Brimming with bold flavors and smooth sophistication, Woodford Reserve whiskey isn’t just for sipping—it’s a versatile star in the kitchen too! Whether you’re crafting a cozy cocktail for a quiet night in or adding a spirited twist to your favorite dishes, these 19 exquisite recipes are sure to delight any whiskey lover. Ready to elevate your home cooking? Let’s dive into these deliciously creative concoctions!
Woodford Reserve Old Fashioned Cocktail
Let’s dive straight into making a classic Woodford Reserve Old Fashioned Cocktail. This timeless drink combines simplicity with depth, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- Woodford Reserve Bourbon – 2 oz
- Sugar – 1 tsp
- Angostura bitters – 2 dashes
- Water – 1 tsp
- Orange peel – 1 strip
- Ice – 2 cubes
Instructions
- Place the sugar cube in an Old Fashioned glass. Add the water and bitters directly onto the sugar.
- Muddle the sugar, water, and bitters together until the sugar is mostly dissolved. Tip: Use the back of a spoon for even muddling.
- Add the Woodford Reserve Bourbon to the glass. Stir gently to combine.
- Add the ice cubes to the glass. Stir the mixture for about 30 seconds to chill the drink. Tip: Stirring longer will dilute the drink more, adjust to preference.
- Express the orange peel over the glass by twisting it to release the oils, then rub the peel around the rim of the glass. Drop it into the drink. Tip: For a stronger citrus aroma, lightly flame the orange peel before adding.
The Woodford Reserve Old Fashioned offers a smooth, rich flavor with a hint of sweetness and citrus. Serve it with a large ice cube to keep it chilled without diluting too quickly. Garnish with a fresh orange peel for an elegant touch.
Woodford Reserve Bourbon Glazed Salmon
Craving a dish that combines elegance with ease? This Woodford Reserve Bourbon Glazed Salmon delivers rich flavors with minimal fuss.
Ingredients
- Salmon fillets – 4 (6 oz each)
- Woodford Reserve Bourbon – ¼ cup
- Brown sugar – 2 tbsp
- Soy sauce – 2 tbsp
- Garlic powder – 1 tsp
- Black pepper – ½ tsp
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small saucepan, combine Woodford Reserve Bourbon, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Tip: Reduce heat if glaze bubbles too vigorously.
- Place salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Brush each fillet generously with the bourbon glaze. Tip: Reserve some glaze for serving.
- Bake salmon for 12-15 minutes, or until it flakes easily with a fork. Tip: For a caramelized top, broil for the last 2 minutes.
- Serve salmon drizzled with reserved glaze.
The glaze forms a sticky, sweet crust on the salmon, while the inside remains tender. Pair with a crisp salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
Woodford Reserve Chocolate Truffles
Perfect for a sophisticated treat, these Woodford Reserve Chocolate Truffles blend rich chocolate with a hint of bourbon for a decadent bite.
Ingredients
- Dark chocolate – 8 oz
- Heavy cream – ½ cup
- Woodford Reserve bourbon – 2 tbsp
- Cocoa powder – ¼ cup
Instructions
- Chop the dark chocolate into small pieces and place in a heatproof bowl.
- Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer, about 2 minutes.
- Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let sit for 1 minute to soften the chocolate.
- Stir the mixture gently until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
- Add the Woodford Reserve bourbon to the chocolate mixture and stir to combine.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours, or until the mixture is firm enough to scoop.
- Use a small spoon or melon baller to scoop the mixture and roll into 1-inch balls.
- Place the cocoa powder in a shallow dish and roll each truffle in the powder to coat.
- Refrigerate the truffles for another 30 minutes before serving to set.
Whiskey lovers will appreciate the smooth bourbon undertones in these truffles. The exterior is dusted with cocoa powder for a bitter contrast to the sweet, creamy center. Serve them on a wooden board for a rustic presentation at your next gathering.
Woodford Reserve Maple Bacon Jam
Woodford Reserve Maple Bacon Jam combines smoky, sweet, and savory flavors into a versatile condiment. Perfect for elevating breakfast or as a gourmet gift.
