- 09/19/2023
Expert Tips for Grilling with Pendleton® Whisky
Bring along Pendleton® Whisky on your grilling adventures—everything’s just better that way.
Deep into grilling season, we’re ready to let you in on a little secret: grilling and whisky go hand-in-hand. Well, maybe that’s not a secret. From The World Championship Invitational Barbecue to whisky marinades and barbecue sauces to smoking meats with whisky barrel chips, grilling and whisky are a top notch pair.
There are two ways to bring these good buddies together: cooking with Pendleton® Whisky as part of a savory grill recipe, or enjoying a Pendleton® Whisky cocktail while preparing your grill favorites.
Let’s start out with the only Pendleton® Whisky recipe for the grill you really need:
Pendleton® Whisky Grilling—This Is How It’s Done in the Wild West
Pendleton® Whisky-infused grilling is all about the marinade: with a sturdy marinade, all the work of getting that rich, savory flavor is done for you.
Here’s a recipe we like for a steak marinade that’s cowboy-approved—rugged, untamed, maybe a little ornery, and also a bona fide classic:
INGREDIENTS
- 2/3 cup Pendleton® Whisky Original
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp dark brown sugar
- 2-3 green onions or scallions, thinly sliced
- 2-3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tsp sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 1- to 1 ½-inch thick t-bone steaks
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
INSTRUCTIONS
- In a medium bowl, whisk together Pendleton® Whisky, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, dark brown sugar, green onion, garlic, salt, and freshly ground black pepper, until brown sugar has completely dissolved. Place steaks in a sealable plastic bag, then pour in marinade and add rosemary sprigs. Gently massage bag to coat steaks.
- Refrigerate for 2+ hours, flipping the bag once to ensure even distribution. Remove bag 30 minutes prior to grilling, to bring steaks to room temperature.
- Remove steaks from bag and transfer marinade to a small saucepan. Simmer marinade until it thickens and keep warm.
- Preheat grill to high heat. Sear steaks on each side for 1-2 minutes, for suitable grill marks. Lower the heat to medium and cook to desired temperature and doneness.
- Allow steaks to rest for 5 minutes, then serve with cooked whisky sauce and sides.
And now here’s how you can wet your whistle while you’re getting your grilling on:
Make Grilling Special with Pendleton® Whisky
Grilling season is known in some parts as “outdoor drinking season,” when sunny days and warm nights make for perfect sipping weather. On these occasions, some folks like their margaritas and their sangrias, and that’s fine.
We prefer adult beverages that celebrate the spirit of the American Cowboy and honor a heritage that inspires us to live boldly, drink well, and taste the moment. But the only real tip is to enjoy yourself.
Here’s a handful of cocktails that’ll put you in just the right grilling headspace:
- You can’t go wrong with a Canadian Old Fashioned, it’s got that classic flavor that’ll give your tastebuds a kick.
- Our Cinnamon Re-Ride is a bit like a buckin’ bronco, with a blend of tasty flavors that don’t quit.
- Look up “summer sippin’” in the dictionary, and you’ll find our Fine & Dandy.
- Okay, a margarita makes the cut with our Rodeo Rita: it’s where Northwest and Southwest come together around the fire.
- Try the Mule Wrangler, it’s the perfect tall drink to keep you cool next to the grill.
- Even if you prefer your whisky neat, a grilling session is the ideal occasion to go rogue with a pour of Pendleton® Whisky Original over a couple of ice cubes to cut through the seasonal heat.
Take a gander at our Cocktails page to find more satisfying sippers that put a Pendleton® spin on the classics.
Savor the Golden Age of Grilling in America
Whether you’re the cook or just enjoying a drink (or both), we advise having a bottle of Pendleton® Whisky handy—shop Pendleton® Whisky for your next grilling session!
