Cooking with Alcohol: What’s Best for Enhancing the Flavours in Your Dishes?

If you aren’t too well-versed in the kitchen, cooking with alcohol may sound intimidating—something reserved for fancy restaurants. But guess what? You don’t need a chef’s hat or go by the surname ‘Stone’ to create culinary masterpieces with your favourite alcoholic beverage.

When used correctly, alcohol enhances flavours, deepens aromas, and brings out the best in other ingredients. It’s a good idea to have your favourite alcohol delivery service’s number ready, because we’ll show you how to cook with alcohol the right way.

What’s With Using Alcohol in the Kitchen?

Really, alcohol is a powerhouse ingredient that enhances flavours in multiple ways. It acts as a solvent, helping dissolve fat-soluble flavours, which allows them to blend seamlessly into your dish. Think of it as the key that unlocks deeper, richer notes in food.

When alcohol is heated, most of it evaporates, leaving behind intensified tastes rather than an overpowering boozy hit. Be careful though, as timing is everything—add it too early, and it may lose its impact; too late, and the alcohol won’t cook off properly, leaving an unpleasant sharpness.

Choosing the Right Alcohol for Savoury Dishes

With the different alcoholic drinks available, which ones should you use for cooking? Here’s how you can make the most of these alcoholic drinks in savoury dishes:

Red wine – A classic for braised meats, stews, and rich sauces, red wine deepens flavours, adds a velvety texture, and enhances the umami notes in hearty dishes.
White wine – The acidity of white wine is perfect for seafood, poultry, and creamy sauces. It brightens flavours, making dishes taste fresher and more vibrant.
Beer – Leave it to beer when introducing malty, toasty, or even hoppy flavours, depending on the type. Use it for slow-cooked dishes, marinades, and batters.
Whiskey and bourbon – Great for glazes and reductions, whiskey and bourbon offers smoky, caramelized depth to meats and barbecue sauces.
Sherry and vermouth – If you want something to deglaze pans and craft sophisticated sauces with a nutty, aromatic finish, try sherry and vermouth.

Incorporating alcohol into your favourite dishes is easier than ever, thanks to alcohol delivery services like MILKRUN. All you need to do is visit their website and choose from their list, place an order, and then wait for it to arrive.

Sweet Sensations: Alcohol in Desserts

Alcohol isn’t just good for savoury dishes; you can also use it in desserts! Rum, for instance, is a go-to for cakes, puddings, and caramel sauces, adding a deep, molasses-like richness. Brandy elevates fruit-based desserts, flambéed dishes, and chocolate confections, giving them a luxurious warmth.

Then there are liqueurs—whether it’s coffee liqueur in tiramisu or orange liqueur in crêpes suzette, these add a subtle yet complex sweetness. Generally, alcohol in desserts retains some of its potency, making it an indulgent finishing touch that lingers beautifully on the palate. Give it a try today and experience the difference for yourself!

Quick Tips for Cooking with Alcohol

Cook alcohol-based dishes long enough for the harshness to evaporate, leaving behind only the desired flavours.
Use alcohol sparingly. Note that too much can overpower rather than enhance your dish.
Pair the alcohol with the dish’s dominant flavours (e.g., citrusy white wine for seafood, smoky bourbon for barbecue glazes).
Opt for mid-range alcohol. Cheap options may introduce unpleasant flavours, while expensive bottles are best enjoyed on their own.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Pouring straight from the bottle into a hot pan – This can cause dangerous flare-ups. Always measure separately.
Using too much alcohol – A splash is all you need—dousing a dish can ruin its balance.
Choosing the wrong type of alcohol – Not all alcohols are interchangeable. Using sweet vermouth instead of dry can completely alter a recipe.
Not allowing enough cooking time – If the alcohol doesn’t cook off properly, your dish may taste overly boozy.

Another Reason to Stock Up on Alcohol

If the kitchen is your favourite spot in the house, consider stocking up on different alcoholic beverages. This way, you don’t have to scramble to the store at the last minute if you feel like whipping up a quick midweek pasta or slow-cooking a hearty stew. When you’re done cooking, open that bottle of beer to celebrate a job well done.

Author Profile

Adam Regan

Deputy Editor

Features and account management. 3 years media experience. Previously covered features for online and print editions.

Email Adam@MarkMeets.com