In a world full of tried-and-true food duos – peanut butter and jelly, tomato soup and grilled cheese, for starters – one really stands out for its delicious flavor fusion: bourbon and BBQ. With National Bourbon Day on June 14 and Father’s Day on June 18, a bourbon and BBQ feast curated by nationally recognized pitmasters is specifically calling Dad’s name…and his taste buds.
Chefs Mike Johnson (of Food Network fame) and Christina Fitzgerald, co-owners of the award-winning Sugarfire Smokehouse in St. Louis, curated a special BBQ menu featuring Rebel Yell Bourbon that is sure to leave Dad’s mouth watering for more.
· Their Bourbon Short Ribs feature Rebel Yell Bourbon, peach puree, pickled jalapeno juice, Worcestershire sauce, among other ingredients, and can be cooked in the oven.
· To complement the short ribs, they also concocted a ‘Tucky Sage cocktail, featuring Rebel Yell Bourbon and ginger beer; and for dessert, a Rebel Yell boozy bourbon shake with vanilla ice cream and caramel drizzle, topped with whipped cream and a slice of peppered bacon.
Chef Mike has been featured on Food Network’s “Beat Bobby Flay!” and “BBQ, Brews and ‘Que,” and Destination America’s “BBG Pitmasters.” He placed first in the 2015 Memphis in May World Championship (seafood), third in the 2015 World Food Championship (bacon), and third in the 2014 Memphis in May World Championship (poultry). Sugarfire Smokehouse has consistently been ranked best barbeque in St. Louis and now has six locations in the area.
