If there’s one thing that desserts pair well with, it’s alcohol. But we’re not talking just any type of grain alcohol. Sure, you could pair a pineapple upside-down cake with a splash of rum, but it’s not likely you’re going to include vodka or gin into the mix. Some alcohols just complement desserts better than others, especially a delicious dark bourbon.
Because bourbon takes on the characteristics of the barrel it ages in, it ends up with beautiful buttery caramel and vanilla notes, sometimes with a splash of spice. Those qualities make it ideal for pairing with desserts featuring, of course, vanilla, caramel, baking spice, and nuts. Fall desserts typically feature those flavors, including pumpkin, apple, and brown sugar desserts, making them the ideal candidate for a splash of bourbon.
Utilizing bourbon in a batter for a praline cake adds complexity to the dish, while adding it to a caramel sauce balances out the sweetness and makes it all the more interesting. And by adding it to your dessert, you’re setting the stage for the perfect experience, allowing you to serve a sipper of bourbon with dessert as the perfect end to a meal. If there’s a single dessert that truly owes its existence to bourbon, it has to be Kentucky bourbon balls.