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Brown Butter Bourbon

A rich, nutty bourbon infusion made by browning butter and combining it with bourbon for a caramel-forward, restaurant-quality cocktail base.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 15 1.5 oz serving
Course: Drinks and Beverages
Cuisine: American
Calories: 65
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 1 cup unsalted butter 2 sticks
  • 750 ml bourbon whiskey one standard bottle
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt or kosher salt optional

Equipment

  • Heavy-bottomed saucepan
  • Instant-read or candy thermometer
  • Cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer
  • Glass measuring cup
  • Clean glass bottle or jar (750 ml capacity)
  • Spoon for stirring
  • Small funnel (optional)

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Cut the unsalted butter into small cubes for even browning.
  2. Step 2: Place the cubed butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat and melt slowly, about 5 minutes, without stirring.
  3. Step 3: As the butter melts, watch the milk solids sink and the liquid turn golden, about 6–8 minutes.
  4. Step 4: When the butter reaches a rich amber color and smells nutty, remove the pan from heat immediately.
  5. Step 5: Let the brown butter cool for 2 minutes at room temperature.
  6. Step 6: Strain the butter through cheesecloth or a fine-mesh strainer into a glass measuring cup, discarding solids.
  7. Step 7: Cool the strained brown butter to room temperature, about 30–45 minutes, or speed up with an ice bath for 10 minutes.
  8. Step 8: Using a small funnel, pour the cooled brown butter into a clean glass bottle.
  9. Step 9: Add the entire 750 ml bottle of bourbon to the bottle and stir gently to combine.
  10. Step 10: Stir in 1/4 teaspoon sea salt if desired, ensuring it dissolves evenly.
  11. Step 11: Cap the bottle and let it infuse at room temperature for 12–24 hours.
  12. Step 12: Before serving, gently shake or stir the bottle to recombine any separated butter.

Notes

Store in a sealed glass bottle in a cool, dark place for up to six months. Shake well before serving.