Bourbon Cocktail Steak Marinade

Perfect for: Ribeye, NY Strip, or Sirloin

Ingredients

  • ½ cup bourbon (choose a smooth, caramel-forward bourbon)

  • ¼ cup soy sauce

  • ¼ cup fresh orange juice (or blood orange for extra depth)

  • 2 tbsp maple syrup (or brown sugar)

  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tsp smoked paprika

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

  • ¼ cup olive oil

  • 2 rosemary sprigs

Instructions

  1. Mix the Marinade: In a bowl or jar, whisk together bourbon, soy sauce, orange juice, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, smoked paprika, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking to emulsify.

  2. Marinate the Steak: Place your steak in a zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over and add rosemary,  ensuring even coverage. Seal and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, up to 12 hours.

  3. Prepare for Cooking: Remove steak from marinade and pat dry with paper towels. Let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before grilling or pan-searing.

  4. Cook to Perfection: Grill or sear your steak to your desired doneness. Rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.

  5. Serve & Enjoy: Pair with roasted potatoes, grilled veggies, or a bourbon-infused compound butter.

Chef’s Tip

For an extra smoky bourbon finish, reduce the leftover marinade in a saucepan until thickened, then brush over the steak just before serving. 

 
 
 
Chef David Wilmott

Chef • Author • Culinary Entrepreneur

Chef David A. Wilmott is the chef and creative force behind Forks247 and Forks & Flavors. Drawing from years in professional kitchens, catering, private dining, and restaurant experience, he brings chef-level thinking into everyday cooking through recipes, practical kitchen guidance, Kitchen Studio, and the Meal After Meal series. His approach is built around bold flavor, useful technique, and helping home cooks become more confident in the kitchen

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