Ingredients
- Bacon – 1 lb
- Onion – 1 cup, diced
- Woodford Reserve Bourbon – ¼ cup
- Maple syrup – ½ cup
- Brown sugar – ¼ cup
- Apple cider vinegar – 2 tbsp
- Black pepper – ½ tsp
Instructions
- Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 10 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain, then chop.
- In the same skillet, sauté onion in bacon fat over medium heat until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add bourbon to the skillet, simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly. Tip: Stand back when adding alcohol to prevent flare-ups.
- Stir in maple syrup, brown sugar, vinegar, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Add chopped bacon back to the skillet. Reduce heat to low, simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Tip: The jam will thicken as it cools.
- Remove from heat, let cool slightly before transferring to jars. Tip: For a smoother texture, pulse in a food processor to desired consistency.
Key to its appeal is the jam’s rich, sticky texture and deep flavor profile. Try it slathered on toast or as a glaze for grilled meats.
Woodford Reserve Smoked Manhattan
Whiskey lovers, elevate your cocktail game with this Woodford Reserve Smoked Manhattan. It’s bold, smoky, and irresistibly smooth.
Ingredients
- Woodford Reserve Bourbon – 2 oz
- Sweet Vermouth – 1 oz
- Angostura Bitters – 2 dashes
- Cherry – 1 for garnish
- Applewood chips – 1 handful
Instructions
- Place applewood chips in a smoking gun or smoker box. Ignite until smoke appears.
- In a mixing glass, combine Woodford Reserve Bourbon, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters.
- Fill the glass with ice and stir for 30 seconds until well-chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe glass.
- Immediately cover the glass with the smoking gun or place under a cloche with smoke for 10 seconds.
- Garnish with a cherry on a skewer.
Finished cocktail boasts a velvety texture with a perfect balance of sweetness and smoke. Serve it alongside dark chocolate for an indulgent pairing.
Woodford Reserve Pecan Pie
Perfect for holiday gatherings, this Woodford Reserve Pecan Pie combines rich flavors with a crisp crust. Prep it ahead for stress-free entertaining.
Ingredients
- Pie crust – 1 (9-inch)
- Pecans – 2 cups
- Eggs – 3 large
- Corn syrup – 1 cup
- Brown sugar – 1 cup
- Woodford Reserve Bourbon – 2 tbsp
- Butter – 2 tbsp, melted
- Vanilla extract – 1 tsp
- Salt – ½ tsp
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Press pie crust into a 9-inch pie plate; trim edges.
- Spread pecans evenly over the bottom of the crust.
- In a bowl, whisk eggs until fully beaten.
- Add corn syrup, brown sugar, bourbon, melted butter, vanilla, and salt to eggs; mix well.
- Pour mixture over pecans in crust.
- Bake for 50 minutes or until center is set but slightly wobbly.
- Cool on wire rack for at least 2 hours before serving.
You’ll love the gooey center paired with crunchy pecans. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
Woodford Reserve BBQ Sauce
Savory meets sweet in this Woodford Reserve BBQ Sauce, perfect for grilling season. Its rich flavor elevates any meat instantly.
Ingredients
- Ketchup – 1 cup
- Woodford Reserve Bourbon – ½ cup
- Brown sugar – ¼ cup
- Apple cider vinegar – 2 tbsp
- Worcestershire sauce – 1 tbsp
- Garlic powder – 1 tsp
- Onion powder – 1 tsp
- Smoked paprika – ½ tsp
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk constantly until the mixture begins to simmer, about 5 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Remove from heat. Let cool for 10 minutes before using. Tip: The sauce thickens as it cools.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Tip: For a smoother sauce, blend after cooling.
Bold and smoky with a hint of sweetness, this sauce clings beautifully to ribs or chicken. Try brushing it on grilled peaches for a surprising dessert twist.
Woodford Reserve Whiskey Sour
Unwind with a classic twist on the whiskey sour, elevated by the smooth complexity of Woodford Reserve.
Ingredients
- Woodford Reserve Bourbon – 2 oz
- Fresh lemon juice – 1 oz
- Simple syrup – ¾ oz
- Egg white – 1
- Angostura bitters – 2 dashes
Instructions
- Combine Woodford Reserve Bourbon, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white in a shaker without ice.
- Shake vigorously for 15 seconds to emulsify the egg white.
- Add ice to the shaker and shake again for 10 seconds to chill the mixture.
