Soaking In It

Let's take "Things that can be improved by adding bourbon" for $200. We'll accept "water." Or ice. Chocolate cake. Dinner with the in-laws. Lemonade. Church. Summer and/or winter. Job interviews. 1960s ad agencies. It's endless, really. But above all the answers in this rich category, one item longs for bourbon like no other: BBQ sauce.

Adding a sauce infused with honey-gold, smokey bourbon to a rack of ribs is an honor for both the spirit and the meat; it's the only thing that can make great BBQ that much better. And don't stop with whiskey -- keep your bar near the kitchen and try out these rum, beer, and tequila marinades.

Ginger-Rum Marinade

1/2 cup Pineapple juice (unsweetened)
1/3 cup Dark rum
1/4 cup Soy sauce
1 Tbs Brown sugar
1 Tbs Grated ginger
1 Tbs Minced garlic
1 Jalapeno, sliced
1/4 Tbs Red pepper flakes

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, rum, soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, jalapeno, and red pepper. Pour over beef or pork in a plastic bag. Seal tightly, marinate in fridge overnight.

Tequila Marinade

1 cup Tequila
1 cup Worcestershire sauce
1 cup Teriyaki sauce
1 Jalapeno pepper, seeded
1/4 tsp Black pepper
1/4 tsp Salt

In a blender, combine tequila, Worcestershire, teriyaki, jalapeno, salt and pepper. Blend on low until smooth. Pour over any cut of meat and marinate, covered, overnight in the fridge.

Guinness Marinade

1/4 cup Guinness stout
2 Tbs teriyaki sauce
2 Tbs brown sugar
1/2 Tsp seasoned salt
1/2 Tsp black pepper
1/2 Tsp garlic powder

In a bowl, mix together Guinness, teriyaki sauce, and brown sugar. Pour sauce over steaks or chops in a plastic bag, marinate 3 - 6 hours in the fridge, turning bag once.