23 Elegant Winter Bourbon-Glazed-Ham Recipes That Impress

Posted on November 27, 2025

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Introduction

Winter gatherings call for warm flavors, cozy aromas, and dishes that make the table feel special. Bourbon-glazed ham delivers all of that with its caramel-like sweetness and rich, smoky depth. Whether you’re hosting a large dinner or preparing a quiet seasonal meal, these 23 recipes bring fresh ideas, unique pairings, and inviting flavors that your guests will remember.

1. Classic Winter Bourbon-Glazed Holiday Ham


This classic version keeps the flavors simple and warm.

Ingredients

  • Ham: 1 whole (8–10 lb)
  • Bourbon: ½ cup
  • Brown sugar: ¾ cup
  • Honey: 3 tbsp
  • Dijon mustard: 2 tbsp
  • Garlic powder: 1 tsp
  • Black pepper: ½ tsp

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
  2. Score the ham’s surface in a diamond pattern.
  3. Whisk bourbon, sugar, honey, mustard, garlic, and pepper.
  4. Brush glaze over ham and place in roasting pan.
  5. Bake 2–2½ hours, brushing with glaze every 30 minutes.
  6. Rest 10 minutes before slicing.

How to Serve It

Add fresh thyme and orange slices for color.

2. Maple-Bourbon Winter Ham with Spiced Crust


A comforting sweet-spiced version perfect for cold evenings.

Ingredients

  • Ham: 9 lb
  • Maple syrup: ½ cup
  • Bourbon: ⅓ cup
  • Brown sugar: ½ cup
  • Cinnamon: 1 tsp
  • Cloves: ½ tsp
  • Butter: 2 tbsp

Instructions

  1. Heat oven to 325°F (163°C).
  2. Melt butter with maple syrup, sugar, bourbon, cinnamon, and cloves.
  3. Glaze ham and bake 2 hours, basting often.
  4. Increase heat to 400°F (204°C) for final 15 minutes.

How to Serve It

Pair with roasted apples or pears.

3. Orange-Bourbon Holiday Ham with Citrus Steam

Bright citrus adds fresh winter character.

Ingredients

  • Ham: 8–10 lb
  • Orange juice: 1 cup
  • Bourbon: ⅓ cup
  • Honey: ¼ cup
  • Brown sugar: ½ cup
  • Ginger powder: 1 tsp

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
  2. Mix juice, bourbon, honey, sugar, and ginger.
  3. Pour over ham and bake 2½ hours.
  4. Broil 3 minutes for a glossy finish.

How to Serve It

Garnish with fresh orange zest.

4. Cranberry-Bourbon Winter Ham

A slightly tart glaze that shines in winter menus.

Ingredients

  • Ham: 10 lb
  • Cranberry sauce: 1 cup
  • Bourbon: ¼ cup
  • Brown sugar: ½ cup
  • Soy sauce: 1 tbsp
  • Garlic: 2 cloves, minced

Instructions

  1. Mix cranberry, bourbon, sugar, soy, and garlic.
  2. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
  3. Brush glaze on ham and roast 2–2½ hours.
  4. Add remaining glaze during final 20 minutes.

How to Serve It

Sprinkle fresh rosemary for fragrance.

5. Smoky Bourbon-Molasses Winter Ham

Rich and bold with a smoky finish.

Ingredients

  • Ham: 9–11 lb
  • Molasses: ⅓ cup
  • Bourbon: ½ cup
  • Smoked paprika: 1 tsp
  • Brown sugar: ½ cup
  • Butter: 1 tbsp

Instructions

  1. Melt molasses, bourbon, butter, sugar, and paprika.
  2. Preheat oven 325°F (163°C).
  3. Glaze ham and bake 2 hours.
  4. Reapply glaze twice during cooking.

How to Serve It

Serve with roasted sweet potatoes.

6. Honey-Bourbon Caramelized Winter Ham

A glossy, sticky finish that everyone loves.

Ingredients

  • Ham: 8 lb
  • Honey: ½ cup
  • Bourbon: ⅓ cup
  • Brown sugar: ½ cup
  • Mustard: 2 tbsp

Instructions

  1. Combine honey, bourbon, sugar, and mustard.
  2. Bake ham at 325°F (163°C) for 2 hours.
  3. Brush glaze every 25 minutes.

How to Serve It

Add toasted pecans on top.

