Bourbon Balsamic Syrup

By Mark Bittman

Bourbon Balsamic Syrup
Grant Cornett for The New York Times. Food stylist: Michelle Gatton. Prop stylist: Theo Vamvounakis.
Total Time
20 minutes
Rating
5(223)
Notes
Read community notes

Consider this a recipe for a classic steak sauce, updated; that’s bourbon syrup, made with real ingredients in a flash. Sure, you could buy a sauce at the grocery store, but making it yourself is quicker and tastier. Serve it alongside a grilled rib-eye.

Featured in: The Pleasure of a Steak at Home

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Ingredients

Yield:4 servings
  • 1cup balsamic vinegar
  • ½cup bourbon
  • Salt
Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (4 servings)

126 calories; 0 grams fat; 0 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 0 grams monounsaturated fat; 0 grams polyunsaturated fat; 11 grams carbohydrates; 0 grams dietary fiber; 10 grams sugars; 0 grams protein; 213 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Put the balsamic vinegar and bourbon in a small nonreactive pan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, then immediately lower the heat so the mixture bubbles gently.

  2. Step 2

    Cook, stirring occasionally, until the liquid reduces to about ½ cup, 15 to 20 minutes; it should coat the back of a spoon and will thicken a little more as it cools. Salt to taste, and serve warm or at room temperature.

Ratings

5 out of 5
223 user ratings
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Cooking Notes

Apples'nOranges

Please advise which brands of balsamic are best here.

Traci

Do not use a premium or syrupy balsamic when cooking down, affordable works well.

Nick

Fini brand balsamic vinegar is pretty good and won't set you back a car payment.

Chefanniestaheli

Herbed Polenta Cakes with wild mushrooms

absolut_foodie

I’ve made this twice and it’s amazing. The second time I added about 4 tablespoons of maple syrup to the mix then simmered and it added another note to the sauce. Fantastic and simple. Give it a try.

Pam

Any idea how long this would last? Could I make it for Christmas gifts?

Traci

Do not use a premium or syrupy balsamic when cooking down, affordable works well.

CTScan

Appreciate input on bourbon brand(s) ~ never really considered pairing one w/ balsamic vinegar.

Jill

This sounds so simple and amazing that I’m eager to try it, but I don’t eat meat. Any recommendations on other used for this sauce? Grilled vegetables, perhaps? Over (or under) a meaty piece of fish?

Chefanniestaheli

Herbed Polenta Cakes with wild mushrooms

absolut_foodie

I’ve made this twice and it’s amazing. The second time I added about 4 tablespoons of maple syrup to the mix then simmered and it added another note to the sauce. Fantastic and simple. Give it a try.

Laurel

This sauce was so easy and SO GOOD! I'll definitely be making this one again.

Apples'nOranges

Please advise which brands of balsamic are best here.

Nick

Fini brand balsamic vinegar is pretty good and won't set you back a car payment.

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