- Strain into a chilled coupe glass to achieve a smooth texture.
- Gently dash Angostura bitters on top of the foam for aroma and presentation.
Great for sipping, this cocktail balances bold bourbon with tart lemon and sweet syrup, finished with a velvety foam. Serve it in a chilled glass to enhance its crisp, refreshing qualities.
Woodford Reserve Caramel Apple Tart
Delight in the rich flavors of this Woodford Reserve Caramel Apple Tart, a perfect blend of sweet and boozy notes. It’s a straightforward recipe that yields impressive results.
Ingredients
- Pie crust – 1
- Apples – 3, sliced
- Woodford Reserve – 2 tbsp
- Sugar – 1 cup
- Butter – 4 tbsp
- Egg – 1, beaten
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Roll out the pie crust and fit it into a 9-inch tart pan. Trim excess.
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add apples and sugar. Cook until apples are soft, about 10 minutes.
- Remove skillet from heat. Stir in Woodford Reserve. Let cool slightly.
- Arrange apple mixture over pie crust. Fold edges over apples.
- Brush crust with beaten egg. Bake for 25 minutes, or until golden.
- Let tart cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Zesty and rich, this tart features a crispy crust with a tender, boozy apple filling. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
Woodford Reserve Spiced Hot Toddy
Unwrap the cozy embrace of winter with a Woodford Reserve Spiced Hot Toddy, a spirited blend that warms from the inside out. Perfect for chilly evenings, this cocktail combines bourbon, honey, and spices for a soothing sip.
Ingredients
– Woodford Reserve Bourbon – 2 oz
– Honey – 1 tbsp
– Lemon juice – 1 tbsp
– Hot water – 1 cup
– Cinnamon stick – 1
– Cloves – 2
Instructions
1. Heat the water to 200°F in a small saucepan. Tip: Use a thermometer for precision.
2. Pour the hot water into a mug.
3. Add honey and stir until fully dissolved. Tip: Warm honey mixes easier.
4. Stir in lemon juice.
5. Add Woodford Reserve Bourbon.
6. Drop in the cinnamon stick and cloves. Tip: Lightly crush the cloves to release more flavor.
7. Let the mixture steep for 5 minutes.
8. Remove the cinnamon stick and cloves before serving.
Dive into the rich, aromatic flavors of this Hot Toddy, where the smoothness of bourbon meets the sweetness of honey and the zest of lemon. Serve it in a clear glass mug to admire its golden hue, garnished with a fresh cinnamon stick for an extra touch of warmth.
Woodford Reserve Bourbon Bread Pudding
Whiskey lovers, rejoice. This Woodford Reserve Bourbon Bread Pudding transforms stale bread into a decadent dessert with a kick.
Ingredients
- Bread – 6 cups, cubed
- Eggs – 4
- Milk – 2 cups
- Sugar – 1 cup
- Woodford Reserve Bourbon – ¼ cup
- Vanilla extract – 1 tsp
- Cinnamon – 1 tsp
- Butter – 2 tbsp, melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, sugar, bourbon, vanilla, and cinnamon until smooth.
- Add bread cubes to the bowl. Press down to ensure all bread is soaked. Let sit for 10 minutes.
- Pour mixture into the prepared dish. Drizzle melted butter over the top.
- Bake for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Velvety inside with a crispy top, this pudding pairs perfectly with vanilla ice cream. For an extra bourbon punch, drizzle with a bourbon caramel sauce.
Woodford Reserve Honey Glazed Ham
Some hams just stand out, and this Woodford Reserve Honey Glazed Ham is no exception. Perfect for gatherings, it’s sweet, savory, and irresistibly tender.
Ingredients
- Ham – 1 (8-10 lb) fully cooked, bone-in
- Woodford Reserve Bourbon – ½ cup
- Honey – 1 cup
- Brown sugar – ½ cup
- Dijon mustard – 2 tbsp
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F.
- Place ham on a rack in a roasting pan, fat side up.
- Score the ham in a diamond pattern, about ¼ inch deep.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine bourbon, honey, brown sugar, and mustard. Stir until sugar dissolves, about 3 minutes.
- Brush half of the glaze over the ham, getting into the scores.
- Bake ham, uncovered, for 1 hour.