7. Apple-Bourbon Winter Ham with Spiced Juice

A mellow fruit flavor for cozy dinners.

Ingredients

  • Ham: 9 lb
  • Apple juice: 1 cup
  • Bourbon: ¼ cup
  • Brown sugar: ½ cup
  • Cinnamon: ½ tsp
  • Nutmeg: ¼ tsp

Instructions

  1. Mix juice, bourbon, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  2. Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 2½ hours.
  3. Baste often.

How to Serve It

Serve with warm apple slices.

8. Brown Butter Bourbon Ham

Brown butter adds depth and warmth.

Ingredients

  • Ham: 10 lb
  • Browned butter: 3 tbsp
  • Bourbon: ⅓ cup
  • Maple syrup: ¼ cup
  • Brown sugar: ½ cup

Instructions

  1. Brown the butter until nutty.
  2. Whisk with bourbon, syrup, and sugar.
  3. Roast ham 2–2½ hours at 325°F (163°C).
  4. Baste generously.

How to Serve It

Garnish with fresh thyme.

9. Pomegranate-Bourbon Winter Ham

A jewel-toned glaze with seasonal flair.

Ingredients

  • Ham: 9 lb
  • Pomegranate juice: ¾ cup
  • Bourbon: ¼ cup
  • Honey: 3 tbsp
  • Brown sugar: ⅓ cup

Instructions

  1. Heat juice, bourbon, sugar, and honey.
  2. Bake ham 2 hours at 325°F (163°C).
  3. Glaze again before broiling 2 minutes.

How to Serve It

Scatter fresh seeds for color.

10. Ginger-Bourbon Glazed Winter Ham

A warm, slightly spicy winter twist.

Ingredients

  • Ham: 8–10 lb
  • Fresh ginger: 1 tbsp, grated
  • Bourbon: ½ cup
  • Soy sauce: 1 tbsp
  • Honey: ¼ cup
  • Brown sugar: ½ cup

Instructions

  1. Mix ginger, bourbon, soy, honey, and sugar.
  2. Bake ham 2½ hours at 325°F (163°C).
  3. Brush glaze often.

How to Serve It

Add sliced green onions for brightness.

11. Brown Sugar Bourbon Ham with Clove Steam

A holiday classic with warm spices.

Ingredients

  • Ham: 10 lb
  • Brown sugar: 1 cup
  • Bourbon: ½ cup
  • Whole cloves: 10–12
  • Butter: 2 tbsp

Instructions

  1. Stud ham with cloves.
  2. Melt sugar, bourbon, and butter.
  3. Bake 2½ hours at 325°F (163°C).

How to Serve It

Serve with orange slices.

12. Bourbon-Peach Winter Ham

A fruity glaze with gentle sweetness.

Ingredients

  • Ham: 8 lb
  • Peach preserves: ¾ cup
  • Bourbon: ⅓ cup
  • Brown sugar: ¼ cup

Instructions

  1. Combine preserves, bourbon, and sugar.
  2. Glaze ham and bake 2 hours at 325°F (163°C).
  3. Brush twice during baking.

How to Serve It

Add grilled peach wedges.

13. Spicy Bourbon-Chili Winter Ham

Adds a gentle kick for spice lovers.

Ingredients

  • Ham: 9 lb
  • Bourbon: ⅓ cup
  • Chili paste: 1 tbsp
  • Honey: ¼ cup
  • Brown sugar: ½ cup

Instructions

  1. Mix all glaze ingredients.
  2. Roast ham 2½ hours at 325°F (163°C).
  3. Brush glaze frequently.

How to Serve It

Add sliced red chilies for visual contrast.

14. Vanilla-Bourbon Winter Ham

Smooth vanilla adds comforting depth.

Ingredients

  • Ham: 10 lb
  • Vanilla bean: 1, split
  • Bourbon: ½ cup
  • Honey: ¼ cup
  • Brown sugar: ½ cup

Instructions

  1. Scrape vanilla seeds into bourbon mixture.
  2. Bake ham 2 hours at 325°F (163°C).
  3. Brush every 30 minutes.

How to Serve It

Add vanilla-roasted pears.

15. Caramel-Bourbon Winter Ham

Perfect for diners who love rich sweetness.

