Peach Bourbon Glaze Recipe

This Peach Bourbon Glaze Recipe combines juicy peaches, bourbon, brown sugar, and warm spices for a sweet and savory sauce with just the right amount of tang. It’s an easy peach glaze that’s delicious brushed over ham, pork, or chicken, and it’s especially nice when fresh peaches are in season.

I love how the peaches cook down into a thick, flavorful glaze while the bourbon adds a little depth without overpowering the fruit. And since everything comes together in one saucepan, it’s an easy sauce to make when you want to add something special to a simple dinner.

One of my favorite things about this glaze is how versatile it is. Brush it over ham, pork, or chicken, spoon it over roasted vegetables, or serve a little on the side for dipping. The sweet peach flavor works so well with savory dishes, while the bourbon and warm spices give the sauce a little extra depth.

In the summer, we make it a tradition to visit a local peach orchard and pick fresh peaches. There’s nothing quite like a ripe peach picked right from the tree, and you can probably tell from my recipes just how much I love them!

Here are a few more of my favorite peach recipes:

• Peach Galette Recipe
• The Best Peach Cobbler
• Grilled Peaches Recipe

This peach bourbon glaze is a little different from a traditional smooth glaze. The fresh peaches give it a slightly chunky texture that’s almost like a chutney, while the bourbon, brown sugar, and spices create a sweet and savory sauce.

My husband especially loves it on grilled chicken, but it’s also delicious with pork and ham.

Why You’ll Love This Peach Bourbon Glaze

So many ways to use it: Brush it over chicken, pork, or ham, or serve it alongside roasted vegetables.

Fresh peach flavor: Fresh peaches are the star of this glaze and give it a wonderful texture and natural sweetness.

Sweet and savory: Brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar balance the sweetness of the peaches.

A splash of bourbon: Bourbon adds depth and warmth to the sauce without taking over the peach flavor.

Warm spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice add just enough spice and make this glaze especially nice for fall and holiday meals.

How to Use Peach Bourbon Glaze

One of the best things about this peach glaze is how many ways you can use it. The combination of sweet peaches, bourbon, and warm spices pairs especially well with chicken, pork, and ham.

Peach Bourbon Glaze for Ham

This glaze is delicious on baked ham, especially for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter. During the last 20 to 30 minutes of baking, brush a layer of warm peach bourbon glaze over the ham. Return it to the oven uncovered, then brush on another layer before serving.

Peach Bourbon Glaze for Pork

Peach and pork are such a good combination. Brush the glaze over pork tenderloin, pork chops, or ribs toward the end of cooking so the sugars in the glaze don’t burn. You can also warm a little extra glaze and serve it alongside the pork.

Peach Bourbon Glaze for Chicken

This is my husband’s favorite way to enjoy it! Brush the glaze over grilled or baked chicken during the last few minutes of cooking. I also like to serve some extra glaze on the side.

More Ways to Use This Peach Glaze

• Roasted vegetables: Spoon or drizzle a little glaze over roasted vegetables just before serving.
• Grilled peaches: Brush fresh peach halves with a little glaze toward the end of grilling for an extra layer of peach flavor.
• Sandwiches: Try a small amount as a spread on a turkey, chicken, or pork sandwich.

How to Make This Peach Glaze

This peach glaze has quite a few ingredients, but each one adds something to the sauce. You get sweetness from the peaches, preserves, brown sugar, and honey, balanced with tangy and savory ingredients and plenty of warm spices.

Ingredients

• Fresh Peaches: Fresh peaches give the glaze its fruity flavor and slightly chunky texture.
• Peach Preserves: Adds concentrated peach flavor, sweetness, and helps thicken the glaze.
• Bourbon: Adds warmth and depth that pairs especially well with the peaches and spices.
• Ketchup: Adds a little tang and gives the glaze a richer base.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Balances the sweetness with a touch of acidity.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a deeper caramel-like sweetness.
• Honey: Adds sweetness and helps give the finished glaze a glossy consistency.
• Soy Sauce: Adds a savory note that balances the sweeter ingredients.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds a little tang and sharpness.
• Ground Ginger: Adds a gentle warmth and spice.
• Cinnamon: Brings a warm flavor that works beautifully with peaches.
• Nutmeg: Adds another subtle layer of warm spice.
• Allspice: Rounds out the cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a soft vanilla flavor that complements the peaches and bourbon.

Instructions

Step 1 – Combine the Ingredients

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the peaches, peach preserves, bourbon, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, honey, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to combine.

Step 2 – Simmer the Glaze

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the peaches have softened and the glaze begins to thicken.

Stir in the vanilla extract and continue simmering for another 5 minutes.

Step 3 – Cool the Glaze

Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the peach bourbon glaze to cool slightly before using. The glaze will continue to thicken as it cools.

How to Store Peach Bourbon Glaze

Allow the glaze to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to use it, gently reheat the amount you need on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Can You Freeze Peach Bourbon Glaze?

Yes, you can freeze the glaze in an airtight, freezer-safe container. Leave a little room at the top for expansion, then thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Can You Can Peach Bourbon Glaze?

I don’t recommend home canning this peach bourbon glaze. This recipe hasn’t been tested specifically for safe home canning, and ingredients such as peaches, bourbon, soy sauce, and the other additions affect the acidity of the finished sauce. Instead, store it in the refrigerator or freeze it for longer storage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make Peach Bourbon Glaze Ahead of Time?

Yes. This is a great sauce to make ahead since the flavors have time to come together as it sits. Prepare the glaze, let it cool, and keep it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.

Does the Alcohol Cook Out of the Peach Bourbon Glaze?

Not necessarily. Simmering reduces some of the alcohol, but it shouldn’t be assumed that all of the alcohol cooks out. If avoiding alcohol is important, this recipe may not be the right choice.

Can I Use Frozen Peaches?

Yes. Frozen peaches can work when fresh peaches aren’t available. Thaw them first and drain off excess liquid before adding them to the saucepan so the glaze doesn’t become too watery.

More Peach Recipes to Try

If you have extra peaches or just love peach season as much as I do, here are a few more recipes you might enjoy:

• Peach Galette Recipe
• The Best Peach Cobbler
• Grilled Peaches Recipe

A Sweet and Savory Peach Glaze

I love how this Peach Bourbon Glaze Recipe turns fresh peaches into a sauce you can use in so many different ways. The combination of sweet peaches, bourbon, and warm spices is especially delicious with chicken, pork, and ham. I hope you get a chance to make a batch and find your own favorite way to serve it!

Cheers,

Photo Credits: MyPhotography.com