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Smokey turkey

Bourbon Brined Smoked Turkey

The bourbon brine makes this turkey so moist and delicious. You'll want to make this anytime of the year!

Ingredients
  

  • 14-16 pound fresh or frozen turkey
  • 1 stick unsalted butter
  • Avocado or Olive Oil

Items for the Brine

  • 12 cups water
  • 1 cup salt I use Pink Himalayan Salt
  • 1/4 cup local raw honey
  • 1/4 cup coconut or cane sugar
  • 2 oranges, cut into slices
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 4 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 cups Bourbon or Whiskey

Filling for the Cavity

  • 2 oranges, cut into slices
  • 6-8 peeled garlic cloves
  • Vidalia or sweet onion. quartered
  • a handful of fresh thyme
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary

For the Rub

  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • 2 tbsp sea salt
  • 1 tsp ground sage
  • 1 tsp ground rosemary
  • 1 tsp ground thyme
  • 1 tsp corriander
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 1 tsp fennel
  • 1 tbsp black pepper
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2tbsp coconut or raw cane sugar

Instructions
 

  • If using a frozen turkey, defrost and remove the giblets and other paper parts.
  • Next, make your brine. Add the water, salt, sugar, honey and bourbon to a sauce pan. Turn on medium high and let the sugar and salt dissolve. Remove from the heat and let cool. Add all of the remaining ingredients and stir.
  • Place your turkey in a brining bag. Pour the brining mixture over the turkey and submerge it in the solution for at least 12 hours. I keep mine in a cooler and pack it with ice.
  • After the turkey is done brining, remove it from the bag and pat the turkey with clean dry paper towels.
  • At this point, get your smoker turned on.
  • Now, prepare your dry rub. Combine all of the ingredients in a bowl and stir or if you are using a pre-made rub, place 3-4 tbsp in a bowl.
  • Rub the turkey with butter, making sure you get underneath the wings and the breasts. Add a little bit of oil, if needed. Stuff the cavity with the ingredients above. Finally, rub the turkey with the rub mixture.
  • It’s now ready for the smoker. Use the directions according to the brand of smoker that you have. My daughter has a Traeger smoker and it really makes your turkey so moist and yummy. This would also be delicious oven-roasted.