If you’re a regular reader of my blog, you know I use LOTS of different ingredients in my recipes. I’m open to any suggestions and ideas. When one of those ideas is alcohol, my ears perk up like a puppy dog. Tell me more.
A few weeks ago, Four Roses Bourbon reached out to me and asked if I’d be interested in trying some of their delicious bourbon in a recipe or two. I thought about that offer long and hard for several seconds before replying, “Um, yes.”
Then, by some great force of nature, one of my very talented, very creative friends that can flat out cook asked my family over to his house for dinner because he had a new recipe he wanted to try out on us. When I asked what that recipe was, his response floored me: Honey Bourbon Chicken Wings. I thought about his invitation long and hard for several seconds before replying, “Um, yes.”
So in a perfect marriage of ingredients and connections, my buddy Wes created this recipe with the help of my new friends at Four Roses, and the result is nothing short of superb. Delicious. Mouth watering.
Other than adding some smoke and my All Purpose Rub, I had very little to do with the creation of this happy deliciousness. If you wanted to get these wings a little juicier then you could brine them for a couple of hours.
All credit goes to Wes. We devoured these in rub and smoked them for about 90 minutes.
Then we seared them over direct high heat for just a few minutes until they were done. This helps finish them and crisp up that skin…and of course give those nice grill marks.
See How to Smoke Chicken Wings on a Weber Kettle for more information about how to set up your grill, etc.
A quick toss in the honey bourbon bbq sauce and they were ready for consumption. And consume them we did. Quickly. Fervently. Enjoyably. Needless to say there weren’t any leftovers.
If you DON’T try these, well, you’re stupid. These are sick good. And if you try them, I highly recommend using Four Roses. This is a smooth and tasty bourbon that I thoroughly enjoy. Of course, I recommend you have a glass or three to taste…you know…just in case. Wes and I did, but we’re also very thorough cooks. We didn’t want to leave anything to chance.
Thank you, Wes, for this divinely inspired Smoked Honey Bourbon Chicken Wings recipe.

Smoked Honey Bourbon Chicken Wings
Ingredients
- About 50 wings/drummies
- 1/4 c All Purpose Rub
For Sauce
- 16 oz BBQ Sauce
- 1/2 c honey
- 1/2 c brown sugar
- 2 tbs chili powder
- 2 tbs butter
- 1 tsp dried minced garlic
- 2 tsp dried minced onion
- 4 oz bourbon
- 4 oz Frank's Hot Sauce
Instructions
- Combine all Sauce ingredients in a sauce pan and bring to a simmer. Set aside.
- Set up grill for indirect cooking or use your smoker
- Cover wings with rub
- Smoke for about 90 minutes at 225 using fruit woods
- Sear over direct heat for just a couple minutes.
- Dump on/Mix/Stir the sauce with the wings and serve!
My first attempt with a new smoker! You guys nailed it!!! So good! Did some jalapeño poppers to go with, and they did not disappoint! 🤘🏻
This is a wonderful and simple recipe. I made a lower carb version of this by replacing the sugar with a half teaspoon of stevia. It was heavenly. I will definitely be making this again. Thanks.2 people found this helpful.
Looks great! Do you think searing the wings off after smoking a saucing would add to the flavor of the sauce?
Absolutely. I think sear, sauce, sear, then a bit more sauce would be delicious. Just be careful not to burn them. The sugar in the sauce will burn quickly. Try it and let me know how it goes!