Bourbon Glazed Carrots

Hey, yo! Carrots got a drankin’ problem, y’all.  I love you, man!  Yes, drunken carrots, we love you, too.

I first heard of these whiskey-glazed carrots from a friend after they had made them for Thanksgiving.  I was all: I LOVE butter.  I LOVE whiskey.  I LOVE a tender carrot.  Put all these loves together in one lovely dish, and well, you got you some drunk carrots.

While I first heard of these as a holiday side, I think you will agree with me (once you taste them) that they’re good for any ol’ day.

Whiskey Or Bourbon Carrots?

We should talk about this since most folks think that whiskey and bourbon are the same. They are very similar, but the main difference is this:

Whiskey And Bourbon Are Not The Same, But All Bourbon Is A Type Of Whiskey. 

• Whiskey is distilled spirits made from fermented grain mash and aged in wooden barrels.  It is produced worldwide and varies in style, ingredients, and production methods.

• Bourbon is a specific type of American whiskey with strict legal requirements. Here are the musts:

  • Made in the United States.

  • Contains at least 51% corn in the mash bill.

  • Aged in new, charred oak barrels.

  • Distilled at no more than 160 proof and entered into the barrel at no more than 125 proof. (WOW!)

  • Bottled at at least 80 proof with no added flavors or coloring. 

Bourbon has a distinctly sweet, full-bodied flavor, that is different from other whiskies. 

Tl;dr: bourbon is a kind of whiskey, but not all whiskey qualifies as bourbon.  

Drunk Carrots

As you can see, it’s a matter of choice. And honestly, while we know the difference between whiskey and bourbon, those two words are used interchangeably here (THE HORROR!) Use what ya like.

Drunk carrots – as as some call them: drunken carrots – are amazing no matter the descriptors used!

Maple Bourbon Glazed Carrots

I started concocting my own little recipe in my head: whiskey, butter, carrots.  It’s like I’m an evil genius, or something.  Of course, the Internet is awash with whiskey-fied carrot recipes almost identical to the one I was designing, so I did a little research and discovered that the Pioneer Woman and I have something in common: we see whiskey and think: MORE BUTTER!  Or, is that me and Paula Deen? 

This recipe also has brown sugar which lends to the maple notes.

You could use a flavored whiskey for other notes, but, again, you do you.

Either way, you’re gonna love this recipe.  Hell, I’ll go as far to say that you’ll love this recipe even if you don’t like whiskey with your shoot-em ups!

FYI for new cooks, or for my Baptist friends: the alcohol evaporates during cooking, leaving behind the sinful flavors.  No worries; no one will be actually imbibing.  Also, if you don’t want a big ol’ bottle of whiskey hanging ’round afterwards, just ask your Catholic friends to bring you a small portion from their giant stash for cooking.

Religion humor!

Continue to Content

Bourbon Glazed Carrots

Yield: 2 pounds

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

These bourbon glazed carrots are fancy enough for any holiday table, and perfect for every day eats.

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Ingredients

• 1 stick Butter, Divided
• 2 pounds (to 3 Pounds) Carrots, Peeled And Cut Into Thick Circles
• 1/2 cup Whiskey (I used Maker's Mark 46 for a complex flavoring)
• 3/4 cups (to 1 Cup) Brown Sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon (to 1 Teaspoon) Salt
• Freshly Ground Pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over high heat. Add carrots in two batches, cooking for 60-90 seconds each batch. Remove from skillet.
2. Pour in whiskey and allow to evaporate 30 seconds. Reduce heat to medium, and add remaining butter. When butter melts, sprinkle brown sugar over the top. Stir together, then add carrots to skillet. Cover, and continue cooking for 5 minutes.
3. Remove lid and add salt and pepper. Continue cooking until carrots are done and glaze is thick, about 5 more minutes.
4. Pour onto a platter and serve immediately.

Notes

Source: Pioneer Woman's Whiskey-Glazed Carrots www.pioneerwoman.com

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 177Total Fat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 4mgSodium: 219mgCarbohydrates: 32gFiber: 3gSugar: 27gProtein: 1g

Nutrition information isn’t always accurate

Original Post: April 21, 2014 ~ Updated Post: January 19, 2026

There you have it.  Whiskey + butter + plus religion = Drunk Carrots!

If you try these Bourbon Glazed Carrots please come back and tell us! 

Peace be with you, my brothers and sisters in carrot unity!

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