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BBQ Bourbon Burger

Published: / Updated: / 8 Comments

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Why drink bourbon when you can use it to make this amazing BBQ bourbon burger?

BBQ bourbon burger with lettuce, tomato, and onion with a bottle of bourbon in the background

This has to be my favorite burger that I've made for the blog so far. The bourbon adds amazing flavor! The BBQ mayo is smoky and delicious. And crispy bacon... oh yeah! It's just the complete burger package.

I was so hungry (hANGRY) that I devoured my burger when it was right off the BBQ, and I ended up burning the inside of my mouth and bottom lip. I am seriously suffering here typing this and reflecting on what an idiot I am.

What's next for me, you ask? A Darwin Award? I hope not.

close-up of juicy barbecue bourbon burger with tomato, lettuce, and onion on a bun

You may notice there's no cheese on this one. You'll probably think I'm nuts, but I just don't like cheese on my burgers. I sometimes like to photograph melty cheese, though... so some of the burgers on the blog have it. Now you know why.

Because I know you were wondering and totally care. Cheese, of course, can be added to this burger if it's your thing.

I used regular ground beef for this burger, not lean ground beef because the fattier meat makes for a more juicy burger. One of the downsides to using ground beef is that you really need to cook it properly (i.e. well done). If you prefer a less well-done burger, I suggest using ground chuck instead. I didn't make it to the butcher, so ground beef it was.

Rest assured that this burger still tasted great.

Questions? Let me know!

Why drink bourbon when you can use it to make this amazing BBQ bourbon burger?

BBQ Bourbon Burger

Why drink bourbon when you can make these delicious burgers instead?!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Sandwich
Cuisine American
Servings 4 burgers

Ingredients
 

Sauce:

  • 6 tablespoons mayo
  • 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce
  • 1 teaspoon cider vinegar
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Bourbon glaze:

  • 6 tablespoons bourbon
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Hamburgers:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/3 cup Italian breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Other/toppings:

  • 4-6 strips bacon (optional)
  • 4 burger buns
  • Butter (if toasting insides of buns)
  • Lettuce to taste
  • Tomato to taste
  • Red onion to taste

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the burger sauce by combining the ingredients (I just used a spoon and a small bowl). Refrigerate until needed.
  • Prepare the glaze by combining the ingredients (I just used a spoon and a small bowl). Ensure the sugar is dissolved. Set aside.
  • Fry the bacon until it's crispy (about 10-15 minutes).
  • Pre-heat grill to high heat.
  • Prepare the burgers. Using your hands, combine the burger ingredients, taking care not to over-handle them. I am quite generous with the salt and pepper. Form into four patties and make a divot in the middle of the burgers so they cook evenly.
  • Turn the grill down to medium-high heat. Place the burgers on the grill and then baste with the bourbon glaze. Cook for about six minutes (depends on thickness of burgers and the grill/BBQ you're using), then flip and add glaze on the other side and cook for another six minutes or until they're cooked through.
  • My preferred method for toasting the insides of hamburger buns is to pre-heat a skillet on medium-high heat (on the stove) and then add the cut and buttered bun halves to the pan until they're toasted (takes a few minutes). You could also toast them on your grill.
  • Assemble burgers by adding the sauce, burger patties, and preferred toppings. Enjoy!

Notes

  • If you're using standard ground beef, I strongly suggest cooking the burgers until they're well-done and reach 165F inside (for safety reasons). If you're using something like ground chuck, they do not have to be cooked as well.
  • Use a fattier ground beef (e.g. chuck) or one that's NOT lean. It makes for better burgers.
  • I used a gas BBQ to make this recipe. Keep in mind that these directions are only a guideline as every BBQ or grill is different, so adjust cooking time accordingly.
Keyword bourbon burger recipe
Author Natasha Bull
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  1. Dee says

    These look FABULOUS. I'll be trying them soon. P.S. What kind of buns did you use? Not the standard Walmart hb buns for sure! 🙂

    Reply

    • Natasha says

      Thank you! They're Kaiser buns that I found in the individual bun bins at Safeway 🙂 nothing too fancy.

      Reply

  2. Dawn @ Girl Heart Food says

    I vote to drink bourbon AND have it on the burger 😉 Seriously, though, that glaze sounds delicious! I know hubby would love this too. I do love cheese on my burger, but this one definitely has a lot of flavour on the go so I wouldn't even miss it. Pinned, of course! Have a great weekend, Natasha 🙂

    Reply

  3. Cathy | whatshouldimakefor.com says

    all the B's are well represented here....bacon, bourbon and this seriously outrageous burger! no cheese needed on this bad boy! YUM!

    Reply

  4. Vivian | stayaliveandcooking says

    Mmmmm I love burgers! This looks amazing, I didn't even notice the lack of cheese 😉 I made smokey barbecue meatballs a few weeks ago so I'm sure I'll love this too! Cooking with bourbon sounds like a great idea for the weekend...

    (Oh, and about burning your mouth: that's so me. Yay for impatience)

    Reply