Maker’s Mark celebrates this year’s World Bacon Day with an interesting fusion that is set to excite your senses. Specially created by Mr. Jamey Merkel, Mixologist for Beam Global Asia (BGA), here is a series of six bacon-infused Bourbon shooters that pairs the rich flavours of this handmade American bourbon whiskey with one of the most well-loved meats in the world.
The rich flavour of the Bourbon, thoughtfully complemented by the wonders of the bacon, will be further perfected by the delightful taste of orange, blueberry, tomato juices, amongst others.
The Bacon Infused Maker’s Mark Bourbon
What you need
• 2 packs of bacon (Maple Smoked Bacon blends well with bourbon!)
• 1 Maker’s Mark 750ml bottle
• 1 wide mouth jar
• Non-stick frying pan
• ¼ tablespoon oil
How do we begin:
• Add ¼ tablespoon oil to a non-stick pan. Fry bacon on low heat and in batches. Make sure not to burn the bacon to avoid a slight charred taste to the liquid.
• Collect the oil from every batch & wipe the pan clean with kitchen tissue. Be sure to remove burnt pieces in the pan.
• Set the oil aside & let it cool down to room temperature. You should render around 250-300ml of bacon fat with 2 packs of bacon.
• Strain the oil into a wide mouth jar. Add 750ml bourbon.
• Seal/close the jar tightly and shake for 10-20 seconds.
• Place the mixture inside the freezer to marry the flavours. Depending on how savoury the bacon is, leave mixture in freezer for between 2 to 3 days.
Harvesting the infused Bourbon:
• A layer of frozen fat will settle on top of the bourbon. Break the frozen fat layer with a sharp knife, being careful not to break them into small pieces, remove and discard.
• Strain the Bourbon into another container. Strain the liquid again with a coffee strainer.
• Pour it back in a clearly labelled bottle.
• Refrigerate when it’s not being consumed.
The American Breakfast (makes 2 shots)
30ml bacon infused Maker’s Mark
30ml orange Juice
½ egg white
Method: Shake and strain into shot glasses. Garnish with toast slice topped with bacon
Le Bacon Pizza (makes 2 shots)
30ml bacon Infused Maker’s Mark
30ml tomato juice
Dash of Italian spice
Method: Shake and strain into shot glasses. Garnish with mini pizza slice (wrap with melted mozzarella cheese)
Chocolate Cherry Bacon
15ml bacon infused Maker’s Mark
15ml bols Cacao Brown
15ml bols Cherry Brandy
Method: Shake and strain into shot glasses. Garnish with chocolate covered bacon slice
Bacon Pickle Back
30ml bacon infused Maker’s Mark
30ml pickle Juice
Method: Pour one shot of bacon Makers Mark and one shot of pickle brine. Garnish with pickle slice wrapped with bacon
Blueberry Pancake
15ml bacon infused Maker’s Mark
10ml bols Blueberry
10ml bols Advocaat
3 fresh blueberries
Dash of maple syrup (1 to 1)
Method: Shake and strain into shot glasses. Garnish with Aunt Jemima Mini Pancake
A Canadian in Kentucky
30ml bacon infused Maker’s Mark
10ml Maple syrup (1 to 1)
Dash of Angostura Bitters
Method: Shake and strain into shot glasses. Garnish with Candied Bacon
Photos and recipes courtesy of Beam Global Asia.