Bourbon Substitutes For Cooking: 7 Best Alternatives +FAQs!

When it comes to cooking, alcohol is a crucial ingredient. It enhances the flavors while also adding a distinct flavor.

When utilized in recipes, alcohol like Bourbon lends a great kick to meats like ribs, hog, and chicken and desserts like pies and cakes. No matter what recipe you employ, the kick Bourbon imparts to the meals is warming, gratifying, and makes the dinner mouth-watering.

However, you might wonder if there is another form of alcohol with a comparable flavor. Is there a bourbon substitution you can use if you’re out of it? Is there a non-alcoholic alternative?

Don’t worry if you’ve run out of Bourbon or don’t have any in your liquor cabinet; I’ve got you covered.

Read on to learn about several bourbon recipes, as well as replacements and how to utilize them appropriately in your cuisine. Also, learn how to make a bourbon pecan pie without the Bourbon.

Alternatives to Bourbon

We’ve demonstrated that Bourbon can definitely be substituted in the kitchen, so don’t worry. Notably, non-alcoholic liquids can be substituted for this sort of alcohol. I’ve listed the best substitutes for you to utilize below

No. 1: Brandy

This alcoholic beverage is created from wine and stored in oak barrels. It is how brandy develops its distinctive brown hue. Spain, Mexico, Italy, and other wine-producing countries are the most common sources of brandy.

What are the recipes, and how much do you require?

When it comes to desserts, brandy is frequently employed. 2 tablespoons of brandy can be used in place of Bourbon. As a result, use the same quantity of brandy for each tablespoon of Bourbon.

Here are a few brandy-based recipes to try:

• Suzette’s traditional crêpes
• Mince pies prepared from scratch
• Chocolate mousse cake for a special occasion

No.2 The rum

If you don’t have Bourbon on hand, rum will suffice. Even though rum has a distinct flavor with traces of spice and molasses, it works well in almost all recipes. It has a smooth, toasty flavor paired with meat and desserts.

What are the recipes, and how much do you require?

You’ll need two tablespoons of rum to replace every two teaspoons of Bourbon in a recipe. This alcoholic beverage is quite delightful and enhances the flavor of the dish you’re preparing.

The following are the most common rum-based dishes:

• Loaf of dates, bananas, and rum
• Rice pudding with chilled rum and raisins
• Spare ribs sizzling in BBQ sauce

No.3 Cognac

This alcoholic beverage is made in France. Cognac is a sort of brandy made from a specific grape blend. The wine is then aged in oak barrels for at least two years. Cognac is a popular alcoholic beverage, making an excellent cooking component. Cognac can be substituted for Bourbon. It goes nicely in both sweet and savory foods, and it’s delicious in chocolate desserts.

What are the recipes, and how much do you require?

Two tablespoons of cognac can be used in place of Bourbon in recipes, much like the other replacements.

Also, here are some tasty Cognac-based recipes:

• Foie gras crème brûlée with Cognac
• Shrimps with Cognac
• Torte de Chocolat à la chesnut avec mousse de chocolate cognac

No.4 Scotch Whisky

Scottish scotch is the most well-known. It is another form of alcohol usually consumed rather than cooked with. When cooking, it works well as a substitute for Bourbon and offers a complex but rich flavor to your dish. Scotch can be used in various recipes, including lunch, dinner, and desserts.

What are the recipes, and how much do you require?

As before, two tablespoons of scotch can be substituted in your recipe. Also, here are some scotch-based recipes that we think are delicious:

sponge cake with a Scotch flavor

Caramel sauce made with Scotch whisky for pastries and pancakes

Spaghetti with shrimp and a scotch-infused sauce

Non-alcohol Substitutes for Bourbon

When cooking dinner, you are not required to use solely alcoholic alternatives; you also have the option of using non-alcoholic items. Here are a few non-alcoholic options

No.5 The vanilla extract made with Bourbon

It is a great, simple replacement, especially if you’re baking something. The flavor will be similar to the original but with a tinge of vanilla. This extract is ideal for use in cakes and pies.

What are the recipes, and how much do you require?

When cooking, a tablespoon or two of rum can be substituted for Bourbon; use the same amount as Bourbon. Suppose the recipe only calls for a small amount of Bourbon. In that case, you can leave it out entirely and substitute it with more liquid ingredients like water. To prepare ice cream, puddings, and pastries, use vanilla essence.

Seafood, sauces, and soups are some of the most popular items on the menu.

No.6 Apple cider vinegar and peach nectar combo

This combination will be fantastic if you’re utilizing fruits in your recipe. This concoction has a bourbon-like flavor. To make the dish tastier, you can add different fluids. When cooking chicken meals, this combo is perfect.

How much do you need for each recipe?

You’ll need 13 cups of apple cider vinegar and 13 cups peach nectar or apple juice to make this combo. Make various foods with this combo, such as:

• Pork shoulder roasted
• Ribs in a peach barbecue sauce
• Pickled red onions and Serrano peppers in a peach salsa

No.7 Water

You can substitute water for Bourbon in recipes that only call for a small amount. You’ll preserve the moisture and the flavor the same way.

What amount of money do you require?

If the recipe calls for a small amount of Bourbon, add a little additional water to balance the texture and get the correct moisture level.

Pecan pie may be made without the Bourbon.

It is a very typical and popular dish that includes Bourbon as one of the primary ingredients (like the name suggests!).

For holiday banquets, this dessert is served. If you don’t want to use Bourbon, don’t worry; I’ve got the best substitutes for you.

A tablespoon of other types of alcohol will not significantly alter the appearance, texture, or flavor of this pie when making it.

2 tbsp. Rum, brandy, or cognac can be used. A different type of Bourbon, such as Maker’s Mark or Scotch, is also an option. It only takes 2 tbsp.

When to use Bourbon in a Recipe: Bourbon is frequently used in recipes. Still, different varieties of Bourbon have distinct effects on the dish you’re making. Keep in mind the intensity and sweetness of each Bourbon since knowing how much to use is crucial.

Maker’s Mark bourbon, which is fairly sweet, can be blended with sweets, jams, and sauces to create a fantastic flavor.

Four Roses Single Barrel is a brandy with salad dressings and fruit-based dishes. This brandy adds a depth of flavor to the cuisine.

Additional suggestions

It’s crucial to understand that bourbon aids in the breakdown of enzymes in the meat while also adding flavor to the meat. You can also marinate the meat in Bourbon. Season the meat with brown sugar, soy sauce, shallots, and olive oil as desired; the outcome will be an excellent, tasty meat meal.

Desserts go well with this Bourbon. To rehydrate fruits, mix equal quantities of Bourbon with warm water. If you’re preparing a cake, Bourbon will give it a crisp texture.

I should mention that Bourbon can alter parts of your cooking techniques, so you’ll need to change the temperature when cooking. Also, never place Bourbon or any other alcoholic beverage near an open flame. It is hazardous and can cause serious harm if not handled properly.

To determine how much you’ll need, use a cup. Use the exact amount to get the best taste.

Questions to consider:

What is the role of Bourbon in the kitchen?

Bourbon aids in the preparation of succulent meat. If you marinate the meat before cooking it, it has a great flavor and also helps you cook it more evenly.

When Bourbon is cooked, does it burn off?

When alcohol is used in cooking, it evaporates without heat and burns off during the cooking process. As a result, the alcohol should be added at the conclusion of the cooking procedure.

Which Bourbon is best for baking?

Single-barrel bourbons should be used, such as Blanton’s or Eagle Rare. Jim Beam, Old Crow, or Heaven Hill are good choices for everyday cooking.