What you will need to get started:

For the turkey:

• 1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 onion, quartered
• 2-3 cloves of garlic
• 1 lemon, cut into quarters
• 4-5 sprigs of fresh thyme and rosemary

For the whiskey glaze:

• 1 cup whiskey (choose a quality bourbon or rye from along the trail!)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1/4 cup chicken or turkey broth

We recommend adding one of these bottles to this recipe:

Liberty Pole Spirits’ PA Bourbon

You can save on bottled spirits, cocktails, and tastings when you purchase one of our passes! Head out on a Whiskey Rebellion Trail adventure and find your favorites!

1. Preparing the Turkey:

• Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
• Rinse the turkey under cold water, and pat it dry with paper towels.
• Place the turkey on a rack in a roasting pan.

2. Seasoning the Turkey:

• Rub the turkey inside and out with softened butter, and then drizzle it with olive oil.
• Season the turkey generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper, both inside and out.
• Stuff the turkey cavity with onion, garlic, lemon quarters, and the fresh thyme and rosemary.

3. Roasting the Turkey:

• Place the turkey in the preheated oven and roast it according to the turkey’s size. As a general guideline, roast for about 15 minutes per pound.
• Baste the turkey with its own juices every 30 minutes to keep it moist and flavorful.

4. Making the Whiskey Glaze:

• While the turkey is roasting, prepare the whiskey glaze.
• In a saucepan, combine the whiskey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and chicken or turkey broth.
• Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook until it thickens, about 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally.

5. Applying the Whiskey Glaze:

• During the last 30 minutes of roasting, start applying the whiskey glaze to the turkey. Brush the glaze generously over the turkey every 10-15 minutes.
• Continue roasting until the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.

6. Rest and Serve:

• Once the turkey is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for at least 20-30 minutes before carving.
• Slice and serve your delicious, whiskey-glazed Thanksgiving turkey alongside your favorite holiday side dishes.

The whiskey glaze adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the turkey, with a hint of smokiness and sweetness. It’s sure to be a hit at your Thanksgiving dinner, and your guests will appreciate the creative twist on a classic holiday dish.