This recipe infuses the classic burger with the rich taste of Jack Daniel’s whiskey, creating a juicy patty glazed with a sweet and smoky sauce.
Ingredients:
- For the Burgers:
- 1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20 fat ratio)
- 1 tablespoon burger seasoning blend (or salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder to taste)
- 4 slices of your favorite cheese (cheddar, pepper jack, or Colby-Jack work well)
- For the Jack Daniel’s Glaze:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup chopped white onion
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/4 cup Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
- For the Burgers (Assembly):
- 4 hamburger buns
- Lettuce leaves
- Tomato slices
- Red onion slices
- Optional: Bacon, fried onion rings, avocado slices (pick your favorites!)
Instructions:
- Make the Patties: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef and burger seasoning. Mix gently to combine without overworking the meat. Form the mixture into 4 equal patties, slightly larger in diameter than your hamburger buns to account for shrinking during cooking.
- Cook the Patties: Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the burgers for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or desired doneness. In the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheese on each patty to melt.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the burgers are cooking, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the brown sugar and cook for an additional minute, allowing the sugar to caramelize slightly.
- Add the Jack Daniel’s Flair: Pour in the Jack Daniel’s whiskey, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the alcohol simmer for a minute to burn off some of the harshness.
- Finish the Glaze: Add the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and cayenne pepper (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the glaze thickens slightly.
- Assemble the Burgers: Toast the hamburger buns if desired. Place cooked burger patties on the buns, top with lettuce, tomato, red onion, and a generous drizzle of the Jack Daniel’s glaze. Add any additional toppings you like and enjoy!
Tips:
- For a more intense smoky flavor, toast the buns directly on the grill after removing the burgers.
- You can adjust the amount of cayenne pepper in the glaze to suit your spice preference.
- If the glaze gets too thick, add a tablespoon or two of water to thin it out.
- Leftover burgers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.