Bourbon is a popular beverage that can be enjoyed on its own or as part of a cocktail. But did you know that it’s also an incredibly versatile spirit to pair with food?
If you are looking for new, best food to pair with bourbon? Look no further! With a few simple ingredients and a dash of creativity, you can create the perfect bite to complement your whiskey.
This guide will help you discover how to turn your home cooking into restaurant-worthy meals by pairing bourbon with delicious dishes. Let’s explore some of the best food pairings for bourbon drinks.
28 Best Food to Pair with Bourbon
1. Cheese Platter
Cheese platters are an elegant and delicious way to enjoy your favorite bourbon. Choose a variety of cheeses that will bring out the flavors in your whiskey, such as sharp cheddar, soft brie, creamy goat cheese, and pungent blue cheese.
To complete the platter, add cured meats like prosciutto or salami and some fresh fruits like apples and pears.
The different textures and flavors will ensure that every sip of bourbon is accompanied by something new!
2. Chocolate
While chocolate may seem like an odd pairing for whiskey, it can actually be surprisingly complementary. Dark chocolate works well with the smoky notes in many bourbons, while milk chocolate is great for sweeter whiskeys.
You can also opt for white chocolate if you’re looking for something a bit more subtle. Serve up some chocolate truffles or bars alongside your drink for a truly decadent experience!
3. Grilled Steak
A juicy steak is sure to bring out the bold flavors in any good bourbon! Grill up some steaks (or use your favorite cut) and season them with herbs and spices of your choice.
Serve them on their own or alongside some roasted vegetables or a warm side salad — either way, they’re sure to be a hit when paired with a glass of your favorite whiskey.
Discover More: Amazing side dishes to eat with Ham Steak
4. Bourbon and Barbecue
A classic combination, the sweet smokiness of barbecue pairs perfectly with the caramel notes in bourbon.
Whether you’re grilling up ribs or pulled pork sandwiches, serve them alongside a classic mint julep for a timeless pairing.
If you want to get creative, try adding a splash of bourbon to your favorite barbecue sauce for an extra kick.
5. Bourbon and Salty Snacks
The smooth sweetness of bourbon pairs wonderfully with salty snacks like popcorn, chips, and pretzels.
Try munching on these snacks while sipping on an old fashioned for a unique twist on happy hour.
For something more substantial, try adding some chopped bacon to your favorite macaroni and cheese recipe and then top it off with a whiskey sour.
6. Bourbon and Cheese Fondue
Fondue is perfect for any gathering! Why not warm up the party by pairing your cheese fondue with some delicious bourbon?
The creamy richness of the cheese will complement the smooth, oaky flavors in the spirit.
Plus, if you opt for dark chocolate fondue instead of cheese, pair it with an inspired variation on a Manhattan made with maple syrup instead of bitters for added sweetness.
7. Fried Chicken
The crispness of fried chicken and the light sweetness of bourbon make for a delicious pairing. Make sure to season your chicken well before frying for maximum flavor!
8. Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
A delightful combination of sweet shrimp wrapped in salty bacon is enhanced by the caramel notes found in most bourbons. (Recipe)
Cook your bacon-wrapped shrimp on the grill or stovetop until they’re nice and crispy!
9. Roasted Vegetables
Baked or roasted vegetables such as butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, potatoes, or carrots are great accompaniments to bourbon.
Not only do they provide great textural contrast, but their natural sweetness also complements the flavors found in most bourbons.
10. Apple Pie
Apples bring out the oakiness found in many types of bourbons, making apple pie an ideal dessert choice to pair with this spirit. Add some vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat!
11. Beer Cheese Soup
The creamy texture of beer cheese soup is enhanced by the spicy notes found in many bourbons – you can’t go wrong with this classic pairing! (Recipe)
12. French Onion Soup
Caramelized onions play up the caramel flavors found within most bourbons – so why not try adding some to your favorite French onion soup recipe? The result is sure to be delicious!
Explore More: What to Serve With French Onion Soup
13. Mashed Potatoes
Comfort food at its best! Mashed potatoes provide a starchy base that balances out the boldness of many types of bourbons perfectly!
Top off your mashed potatoes with some buttery gravy for even more flavor goodness!
14. Burgers & Sliders
Whether you’re grilling burgers or smoking sliders on your smoker, these tasty little sandwiches pair nicely with a good glass of bourbon due to their savory nature and slight sweetness from condiments like ketchup or mustard relish!
