Hey, y'all! There are few southern appetizers that I love more than Bourbon Franks. It's that extra touch of Kentucky -- or, better said, the ¾ c. of bourbon -- that really takes them over the edge. This is a recipe that my family has made for generations and is the first official recipe in my #CookingLikeJJ Series. For those unfamiliar with the series, you can read more here.
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Bourbon Franks
Frequently Asked Questions
For my bourbon franks, I like to use cocktail smokies/ "Lil' Smokies". Many decades ago, my family used to cut up hotdogs for this recipe. However, I prefer using the small smoked sausages. They are the perfect size!
My go-to bourbon to have at the house is Woodford; that said, for cooking, I think it's best to use an inexpensive bourbon. I never cook with the bourbon that I drink!
For the best result, yes. The sauce will start very thin and will thicken up. The end result is almost jam-like - it fully coats the cocktail smokies and makes for the perfect consistency.
You can store these in the refrigerator for 3-5 days... if you are lucky enough to have leftovers!
Ingredients, Shopping List: Bourbon Franks
Meat: 1 lb. cocktail smokies (small size).
Condiments: Ketchup.
Produce: Vidalia onion.
For Cooking: Butter.
Dry Ingredients: Brown Sugar.
Seasonings: Garlic Powder.
Bourbon: Of choice.
How to Make Bourbon Franks
- Over medium heat, cook diced onion in butter for 5 minutes. Add ketchup, brown sugar, and bourbon. Simmer for 20-30 minutes.
- Add in cocktail smokies and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Bourbon Franks: Tips and Tricks
- Do not cook with the same bourbon that you drink; I always use lower-tier bourbon when cooking.
- Do not shorten the cook time; it is important to reach the correct consistency for the sauce.
- I like cooking the onions in butter; that said, you can also use extra virgin olive oil.
What To Serve with Bourbon Franks: Other Southern Appetizers
The Recipe
Bourbon Franks
Ingredients
- ¾ c. Kentucky bourbon
- 1 lb. cocktail smokies
- ½ vidalia onion chopped
- ½ c. ketchup
- ⅓ c. brown sugar
- 1 tbsp. butter
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
Instructions
- Over medium heat, cook diced onion in butter for 5 minutes. Add ketchup, brown sugar, and bourbon. Simmer for 20-30 minutes.
- Add in cocktail smokies and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Do not cook with the same bourbon that you drink; I always use lower-tier bourbon when cooking.
- Do not shorten the cook time; it is important to reach the correct consistency for the sauce.
- I like cooking the onions in butter; that said, you can also use extra virgin olive oil.
Nutrition
About the Series: Cooking Like JJ
My Auntie JJ was the quintessential southern woman. She was classy, tasteful, always refined; an amazing cook and hostess; and did everything that she balanced - teaching, running businesses, raising a family, and keeping an immaculate home - with ease. She is one of the main inspirations behind JCP Eats, as she was the one who taught me about timeless, southern food and entertaining. When JJ passed away, I planned this series as a way to pay homage to her 91 years here on Earth; in a way, it's a form of mourning - in another, it seems like my final gift to her. I hope y'all will enjoy this deep dive into the culinary archives of my family + Phelps Acres Farm. While I'll never be able to cook as good as JJ, I can only strive to cook like JJ (hence the title of the series). Learn more here.
Y’all come back now, ya hear?
My best,
JC
Keep Up With JCP Eats
Thank you so much for visiting the blog today! I’d love to keep in touch via social media. You can follow my content on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, Tik Tok, Twitter, and LinkedIn. I also author a sister website to JCP Eats, Unabashedly Southern, on which I write about southern lifestyle. Read Unabashedly Southern here.
Donna
Can this be done in a crockpot and how long? Thanks
JCP
Hi, Donna! Thank you so much for reaching out. Absolutely! I would personally cook them on high for roughly 45 minutes - 1 hour and reduce to low thereafter. They'd be ready to serve after that point. I hope you enjoy them!