How do you make caramel even better? Add bourbon! This homemade Bourbon Caramel Sauce is velvety smooth and will take any dessert to the next level!
Bourbon Caramel Sauce Ingredients
The ingredients for this bourbon caramel sauce are so simple, which is why I love making homemade caramel so much. A full list of ingredients with measurements for this recipe is available in the printable recipe card below.
- Light Corn Syrup– Corn syrup helps to prevent caramel sauce from being graining, acting as an interfering agent and preventing crystallization. It can be omitted, but there is a higher risk of crystals, especially after cooling.
- Sugar
- Water
- Heavy cream
- Vanilla
- Kosher salt
- Bourbon
Which Bourbon to Use
Bourbon itself already has a very caramel, vanilla-like flavor, so it’s perfect to use for baking or caramel making! But does it matter which kind of bourbon you use?
Bourbons that are high in rye usually have spicy flavors that are better when used with savory things like salad dressings and sauces. But because we are making something sweet in this bourbon caramel sauce, you will want to use a bourbon that is wheated. Wheated bourbons tend to be a bit sweeter, so they will enhance the already sweet flavors of things like fruits and desserts.
Here are a few examples:
- Makers Mark
- Woodford Reserve
- Redemption
- WL Weller
- Pappy Van Winkle
- Larceny
Perfect Pairings
You can put this bourbon caramel sauce on just about anything you’d like to! I personally like adding it to ice cream, especially salted caramel ice cream, butter ice cream or just plain vanilla ice cream!
It tastes great on desserts beyond ice cream too. Apple cake, donut bread pudding, rice pudding and grilled peaches are all great options.
Bourbon Caramel Sauce
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
- 1/4 cup bourbon
Instructions
- In a large, heavy bottom saucepan, combine the 2 cups sugar, 1/2 cup water and 1 tablespoon light corn syrup over medium-low heat. Stir until the sugar starts to dissolve.
- At this point, stop stirring and just gently swirl or allow to simmer. The mixture will start to turn into an amber, caramel color.
- Remove from the heat and whisk in the 1 cup heavy cream. Be careful because it spits a little.
- After the cream is fully incorporated, whisk in the 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon coarse kosher salt and 1/4 cup bourbon. Return to low heat for 1 minute.
- Remove and allow to cool before serving.
- If you’ve tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the comments or ratings.
Notes
Nutrition
Storage and Freezing
Store any leftovers in the refrigerator in a glass jar or other airtight container for about one week.
Freezing is not recommended. It will not thaw to the same consistency. However, if you do, make sure to freeze it in a container that is NOT glass.
More Delectable Caramel Recipes
Whether in a dessert or drizzled on top, caramel is one of my favorite flavors! Here are some of my caramel favorites.
So many desserts to use this on, or just grab a spoon!
This sauce is great! I had it on ice cream and loved it. With or without whipped cream and nuts, special occasion or all by myself, I’ll keep it around for a really lovely treat!
I can think of many uses for this delicious syrup. Yummy. Thanks for giving me a gift idea! 😊
I think I’ve just found my favourite way of getting tipsy, because I will be adding this sauce to EVERYTHING!
This caramel sauce was the perfect texture and so so smooth! I tried this on some new york cheesecake and it gave the dessert a whole new flavor! I can’t wait to try this on other things!
This sounds amazing! Love the addition of bourbon.
I could put this on everything!
I am making a new rule at myself. From now on there MUST be a jar of this sauce in my fridge at all times!
That is a good rule.
Bourbon? I’ll eat this with a spoon!
I’ll take a double! i mean, this looks fantastic! I’m always looking for fun coffee stir ins!