Ingredients

  • Ham: 8 lb
  • Caramel sauce: 1 cup
  • Bourbon: ¼ cup
  • Butter: 1 tbsp

Instructions

  1. Melt caramel with bourbon and butter.
  2. Bake 2 hours at 325°F (163°C).
  3. Brush glaze often.

How to Serve It

Serve with toasted walnuts.

16. Herb-Bourbon Winter Ham

Balanced, fragrant, and cozy.

Ingredients

  • Ham: 9 lb
  • Bourbon: ⅓ cup
  • Honey: 3 tbsp
  • Brown sugar: ½ cup
  • Fresh rosemary: 1 tbsp
  • Thyme: 1 tbsp

Instructions

  1. Combine glaze and herbs.
  2. Roast ham 2½ hours at 325°F (163°C).
  3. Baste generously.

How to Serve It

Top with fresh herbs before slicing.

17. Plum-Bourbon Winter Ham

A rich, gourmet fruit twist.

Ingredients

  • Ham: 9 lb
  • Plum preserves: ¾ cup
  • Bourbon: ⅓ cup
  • Brown sugar: ⅓ cup

Instructions

  1. Mix plum preserves, sugar, and bourbon.
  2. Bake ham 2 hours.
  3. Brush often.

How to Serve It

Add roasted plums.

18. Brown Sugar Bourbon Ham with Toasted Mustard Seeds

A textured, flavorful crust.

Ingredients

  • Ham: 10 lb
  • Brown sugar: 1 cup
  • Bourbon: ½ cup
  • Mustard seeds: 1 tsp
  • Dijon mustard: 1 tbsp

Instructions

  1. Heat glaze until mustard seeds pop.
  2. Brush over ham.
  3. Bake 2½ hours at 325°F (163°C).

How to Serve It

Add fresh dill.

19. Fig-Bourbon Winter Ham

A deep and cozy flavor profile.

Ingredients

  • Ham: 10 lb
  • Fig jam: ¾ cup
  • Bourbon: ⅓ cup
  • Honey: 2 tbsp

Instructions

  1. Combine jam, bourbon, and honey.
  2. Roast ham 2 hours.
  3. Brush frequently.

How to Serve It

Pair with roasted chestnuts.

20. Cherry-Bourbon Winter Ham

A vibrant, fruity option for festive dinners.

Ingredients

  • Ham: 9 lb
  • Cherry preserves: 1 cup
  • Bourbon: ⅓ cup
  • Brown sugar: ¼ cup

Instructions

  1. Mix preserves, bourbon, and sugar.
  2. Bake ham 2½ hours.
  3. Add glaze during last 20 minutes.

How to Serve It

Garnish with cherries.

21. Cinnamon-Bourbon Winter Ham

Warm spices pair beautifully with bourbon.

Ingredients

  • Ham: 10 lb
  • Bourbon: ½ cup
  • Cinnamon: 1 tsp
  • Honey: ⅓ cup
  • Brown sugar: ½ cup

Instructions

  1. Mix glaze ingredients.
  2. Bake ham 2–2½ hours at 325°F (163°C).
  3. Brush several times.

How to Serve It

Add whole cinnamon sticks to the platter.

22. Caramelized Onion-Bourbon Winter Ham

Sweet onions bring a comforting layer of richness.

Ingredients

  • Ham: 9 lb
  • Caramelized onions: ½ cup
  • Bourbon: ⅓ cup
  • Brown sugar: ⅓ cup
  • Butter: 1 tbsp

Instructions

  1. Melt glaze with caramelized onions.
  2. Roast ham 2½ hours.
  3. Brush frequently.

How to Serve It

Add extra onions around the ham.

23. Winter Spice Bourbon Ham with Nutmeg & Allspice

A cozy spice blend ideal for cold nights.

Ingredients

  • Ham: 10 lb
  • Bourbon: ½ cup
  • Brown sugar: 1 cup
  • Nutmeg: ½ tsp
  • Allspice: ½ tsp
  • Honey: 2 tbsp

Instructions

  1. Mix glaze ingredients.
  2. Bake ham 2–2½ hours.
  3. Brush twice during roasting.

How to Serve It

Add a sprinkle of nutmeg before serving.

Conclusion

Winter meals feel special when you serve dishes that bring warmth, color, and inviting aromas to the table. These bourbon-glazed ham recipes offer fresh seasonal flavors and simple steps that anyone can follow. Save your favorites, try new variations, and share the ones that your family and friends enjoy the most.

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