Hickory-Smoked Bourbon Turkey Recipe

Name: Hickory-Smoked Bourbon Turkey
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 (11 lb) whole turkey, thawed; 2 cups maple syrup; 1 cup Bourbon; 1 tablespoon pickling spices; hickory wood chunks; 1 large carrot, scraped; 1 celery rib; 1 medium onion, peeled and halved; 1 lemon; 1 tablespoon salt; 2 teaspoons pepper; mixed greens, to garnish; lemon wedge, to garnish

Servings: persons

1 (11 lb) whole turkey, thawed
2 cups maple syrup
1 cup Bourbon
1 tablespoon pickling spices
hickory wood chunks
1 large carrot, scraped
1 celery rib
1 medium onion, peeled and halved
1 lemon
1 tablespoon salt
2 teaspoons pepper
mixed greens, to garnish
lemon wedge, to garnish

1
Remove giblets and neck from turkey; reserve for other uses, if desired. Rinse turkey thoroughly with cold water, and pat dry.
2
Add water to a large stockpot, filling half full; stir in maple syrup, bourbon, and pickling spice. Add turkey and, if needed, additional water to cover. Cover and chill turkey 2 days.
3
Soak hickory wood chunks in fresh water at least 30 minutes. Prepare charcoal fire in smoker; let fire burn 20 to 30 minutes.
4
Remove turkey from water, discarding water mixture; pat dry. Cut carrot and celery in half crosswise. Stuff cavity with carrot, celery, and onion. Pierce lemon with a fork; place in neck cavity.
5
Combine salt and pepper; rub mixture over turkey. Fold wings under, and tie legs together with string, if desired.
6
Drain wood chunks, and place on coals. Place water pan in smoker, and add water to depth of fill line. Place turkey in center of lower food rack; cover with smoker lid.
7
Cook 6 hours or until a meat thermometer inserted into thickest portion of turkey thigh registers 180u00b0, adding additional water, charcoal, and wood chunks as needed. Remove from smoker, and let stand 15 minutes before slicing. Garnish, if desired.

390

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Feel free to swap in similar ingredients you already have on hand and adjust seasoning to taste.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 13 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1 (11 lb) whole turkey, thawed, 2 cups maple syrup, 1 cup Bourbon, 1 tablespoon pickling spices, and more.

Yes, Hickory-Smoked Bourbon Turkey falls under the Meat & Poultry category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Hickory-Smoked Bourbon Turkey

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions