Crank Up The Flavor Of Ribs With A Splash Of Booze

Is there anything more delightful than the prospect of indulging in the messy, melt-in-your-mouth, sweet and savory experience that is the joy of eating ribs? If there is, it's probably not nearly as fun as it sounds. When it comes to ribs –- and there are quite a few different types of ribs out there -– the possibilities are nearly endless for dressing up and cooking them to suit your taste preferences. If you're looking to truly amp up the flavor of your ribs, however, look no further than the liquor cabinet. A splash of booze is the perfect way to add a richer depth and complexity to the taste of your ribs, creating a remarkable rack that's worth boasting about.

Adding booze to your ribs is a simple and effective way to take the natural flavors of your meat and combine them with the distinct flavors of different spirits to elevate the overall taste. You can either marinate your ribs with it, use it in the context of a glaze or BBQ sauce, or try both! Contrary to popular belief, when you cook with liquor, the alcohol content does not always burn off entirely, which is important to remember when making food for large groups as not everyone consumes alcohol. Cooking with booze works for both beef and pork ribs, and there are many different spirits and flavor combinations you can try. It's time to fire up the grill and let your imagination run wild.

Looking at typical liquors you'd find in your home bar, among the most commonly used for BBQ and BBQ-style dishes would be whiskey, bourbon, and rum. Beer is also common for braising. With ribs, there are plenty of different spirit-inspired glazes you can try, or you can mix bourbon into your favorite homemade BBQ sauce. Rachael Ray even recommends her favorite whiskey for a bold BBQ sauce on baby back ribs. The natural woody sweetness and rich tones in whiskey and bourbon are excellent additions to any rack of ribs. The sugary base of a dark rum adds both sweetness and complexity to your ribs. 

Veering off the beaten path, there are other spirits you might find that make a surprising accompaniment to your rack of ribs. Tequila is typically synonymous with chicken and seafood, particularly alongside a citrus element to tenderize the protein. But it actually makes a wonderful pairing with beef or pork ribs as well, adding an element of earthy sweetness. With gin, you can get a little more fruity or botanical and try a rib marinade inspired by classic cocktails like a bramble. Going a step further, try a rib dish inspired by Polish stewed pork ribs called Żeberka, and add a splash of honey and vodka to your marinade. No matter how you choose to use booze with your ribs, it will provide a pleasant and distinct flavor that will complement your meal.