- Brush remaining glaze over ham. Tip: For a deeper flavor, baste every 15 minutes.
- Continue baking until internal temperature reaches 140°F, about 30 more minutes. Tip: Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
- Let ham rest for 15 minutes before slicing. Tip: Resting ensures juices redistribute.
Luscious and glossy, this ham boasts a perfect balance of sweetness and bourbon warmth. Serve it sliced thin on a platter or piled high on biscuits for a Southern twist.
Woodford Reserve Whiskey Ginger Ale
A refreshing twist on a classic cocktail, the Woodford Reserve Whiskey Ginger Ale combines smooth bourbon with spicy ginger ale for a drink that’s both bold and easy to sip. Perfect for summer evenings or as a sophisticated nightcap.
Ingredients
– Woodford Reserve Bourbon – 2 oz
– Ginger ale – 4 oz
– Ice – 1 cup
– Lime wedge – 1
Instructions
1. Fill a highball glass with 1 cup of ice to chill the glass while you prepare the drink.
2. Pour 2 oz of Woodford Reserve Bourbon over the ice.
3. Top with 4 oz of ginger ale, gently stirring to combine without losing carbonation.
4. Squeeze the juice from 1 lime wedge into the glass and drop the wedge in for garnish.
5. Serve immediately with a straw for easy sipping. Tip: For a stronger ginger flavor, use a ginger beer instead of ginger ale. Tip: Always use fresh lime for the brightest flavor. Tip: Chill your glass beforehand to keep the drink colder longer.
Mixing Woodford Reserve with ginger ale creates a cocktail that’s smooth with a spicy kick. The lime adds a refreshing citrus note, making it ideal for pairing with grilled meats or enjoying on its own.
Woodford Reserve Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
Lusciously creamy with a hint of bourbon, this Woodford Reserve Vanilla Bean Ice Cream is a decadent treat. Perfect for summer evenings or as a sophisticated dessert.
Ingredients
– Heavy cream – 2 cups
– Whole milk – 1 cup
– Granulated sugar – ¾ cup
– Vanilla bean – 1
– Woodford Reserve Bourbon – 2 tbsp
– Salt – ¼ tsp
Instructions
1. Split the vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape out the seeds.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine heavy cream, milk, sugar, vanilla bean seeds, and salt.
3. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it reaches 170°F, stirring occasionally.
4. Remove from heat and stir in Woodford Reserve Bourbon.
5. Let the mixture cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
6. Pour the chilled mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s instructions, about 20-25 minutes.
7. Transfer the ice cream to a freezer-safe container and freeze until firm, about 4 hours.
Zesty with vanilla and bourbon, this ice cream boasts a smooth, velvety texture. Serve it atop warm apple pie or with a drizzle of caramel for an extra indulgent dessert.
Woodford Reserve Bacon-Wrapped Dates
Make these Woodford Reserve Bacon-Wrapped Dates for a sweet and savory bite that’s irresistibly easy. Perfect for parties or a fancy snack.
Ingredients
- Dates – 12
- Bacon – 6 slices
- Woodford Reserve – 2 tbsp
- Toothpicks – 12
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Cut each bacon slice in half crosswise to make 12 pieces.
- Pour Woodford Reserve over dates in a bowl. Let soak for 10 minutes. Tip: Soaking dates in bourbon enhances their flavor.
- Wrap each date with a piece of bacon. Secure with a toothpick.
- Arrange bacon-wrapped dates on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Tip: Space them evenly to ensure even cooking.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, until bacon is crispy. Tip: Check at 15 minutes to avoid overcooking.
- Remove from oven. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Outcome: These dates offer a delightful contrast of crispy bacon and soft, sweet centers with a hint of bourbon. Serve them warm for the best texture.
Woodford Reserve Bourbon Chili
Venture into a bold flavor journey with this Woodford Reserve Bourbon Chili. It’s a hearty dish with a kick, perfect for chilly evenings.
Ingredients
- Ground beef – 1 lb
- Woodford Reserve Bourbon – ¼ cup
- Tomato sauce – 1 can (15 oz)
- Kidney beans – 1 can (15 oz), drained
- Chili powder – 2 tbsp
- Cumin – 1 tsp
- Salt – ½ tsp
Instructions
- Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef. Cook until no pink remains, about 5 minutes.
