Memorial Day weekend is knocking on the door, and for many of us, that means one glorious thing: firing up the grill! It’s a time for sunshine, good company, and, of course, mouthwatering food. But what if you could take your grilling game from "reliably tasty" to "unforgettably amazing" this year? The secret ingredient you might be missing is already in your craft spirits collection!
At New Deal, when we're developing a new craft spirit, not only do we consider how we can use it in cocktails. We're always considering the spirit from a culinary perspective, as well. With Memorial Day Weekend upon us, it's the perfect opportunity to explore how spirits can transform your grilled favorites into conversation-starting masterpieces.
Grab your apron and your jigger, because we've got five spirit-infused grill recipes that are perfect for every palate, from the spice-seeker to the sweet-and-savory lover.
Before we dive into the grill, let’s not forget to prep your bar cart! A refreshing cocktail sets the tone for a leisurely afternoon. Try a simple yet crowd-pleasing New Deal Moscow Mule, featuring our much-loved Ginger Liqueur!
Spice lovers, this one’s for you! These vibrant tacos feature succulent grilled shrimp glazed with a sweet and spicy combo of honey and New Deal Hot Monkey Vodka, known for its bold infusion of hot peppers. Forget just sipping this spicy spirit; imagine it infusing juicy pineapple chunks for 8 to 48 hours, then lending its fiery personality to a honey glaze that perfectly coats grilled shrimp.
Our Hot Monkey Vodka doesn't just bring heat; it adds a complex pepper flavor that marries beautifully with the sweetness of pineapple and honey. The heat from the vodka perfectly complements the sweetness of grilled pineapple and the cool crunch of cabbage slaw.
Another recipe that features the bold spice of Hot Monkey Vodka as its marinade base is Spicy Lime Grilled Pork. This recipe is all about bold flavors and bright, citrusy zing. A marinade of lime juice, garlic, and Hot Monkey Vodka delivers a smoky, peppery heat that penetrates the pork beautifully.
The technique of reserving the marinade and brushing it on the pork as it grills is key here. As the marinade tenderizes the pork, it also infuses it with a vibrant, spicy-sour-sweet flavor profile. It builds layers of flavor and ensures the pork stays moist and delicious.The heat is present but balanced, allowing the pork and char from the grill to shine. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lime and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt right off the grill for a burst of freshness.
Serve alongside a crisp, chilled cucumber salad or grilled corn with lime butter to balance the spice.
Looking for a plant-based option that doesn’t skimp on flavor? Vegetarians and omnivores alike will rejoice over these Ginger-Soy Grilled Tempeh and Vegetable Skewers. The secret weapon? New Deal Ginger Liqueur. This isn't your average ginger bite; it's a nuanced, aromatic liqueur that brings both warmth and a touch of sweetness.
These colorful skewers feature marinated tempeh and fresh veggies like asparagus, zucchini, and spring onions.
Feel free to substitute bell peppers, yellow squash, red onions, and grape or cherry tomatoes. In the marinade for the tempeh, the Ginger Liqueur works alongside soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil to create a rich, umami-packed coating.
As the skewers grill, the liqueur helps achieve a beautiful caramelization and a subtle spicy kick that elevates humble vegetables and tempeh to star status. This recipe demonstrates how liqueurs can be incredibly versatile in savory cooking, contributing to both flavor depth and texture (hello, caramelization!). Don't forget to reserve some of that marinade for brushing during grilling – it intensifies the flavor wonderfully. Serve with steamed rice and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a complete, satisfying meal.
Next up in our Ginger Liqueur-infused grilling tour is this delectable Grilled Chicken with Sweet Ginger Glaze. Once again, Ginger Liqueur steps into the spotlight, this time creating a luscious glaze that hits all the right notes—savory, sweet, and just a bit zesty. The Ginger Liqueur is simmered with honey and a touch of chili paste, then whisked with miso for an umami-rich, sweet, and spicy glaze. The glaze reduces to a beautiful consistency, clinging to the chicken as it grills and caramelizing to perfection. Serve hot off the BBQ with grilled veggies at your cookout. Refrigerate leftover chicken and slice it over a salad for a lighter, yet incredibly flavorful, lunch option.
No Memorial Day cookout is complete without ribs, but these Grilled Baby Back Ribs with Cherry-Bourbon BBQ Sauce are a cut above. Smoky, sticky, and unapologetically indulgent—these ribs are the star of any cookout. The secret weapon? Distiller’s Reserve Bourbon Whiskey, which brings a smooth, caramel richness to the homemade cherry BBQ sauce. The bourbon’s notes of vanilla and toasted oak perfectly balance the sweet-tart cherries and smoky grilled meat.
The recipe calls for cooking down fresh cherries with shallots, spices, and a generous splash of the bourbon, creating a sauce that's smoky, sweet, tangy, and utterly addictive.
Making your own BBQ sauce is a game-changer, and incorporating a quality bourbon takes it to the next level. This recipe involves a rub for the ribs and a pre-cooking stage in the oven to ensure they're fall-off-the-bone tender before hitting the grill to get that perfect char and caramelized sauce. And, don’t forget to save a little extra sauce for dipping!
If you can't get your hands on a bottle of our Distiller's Reserve Bourbon, we recommend substituting 40 Acres Straight Rye Whiskey. This rye whiskey is the first release in our distiller, Karl's, lineup of Oregon Wine-barrel finished whiskeys. The red wine barrels impart fruity notes, which meld with the cherries in the BBQ sauce.
This Memorial Day, don't just grill – create an experience! By incorporating our craft spirits into your recipes, you're not only adding unique and sophisticated flavors but also embarking on a fun culinary experiment. So, raise a glass (and a skewer) to good food, great company, and the art of spirit-infused grilling.
Ready to bring these recipes to life? Visit the New Deal Bottle Shop to pick up the craft spirits featured here and explore even more cocktail inspirations. Whether you’re a home chef or an aspiring mixologist, New Deal’s handcrafted lineup will take your Memorial Day Weekend from ordinary to unforgettable.
Cheers to good friends, great food, and a spirited start to summer! Happy Memorial Day!