15. Baked Beans
Slow-cooked baked beans are one way to enjoy both sweetness and spice when it comes time for dinner – add some layers of bacon or ham hock for added complexity – perfect alongside a warm glass of bourbon!
16. Barbecue Pizza
Combining smoky barbecued meats like pulled pork or beef brisket with sweet barbecue sauce makes for one delicious pizza topping that goes perfectly with any type of bourbon whiskey!
17. Sticky Toffee Pudding
Sweet dates soaked overnight in milk create this delectable British dessert that pairs nicely with the oaky flavor profile found within many types of bourbon whiskeys – make sure you save room for seconds!
18. Bread Pudding
Boosted by raisins or other dried fruits that soak up all those flavorsome juices while baking, bread pudding is even better when enjoyed alongside a shot (or two)of smooth Kentucky Bourbon whisky – an unbeatable combination if ever there was one!
19. Deep-Fried Ice Cream
Deep-fried ice cream, which presents a unique combination between hot, crispy batter and cold ice cream that works surprisingly well when paired with smooth Kentucky Bourbon whisky – give it a try today and thank us later (but don’t forget the napkins!)!
20. Vanilla Ice Cream
Sweet and creamy vanilla ice cream makes the perfect accompaniment to a glass of Kentucky Bourbon whisky.
The smoothness of the bourbon pairs beautifully with the rich and decadent flavors of this classic dessert. Enjoy it as is or topped with your favorite topping for extra flavor!
21. Chocolate Cake
Rich and decadent, chocolate cake is a favorite dessert amongst bourbon drinkers.
The sweetness of the chocolate perfectly complements the caramel notes found in many types of bourbons, making this an excellent pairing choice. Serve with whipped cream or ice cream for an extra special treat!
22. Caramel Apples
Tart apples coated in sweet caramel provide a unique flavor combination that works well alongside Kentucky Bourbon whisky – add some chopped nuts for additional crunch and texture!
23. Cinnamon Buns
Sweet cinnamon buns drizzled in icing are delicious when paired with Kentucky Bourbon whisky due to their sugar content and a hint of spice.
Enjoy your cinnamon buns as is, or add some maple syrup or nut butter for an even more indulgent treat!
24. Pecan Pie
Sweet and nutty pecan pie is one of those classic desserts that pair perfectly with Kentucky Bourbon whisky due to its rich and buttery flavors.
Add some vanilla ice cream for a truly indulgent experience!
Find Out More: Best Desserts and Wine Pairings
25. Gingerbread Cookies
Crisp gingerbread cookies made from scratch make for a delicious treat when paired with Kentucky Bourbon whisky.
The cinnamon and nutmeg bring out the sweetness of many types of bourbon, while the ginger adds a spicy kick – perfect for any cold winter’s night!
26. Fried Apple Fritters
Sweet apples fried in batter and coated in sugar make for one scrumptious dessert that pairs perfectly with a smooth glass of Kentucky Bourbon whisky.
Enjoy them warm from the fryer, or top them with vanilla ice cream for an even more indulgent experience!
27. Chocolate Truffles
Rich and decadent chocolate truffles make for an indulgent dessert that pairs well with almost any type of bourbon whiskey.
The sweetness of the chocolate balances out the oaky flavor profile found within many types of bourbon, making this a classic pairing for any occasion. Enjoy them as is or dipped in white chocolate – the choice is yours!
28. Baked Apples
Sweet and tart apples baked with sugar and cinnamon make for a delicious dessert that pairs well with Kentucky Bourbon whisky.
The sweetness of the apples complements the oaky notes found in many bourbons while providing something warm and comforting to sip on after dinner.
Enjoy them as is or topped with ice cream for an even more indulgent experience!
Wrap Up
Whether you’re enjoying an old-fashioned or sipping on neat whiskey, having the right food pairing can take your drink experience to the next level!
From cheese platters to grilled steak, there are plenty of delicious options out there that are sure to enhance any bourbon-drinking experience.
So, go ahead and experiment — find what works best for you and try something new each time around! Enjoy!
FAQs
What doesn’t go well with bourbon?
Bourbon doesn’t go well with sugary mixers, as it can make the drink overly sweet.
Additionally, some ingredients like citrus juices or soda are generally not recommended when mixing bourbon cocktails since they can overpower the subtle flavor of bourbon.
For a balanced drink, opt for herbal or nutty bitters or other spirits such as whiskey and brandy.
