Maker’s Mark Bourbon Memorial Day Recipes for the Grill and Backyard Bar

It’s time for barbeques, beaches, backyard dinner parties, and poolside cocktails. Yes, spring is here and summer is just around the corner! Whether grilling this Memorial Day or just taking some time to sit on the porch and enjoy the warm weather, Maker’s Mark has just the thing to delight and refresh. The Maker’s Mark Spring-Time Manhattan cocktail will wake up those taste buds with a classic drink adapted to melt away the winter blues. And, when entertaining lots of guests, try whipping up a batch of Maker’s Mark Fancy Bourbon Punch. It’s easy to make and pairs well with Maker’s Mark Kobe Beef Burgers. These delicious burgers created by Frites n’ Meats, the acclaimed New York-based food truck, puts a gourmet twist on everyone’s favorite Memorial Day meal.

Spring-Time Manhattan

Recipe Created by Josh Lewis, General Manager and Mixologist , Blush (Santa Barbara, CA)

1 ½ parts Maker’s Mark

½ parts Maurin Quina Liqueur

1 bar spoon Stirrings Ginger

4 dashes Peychauds Bitters

1 heaping bar spoon of Orange Marmalade

Method

1.    Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass.

2.    Fill with ice and shake until frost forms on the tin.

3.    Strain into chilled cocktail glass.

4.    Garnish with a fresh orange twist.

Fancy Bourbon Punch

Recipe by Matt Wallace, Mixologist, Seven Grand (Los Angeles, CA)

1 liter Maker’s Mark

1 cup granulated sugar

Peels of 3 lemons and 1 orange

Juice of peeled fruit

1 liter of strong tea (preferably green tea)

250 ml champagne (club soda can be used for a less fancy version)

Freshly grated nutmeg

1.    Combine sugar and citrus peels in the bottom of a punch bowl. Muddle together until sugar starts to clump together. Let sit for about 2 hours, (while not necessary, this does add a little complexity).

2.    Brew the tea for about 30 minutes, remove loose tea or tea bags, and allow to cool.

3.    Add the juice of the peeled fruit, tea, and Bourbon. Stir.

4.    Top with Champagne just before serving and stir gently. Top with freshly grated nutmeg and serve.

Hiassam and Ali Beydoun Recipe by Owners and Chefs, Frites N’ Meats

Prep Time: 4 hours.  Cook Time: 3 hours. Level: Easy.

Maker’s Mark Kobe Beef Burger

Serves 4

4 six-ounce Kobe beef hamburger patties (regular ground beef can be substituted)

½ cup plus 2 teaspoons Maker’s Mark

4 cloves garlic, finely minced

4 pieces plum tomatoes, cut in half lengthwise

2 teaspoons fresh thyme, minced

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

2 large onions, cut in half and thinly sliced with the grain

Salt and black pepper

Extra virgin olive oil

4 soft hamburger buns, brioche preferably

1.    Marinate the burger patties; Place them in a shallow baking dish and pour a ½ cup of Maker’s Mark over the burgers. Sprinkle the patties with ¼ of the minced garlic. Refrigerate for two hours, then flip the patties; sprinkle with another ¼ of the garlic. Refrigerate another two hours.

2.    While the burgers are marinating, preheat the oven to 300°F. Place the cut tomato halves on a parchment lined sheet tray, cut side up. Brush the tomatoes lightly with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, the minced thyme, and the remaining minced garlic. Place in the oven and allow the tomatoes to slow roast for about 1½-2 hours until they are slightly dehydrated and begin to color. Once the tomatoes have cooled, sprinkle 1 teaspoon of Maker’s Mark over the tomatoes. Refrigerate until needed.

3.    While the tomatoes are cooking, caramelize the onions. Heat a large sauté pan over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil and onions to the pan. Season the onions with salt and cook until they begin to soften, stirring often, about 10 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium and cook for 15 minutes more until they begin to break down more and color slightly. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook the onions, stirring occasionally, for roughly 2 hours, or until the onions caramelize deep golden brown. Add water to the pan as necessary if the onions begin to stick to the pan. Once the onions are cooked, transfer to a small container and stir in 1 teaspoon of Maker’s Mark. Refrigerate until needed.

4.    Heat the grill, grill pan, or griddle to high heat. Remove the burgers from the marinade, lightly brush both sides with olive oil, and season well with salt and pepper. Cook your burgers to desired doneness.

5.    To assemble, lightly toast bun if desired. Add the burger patty and top with caramelized onions and two pieces of tomatoes. Enjoy!