If whiskey is your favorite liquor, you wonder how to infuse it into your cooking. Simple tools, fruit and spices, and patience produce palate-pleasing results with whiskeys such as rye, scotch, or bourbon. These tips will help you start incorporating new flavors into classic foods and drinks. 

3 Ways to Cook With Whiskey

1. Whiskey-Infused Rib Eye

Infusing a tender rib eye with whiskey makes a delicious cut of beef even better. Try infusing your steak with a whiskey marinade. Your whiskey should have at least 45% alcohol by volume (ABV). A higher ABV, even going up to barrel proof, is acceptable because when you infuse the liquor, the alcohol content drops.

To prepare the marinade, combine 1/3 cup of whiskey, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1/3 cup of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce, one lemon slice, and two smashed garlic cloves in a one-quart glass jar. Screw the lid on tightly, and keep it in a cool place away from direct sunlight.

Agitate and taste it about every 12 hours over a 48-hour span for the best flavor. When it’s ready, strain it with a fine-mesh strainer first, then with a coffee filter. Let your rib eye soak in the mixture for at least three hours, and grill or pan-sear it.

2. Infused Bourbon Treats

Flavors such as vanilla, apple, and cinnamon spice up a good bourbon whiskey. Try a vanilla apple pie infusion of bourbon.

Slice Granny Smith apples, whole cinnamon sticks, a split vanilla bean, and a few tablespoons of bourbon in a glass jar. Stir and taste it every 12 hours for a day or two. When working with fruit, make sure it’s at the peak of ripeness, but not overly ripe.

3. Irish Coffee

After a great meal, sip on a cup of smooth Irish coffee. Before making this classic drink, infuse your favorite Irish whiskey with unpeeled bananas and whole cardamom for at least 24 hours. To obtain the richest flavor, let it the liquor soak up the infusion ingredients for three to six days. Stir, shake, and taste it daily until the result makes you happy.      

When you want to explore the realm of whiskey infusions, get the perfect liquors at Universal Discount Package Store. This 8,000-square-foot facility offers the widest selections of wines and spirits in the Norwich, CT, area. Whether you host a big gathering or an intimate dinner, the store’s libation experts will work to make your event a success. Call (860) 889-6555 or visit their website for more information about their spirits.