Easy Whiskey Glaze Recipe

This Easy Whiskey Glaze recipe is the perfect way to add a rich, smoky flavor to your grilled meats this summer. With just a few simple ingredients like ketchup, soy sauce, and whiskey, you can whip up this boozy glaze in no time. It’s sure to be a hit at your next backyard barbecue or Father’s Day cookout!

The great thing about this whiskey glaze is its versatility. You can use it as a marinade to infuse meats with flavor before grilling, or brush it on as your proteins cook to get that sweet, caramelized exterior. The glaze also makes an excellent dipping sauce or topping for things like burgers, baked beans, or even as a unique twist on meatballs.

While the whiskey adds a distinct richness, don’t worry – most of the alcohol burns off during cooking, leaving just the deep, oaky notes behind. This allows the glaze’s other flavors like brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire to really shine through. It’s a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and lightly smoky that’s guaranteed to elevate any grilled dish.

The best part? This easy whiskey glaze comes together in just 10 minutes with ingredients you likely already have on hand. It’s the kind of simple recipe that will make you look like a grill master without any fuss.

What goes into this recipe

• Ketchup – Provides the tomato base and slight tang. You can also use tomato paste if you prefer.
• Soy Sauce – Adds savory flavor and a bit of saltiness.
• Brown Sugar – Sweetens the glaze and allows it to caramelize. Use dark brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
• Whiskey – The star ingredient that contributes a rich, oaky, slightly smoky flavor. When cooked, the whiskey caramelizes and leaves behind a rich, oaky flavor. Use any of your favorite whiskeys like Jack Daniel, Jim Beam, or an Irish Whiskey.
• Dijon Mustard – Just a touch of dijon cuts through the sweetness.
• Worcestershire Sauce – Brings a savory flavor to the glaze.

See recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

Variations

• Use a different spirit instead of whiskey, like bourbon whiskey, rum or even tequila to change up the flavor profile.
• Add some heat to your whiskey sauce with a dash of hot sauce, cayenne pepper or chipotle powder.
• Make it smokier by using smoked paprika or a few drops of liquid smoke.
• Make a more savory glaze with fresh garlic and minced onion.
• Use maple syrup or honey instead of brown sugar for a different sweetness. You could even add a splash of pineapple juice!

How to Make an Easy Whiskey Glaze

1. Begin by mixing together all of the ingredients except the whiskey {ketchup, soy sauce, brown sugar, Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce}.  Set it aside.
2. In a small saucepan over medium-high heat bring the whiskey {I used Jack Daniels but you can use whatever you have on hand} to a boil and let it boil for about 30 seconds.  This will evaporate most of the alcohol out. It might not eliminate all of the alcohol, so if you are worried about alcohol or are serving this to kids you might want to keep that in mind.  Boiling it, however, will help.

3. Once you have boiled the whiskey for 30 seconds add the ketchup mixture {that you set aside} and combine.  Bring it to a boil and then turn the heat down to low.
4. Let the glaze cook over low heat {stir occasionally} for about 5 minutes or until it has thickened slightly.  Remember it is a glaze, so it won’t be a thick sauce like bbq sauce.

Expert Tips

• Serve it as a condiment with any kind of protein.  Put it out like you would a bbq sauce.  This stuff is GOOD, especially on this pulled pork.
• Brush it over beef, chicken wings or pork chops when you are grilling.  The flavors really deepen when you use a pastry brush to add it to meat as you are grilling.
• Marinade meat or poultry in it.  Use it like you would any kind of marinade.  It is best when it marinates for at least 4 hours.
• Add it to your baked beans.  A tablespoon added to your baked beans will amp up the flavor and give it such a special taste.
• Spread it on burgers with grilled onions and cheese.  Whiskey Glazed Burgers are awesome.

Storage and Freezing

Store: This easy whiskey glaze can be stored in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Freeze: The Jack Daniels sauce can also be frozen for longer storage. Pour it into an ice cube tray or small containers, leaving room for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. Once frozen solid, pop the glaze cubes out and store them in an airtight freezer-safe bag or container.

Recipe FAQs

What sides go great with this recipe? Try these…

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