During the hot summer months, many shy away from whiskeys and reach for vodkas and gins instead for a more refreshing beverage.  While I can't deny the therapeutic properties of a well-made vodka tonic by the pool, I'm also a big fan of whiskey year round.  I promise that you don't have to abandon those old bottles of bourbon and whiskey at the back of your liquor cabinet from May to September!  I've rounded up a few alternative ways to enjoy whiskey (that don't include sipping it from a glass) just in time for Independence Day!  Try them out at your next summer BBQ and let us know what you think!

 

1. Whiskey glazes

It's grilling season, ladies and gents!  What better way to celebrate than with whiskey glazed salmon, chicken wings, or ribs?  You can buy premade whiskey and bourbon glazes at your local grocery store or you can try your hand at preparing your own with some brown sugar and your favorite grilling spices.

2. Boozy BBQ sauce

This is perhaps the easiest tip of them all!  Simply add a splash of whiskey or bourbon to your store-bought BBQ sauce to enhance the flavor.  The liquor really makes a big difference in the texture and richness of your sauce.  Your guests are sure to be impressed by this semi-homemade hack!

3. Bottle centerpieces

No party is complete without some festive décor!  Repurpose your empty bottles as centerpieces to create a simple and beautiful table scape.  Fill them with water and seasonal blooms for a daytime affair or fairy lights to illuminate tables in the evening. 

4. Infused fruits

One of the best parts of summer is all the fresh fruit that is readily available.  You can infuse almost any fruit in your favorite whiskey, but some of my favorites are cherries and oranges.  They make perfect desserts and even better cocktail mix-ins.

5. Caramel sauce

Speaking of desserts, caramel sauce is decadent and incredibly easy to whip up.  Add in some bourbon or rye for a match made in culinary Heaven.  Just a splash is enough to compliment the caramel.  My favorite way to enjoy this delicacy is atop my "Grilled Bourbon Peaches" which I have included the recipe for below!  Be sure to leave a comment and let us know how you like it!

 

 

Grilled Bourbon Peaches

Ingredients:

4 peaches

1/2 stick of butter

3 Tbs. brown sugar

2 oz. bourbon

sea salt

For the peaches:

Heat grill to medium heat and halve peaches.  Drizzle peach halves with 1 ounce of bourbon and place on the grill for 3-4 minutes. 

For the sauce:

In a small saucepan over medium low heat, melt 4 Tbs. of butter.  Once melted, stir in brown sugar until thick.  Stir in 2 oz. bourbon and a pinch of sea salt until incorporated.

Drizzle sauce over the peach halves and serve.