Description
A spooky Halloween BBQ masterpiece featuring tender smoked brisket with a rich bourbon blood sauce that combines smoky meat flavors with bold bourbon notes for the perfect Halloween party centerpiece.
Ingredients
4–5 pound beef brisket (flat or point cut)
2 tablespoons paprika
1/4 cup brown sugar
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
2 cups post oak wood chips, soaked
1 cup bourbon whiskey
1/2 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
1. Soak post oak wood chips in water for at least 2 hours before smoking
2. Trim excess fat from brisket, leaving about 1/4 inch fat cap
3. Combine paprika, brown sugar, garlic, salt, pepper, onion powder, and smoked paprika for dry rub
4. Apply dry rub generously all over brisket, massage into meat
5. Wrap seasoned brisket and refrigerate for 2-4 hours or overnight
6. Preheat smoker to 225°F and add soaked post oak wood chips
7. Place brisket fat-side up in smoker and maintain temperature at 225°F
8. Smoke brisket for 4-5 hours until internal temperature reaches 165°F
9. For bourbon blood sauce: combine bourbon, ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire, and cayenne in saucepan
10. Simmer bourbon sauce over medium heat for 15-20 minutes until thickened
11. Remove brisket when internal temperature reaches 200°F, rest 30 minutes
12. Slice against the grain and serve with warm bourbon blood sauce
Notes
Use digital meat thermometer for accurate temperature monitoring
Post oak wood gives the best flavor, mesquite is good alternative
Bourbon blood sauce can be made up to 1 week ahead
Internal temperature must reach 200°F for tender, fall-apart texture
Let brisket rest 30 minutes before slicing for best results
- Prep Time: 60
- Cook Time: 300
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Smoking, BBQ
- Cuisine: American BBQ
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 445
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 520
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Unsaturated Fat: 12
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 38
- Cholesterol: 125