Maple Bourbon Sauce

Name: Maple Bourbon Sauce
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American/Canadian
Ingredients: Pure maple syrup — 150 ml (2/3 cup); Bourbon whiskey — 60 ml (1/4 cup); Dijon mustard — 15 g (1 tbsp); Butter — 20 g (1.5 tbsp); Apple cider vinegar — 10 ml (2 tsp); Salt and black pepper — to taste

The Quirky Foodster Team

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ (0)

5 min

Prep

10 min

Cook

Ingredients

Pure maple syrup — 150 ml (2/3 cup)
Bourbon whiskey — 60 ml (1/4 cup)
Dijon mustard — 15 g (1 tbsp)
Butter — 20 g (1.5 tbsp)
Apple cider vinegar — 10 ml (2 tsp)
Salt and black pepper — to taste

Method

Combine maple syrup and bourbon in a small saucepan over medium heat.
Bring to a gentle simmer, allowing the alcohol to cook off, about 3-4 minutes.
Whisk in Dijon mustard and vinegar.
Reduce heat to low, whisk in butter until melted and glossy.
Season with salt and pepper; simmer 2-3 minutes more until slightly thickened.

Cultural Background: A rich, glossy sauce combining Canadian and Vermont maple syrup with American bourbon whiskey, this sweet-savoury sauce reflects North America's continent-spanning pantry, popular as a glaze for ham, salmon and roasted vegetables.

Tips: • Simmering the bourbon briefly before adding other ingredients cooks off most of the harsh alcohol taste while retaining its flavour. • This sauce reduces and thickens quickly due to the sugar content — watch closely to avoid over-reducing.

Variations: • Add a pinch of cayenne for a sweet-spicy variation. • Use as a glaze brushed onto ham or salmon during the last few minutes of cooking.

Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 2 weeks.

Reheating: Reheat gently over low heat, whisking to restore glossy consistency. Nutrition (per serving) Approx. 50 kcal, 0.1 g protein, 1 g fat, 9 g carbohydrate per 15 ml serving. FAQs What is maple bourbon sauce traditionally used for? Glazing ham, salmon and roasted vegetables, and as a finishing sauce for pork dishes. Does the alcohol fully cook off? Most of it evaporates during simmering, though a small residual amount may remain; omit or substitute apple juice if serving to those avoiding alcohol entirely.

FAQs: What is maple bourbon sauce traditionally used for? Glazing ham, salmon and roasted vegetables, and as a finishing sauce for pork dishes. Does the alcohol fully cook off? Most of it evaporates during simmering, though a small residual amount may remain; omit or substitute apple juice if serving to those avoiding alcohol entirely.