A bourbon marinade can be used on almost any type of meat, especially chicken or pork. This means the type of meat you are preparing could affect which one you buy. In addition to grilling with marinades, you may want to use this sauce as a dip or baste, so finding one that can be used in this way can be a good idea. If you like to experiment with different spices, you may want to consider a homemade marinade.
Bourbon can be between 80- and 100-proof, which means it contains 40 to 50 percent alcohol by volume. It does not matter what type of bourbon is in a marinade, as the alcohol will burn off after the meat has been cooked. Even though this is true, children or those who are taking certain medications should not consume bourbon marinade straight from the bottle because they may become intoxicated by doing so.
Vinegar, ketchup, and sugar might be good ingredients for a chicken marinade, while soy sauce or steak sauce might complement beef. Marinade for seafood could contain lemon and spices such as oregano. Ribs might taste best with a blend of Cajun seasonings and hot sauce in addition to the bourbon.
You can use a bourbon marinade in a number of ways, so your method of cooking can determine which one you use. If you are grilling with marinade, you may want one you can baste the meat in while it is cooking. When baking or broiling meats, one that is thick like a glaze could keep the food from drying out. Some marinades could also be used as a dip, which could be a good choice for deep-fried seafood or chicken.
After trying several brands, you can get an idea of what you like best about different sauces. If you are adventurous, you may want to take this information and use it to make a homemade marinade. This can normally be done with ingredients you already have on hand, so you do not need to spend a great deal of money at the store when trying a new recipe. No matter what combination of spices you prefer, a bourbon marinade can add flavor to any type of meat no matter how it is prepared.