- Drain excess fat. Tip: Leaving a little fat enhances flavor.
- Add the Woodford Reserve Bourbon. Stir well. Simmer for 2 minutes to cook off the alcohol.
- Pour in the tomato sauce. Stir to combine.
- Add the kidney beans, chili powder, cumin, and salt. Mix thoroughly.
- Reduce heat to low. Cover. Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Tip: Longer simmering deepens the flavors.
- Remove from heat. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving. Tip: This allows the chili to thicken slightly.
Lusciously thick and rich, this chili boasts a deep, smoky bourbon undertone. Serve over cornbread or with a dollop of sour cream for an extra layer of flavor.
Woodford Reserve Mint Julep
Venture into the refreshing world of bourbon with this classic Woodford Reserve Mint Julep. Perfect for summer sipping, it’s a blend of bold flavors and cool mint.
Ingredients
- Woodford Reserve Bourbon – 2 oz
- Fresh mint leaves – 10
- Simple syrup – ½ oz
- Crushed ice – 1 cup
Instructions
- In a julep cup or glass, gently muddle 8 mint leaves with the simple syrup to release the oils, being careful not to tear the leaves.
- Fill the cup halfway with crushed ice, then pour in the Woodford Reserve Bourbon.
- Stir the mixture well for about 15 seconds to combine and chill the drink.
- Top with more crushed ice to fill the cup, forming a small mound above the rim.
- Garnish with the remaining 2 mint leaves by lightly slapping them between your hands to release their aroma before placing on top.
- Serve immediately with a straw, instructing to sip through the mint for enhanced flavor.
The drink offers a crisp, invigorating mint freshness balanced by the smooth, oaky bourbon. For a twist, rim the glass with a mix of sugar and finely crushed mint before assembling.
Woodford Reserve Chocolate Bourbon Cake
Kickstart your dessert game with this Woodford Reserve Chocolate Bourbon Cake. It’s rich, boozy, and utterly irresistible.
Ingredients
- Flour – 1 cup
- Sugar – 1 cup
- Cocoa powder – ½ cup
- Baking powder – 1 tsp
- Salt – ½ tsp
- Eggs – 2
- Milk – ½ cup
- Vegetable oil – ¼ cup
- Woodford Reserve Bourbon – ¼ cup
- Vanilla extract – 1 tsp
- Boiling water – ½ cup
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
- Mix flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.
- Add eggs, milk, oil, bourbon, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes.
- Stir in boiling water. The batter will be thin. Tip: The hot water enhances the chocolate flavor.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Tip: Avoid opening the oven door too early to prevent sinking.
- Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Tip: For extra moisture, brush the warm cake with a little more bourbon.
Fluffy yet dense, this cake packs a punch with its deep chocolate and bourbon notes. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent twist.
Woodford Reserve Bourbon-Glazed Pork Chops
Mouthwatering and bold, these pork chops get a sweet, smoky kick from a bourbon glaze. Perfect for a quick yet impressive dinner.
Ingredients
- Pork chops – 4, bone-in, 1-inch thick
- Woodford Reserve Bourbon – ¼ cup
- Brown sugar – 2 tbsp
- Dijon mustard – 1 tbsp
- Salt – ½ tsp
- Black pepper – ¼ tsp
- Olive oil – 1 tbsp
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Season pork chops with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear pork chops for 3 minutes per side until golden brown. Tip: Do not move chops while searing to get a perfect crust.
- Remove skillet from heat. Transfer chops to a plate.
- In the same skillet, whisk bourbon, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard over low heat until sugar dissolves. Tip: Scrape up browned bits for extra flavor.
- Return pork chops to skillet, coating them with the glaze.
- Bake in oven for 10 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 145°F. Tip: Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Unbelievably tender, the glaze caramelizes into a sticky-sweet coating. Serve atop creamy mashed potatoes or with a crisp apple slaw for contrast.
Summary
Whiskey enthusiasts, your journey through the 19 Exquisite Woodford Reserve Recipes has been nothing short of a delightful adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out, these recipes offer a perfect blend of creativity and tradition. We’d love to hear which ones stole your heart—drop a comment below with your favorites and don’t forget to share the love by pinning this article on Pinterest. Cheers to your next culinary masterpiece!
