy to enjoy, these fig and bourbon hand pies are perfect.
28. Coconut-Bourbon Sweet Potatoes
Coconut-Bourbon Sweet Potatoes - Image by Jan Charles
For some people, sweet potatoes are the stuff of nightmares. They can't get past the color or the texture, and the thought of cooking with them is enough to make them break out in a cold sweat.
But sweet potatoes can be a delicious and nutritious addition to any meal for those willing to give them a chance. And what's more, you can cook them with bourbon to add a rich, smoky flavor that is perfect for Father's Day.
So if you're looking for a way to win over the sweet potato haters in your life, cooking with bourbon is the way to go. Who knows, they might just thank you for it.
29. Southern Lane Cake
Southern Lane Cake - Image by Oh Yum with Anna Olson
This Southern-style dessert is a real crowd-pleaser! The filling and topping contain pecans, cherries, and raisins, which give it a fruitcake-like flavor that will please even the pickiest eaters.
Cooking with bourbon adds a delicious depth of flavor that is perfect for any holiday or special occasion. Father's day is the perfect time to try this recipe out with your family and friends!
30. Spinach Salad with Bacon, Blue Cheese, & Bourbon Vinaigrette
A spinach salad might not sound like the most exciting dish globally, but this recipe from Edward Lee is sure to change your mind. The rich taste of the creamy blue cheese, crunchy bacon, and sweet Bourbon vinaigrette make this salad hearty yet light. And the inclusion of green apples and breakfast radishes gives the dish an extra zing.
The flavor of this salad is robust, but it's still quite light. It's a great addition to any summer supper and would be especially appropriate for Father's Day. So, if you're searching for an easy way to add some bourbon flair to your cuisine, this dish is ideal. Bon Appétit
31. Bourbon Gravy
Let the smell of turkey and bourbon fills your home this Father's Day. Dad will be thrilled with a delicious dish that combines two things he loves most: food AND alcohol!
During the cooking process, the alcohol evaporates, leaving behind a delicious and slightly boozy flavor that will brighten dad's day. Use dad's favorite bourbon in the recipe to make it special. He'll appreciate the gesture - and the delectable gravy.
Cooking with Bourbon FAQ
1. Can you use bourbon for cooking?
Bourbon is one of our favorite liquors to use in cooking and baking. Its smoky caramel and vanilla flavors complement both savory and sweet dishes. It tastes great with brown sugar, pecans, vanilla, chocolate, mint, apples, pears, peaches, ham, and pork.
2. What does bourbon do to meat?
Bourbon can also deteriorate meat enzymes, making it a versatile tenderizer and marinade. Combine it with brown sugar or sorghum, soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce, garlic, shallots, olive oil, seasonings, and spices, and soak your protein for a few hours.
3. Why is bourbon used in baking?
The proof of bourbon is the most important factor to consider when using it in a recipe. The longer it takes to cook, the longer it takes to burn off the alcohol and leave those nice vanilla and spice flavors.
4. What is a good bourbon for baking?
Save your money on expensive single-barrel bourbons like Blanton's or Eagle Rare. Sip rare and small-batch bourbons like Knob Creek or Basil Hayden's. A regular bourbon-like Jim Beam, Wild Turkey, Old Crow, or Heaven Hill is fine for cooking.
5. What is the difference between bourbon and whiskey?
Whiskey is a distilled spirit aged in wooden barrels from grains such as corn and rye. Bourbon is a type of whiskey with stringent quality control measures in place. Bourbon must be produced in the United States, distilled from at least 51% corn, and aged in new charred white oak barrels.
Conclusion
So what are you waiting for? Get out your pots and pans, fire up the stove, and start cooking with bourbon! With Father's Day coming up, these bourbon recipes will ensure that dad has a day he won't forget.
And if you really want to spoil him, why not combine one of these recipes with a nice glass of bourbon on the side? Cheers to all great dads out there – get cooking!