The Ultimate Bourbon Honey Grill Guide

Bourbon Honey BBQ: Sweet Heat for Summer Grilling

Nothing says summer quite like the smoky sizzle of food on the grill. But if you’re looking to take your barbecue from good to unforgettable, allow us to introduce your new not-so-secret weapon: bourbon-flavored honey. It’s sweet, rich, a little smoky, and absolutely made for summer grilling season.

In this article, we’ll show you how to use bourbon honey to enhance your BBQ game with marinades, glazes, and sides—plus give you pairing ideas that’ll impress everyone from bourbon buffs to sweet-tooth foodies.

What Is Bourbon Flavored Honey, Anyway?

Bourbon flavored honey is exactly what it sounds like: golden, raw honey infused with the deep, caramel notes of bourbon. Ours is alcohol-free, meaning you get the flavor profile of oak barrels and vanilla-rich bourbon without the booze. It’s perfect for cooking and grilling because it caramelizes beautifully, bringing depth and complexity to savory and sweet dishes alike.

Why It Works on the Grill

Grilling is all about balancing flavors—smoke, char, seasoning, and a touch of sweetness to bring it all together. That’s where bourbon honey shines. The natural sugars in honey caramelize when heated, giving your meats or veggies a glossy, slightly crisp finish. Add the bourbon notes, and you’ve got a glaze that whispers sophistication with every sticky bite.

Your New Favorite Marinade

Before the flame even hits the meat, bourbon honey makes an excellent marinade base. Here's a simple go-to:

Bourbon Honey Marinade (for chicken, pork, or tofu):

3 tbsp bourbon-flavored honey
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp smoked paprika
Black pepper to taste

Let your protein marinate for at least 2 hours (or overnight), and you’ll get sweet, smoky depth that doesn’t overpower. It’s magic on chicken thighs, pork tenderloin, or even grilled tempeh.

Sticky Glaze Perfection

Want that irresistible glossy, caramelized finish? Baste your meat in the last few minutes of grilling with a simple glaze made from:

2 tbsp bourbon honey
1 tbsp butter
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Pinch of chili flakes

Warm the glaze ingredients together just until melted and combined. Brush over ribs, wings, or even grilled peaches for that showstopping, finger-licking finish.

Perfect Pairings for Bourbon Honey BBQ

Bourbon honey has a bold personality, so it’s important to match it with ingredients that hold their own. Here are some tasty ideas:

Protein Pairings: Chicken, pork, salmon, tofu, tempeh, and shrimp all love bourbon honey. Bonus points for grilled sausage with a honey glaze!

Herb Matches: Thyme, rosemary, and sage add earthy contrast to the sweet notes.

Heat Balancers: Add chipotle powder, guajillo, or cayenne to your glaze or rub for a sweet heat combo that sings.

Sidekicks: Try grilled corn brushed with bourbon honey butter, or a slaw with a touch of honey in the vinaigrette.

Grilled Peach & Bourbon Honey Dessert (Yes, Dessert!)

Once the grill is hot, keep it going for dessert. Halve fresh peaches and grill cut-side-down until they have char marks. Then drizzle generously with bourbon honey and top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s smoky, sweet, creamy, and completely addictive.

Tips for Grilling with Honey

A few quick tips to keep your grilling game strong:

Apply glazes late: Add honey-based glazes toward the end of grilling to avoid burning the sugars.

Watch the heat: Keep your grill at medium to prevent scorching.

Brush and rest: After cooking, give one final brush of bourbon honey for a glossy finish and let your meat rest before slicing.

Final Thoughts: Sweet, Smoky, and Unforgettable

Whether you’re a backyard pitmaster or just breaking in your summer grill, bourbon flavored honey brings serious flavor to the party. It’s an easy, elegant way to elevate everything from wings to grilled veggies—and you don’t need to be a bourbon drinker to fall in love.

So grab a bottle, fire up the grill, and let your summer BBQs shine with a little bourbon honey magic.