Sweeter than other types of whiskey, bourbon has a unique vanilla, oak, and caramel flavor that can be enjoyed on the rocks or even in fun cocktails. With complex flavor combinations, it can be intimidating to pair bourbon with food, however it has a more mellow flavor than Scotch whiskey.
Even though bourbon has distinctive flavors, food pairings should gear towards salty, savory, or spicy ingredients. Other than cured meat and cheese on a charcuterie board, there are various snacks, fruits, and appetizers to enjoy eating with bourbon.
What to eat with bourbon? Bourbon pairs wonderfully with most southern dishes, especially with fattier meats such as bacon and ham. Additionally, nuts go well with bourbon due to the rich flavor and crunchy texture.
On the other hand, sweets like fruits, sweet potatoes, maple syrup and chocolate also blends well with bourbon due to its sweet, smoky, and slightly spicy profile.
Chocolate milk and dark chocolate works well, however truffles with sorghum or fruit bring out the bourbon flavor even more.
When it comes to selecting cheese option, go with soft, gooey brie, smoked gouda, and aged white cheddar for best results.
Looking forward to enjoying bourbon without spending too much money on it? Try pairing it with savory and sweet foods, or even cook with bourbon in to enhance the culinary experience.
Bourbon is versatile to serve with a variety of foods. This article looks at the flavors, spices, cheese, fruits, and appetizers that pair perfectly with bourbon.
What appetizers go good with bourbon?
When selecting an appetizer to pair with bourbon, always go for neutrals. The appetizers shouldn’t interfere with the flavor or taste of the bourbon, and they also shouldn’t make one feel bloated or too heavy.
Appetizer ideas to try with bourbon:
Bourbon and cheese pairings
When pairing bourbon with cheese, matching the intensity is vital. Always go for smooth and nutty cheese such as cheddar and gouda. Their fat content balances the ethanol burn of bourbon while complementing its slightly sweet flavor with every sip.
When tasting bourbon with cheese, prepare 3 to 4 different types of bourbon including heated, barrel proof, high rye content, and well-aged bourbon.
If you are looking for excellent cheeses to pair with bourbon, here are cheese options that complement various types of bourbon:
- aged hard cheese, especially pecorino and parmigiano-reggiano
- sharp cheddar
- blue cheese
What fruit goes with bourbon?
Both fresh and dried fruits pair perfectly with bourbon. Fruits add natural sweetness, acid, and tartness to every sip.
Examples of classic fruit and bourbon pairings include:
- Berries: raspberries, blueberries, strawberries
- Citrus fruits: oranges, blood orange, lemon, lime
- Stone fruits: peaches, apples, nectarines, cherries
- Tropical fruits: passion fruit, pineapple
- Dried fruit: dates, apricots, cranberries
Spices that go with bourbon
Bourbon has mild and rich caramel flavor that requires specific spices to reach maximum enjoyable flavor. Whether you are making cocktails or recipes to serve with bourbon, here are the best spices that go with bourbon.
What flavor goes well with bourbon?
Every pairing attempts to either contrast or complement the flavors of bourbon. Anything with a smoky, sweet, or slightly spicy notes will perfectly pair with bourbon to create an all-new experience.
Here are classic flavor combinations that pair well with bourbon:
- bourbon + grapefruit + honey
- bourbon + lemon + peaches
- bourbon + lemon + sugar
- bourbon + pineapple + sugar
Eat with Bourbon: Conclusion
From fruit to cheese and snacks, the guide of food pairings with bourbon is just a scratch on the surface, but it’s a pretty good place to start.
Bourbon is typically served with fatty cured meats such as bacon and ham, however nuts and crackers are great option to add-on to the assortment. In addition, include chocolate and dried fruits to balance out the smoky, spicy, and vanilla flavor.
Whether you are serving with snacks including carrot and celery sticks, cured meats or baked goods, there are plenty of neutral appetizer ideas that are light and healthy options.
Bourbon is versatile and pairs relatively well with almost everything. With basic knowledge of the spirit and some sharp inspirations, exciting discoveries can be made in the kitchen.
Use this guide and start taking risks to explore newfound tastes. Experiment by pairing bourbons with your favorite foods to discover the perfect combination today!