Bourbon Chex Mix
Give that homemade snack mix a makeover with this Bourbon Chex Mix! The whiskey adds a fun extra layer of flavor to this classic snack.
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A couple of years ago, Laura and I made our first trip into Kentucky. As I’ve noted before, we’re big into bourbon collecting, and this trip was a great chance to visit some of the distilleries that are within a reasonable distance from us.
It was February – not exactly the most popular month to visit distilleries. (Don’t get me wrong – it was still busy at most of the distilleries…just not insanely busy like you might see in the summer and fall.)
We enjoyed sample pours of various bourbons and whiskies at a number of spots…and, yes, we came home with more bottles! However, one of the distilleries also had tiny cups of snack mix along with their samples. Maybe they were being nice. Maybe they thought providing food would be a good idea alongside alcohol. Either way, that Bourbon Snack Mix was fantastic!
Bourbon Chex Mix
I recently decided to recreate that Bourbon Chex Mix here at home. I used my go-to homemade Chex Mix recipe, but incorporated a bit of bourbon whiskey in there, too. Don’t worry – the alcohol itself bakes off, and it leaves the Chex Mix with a wonderful hint of bourbon flavor.
If you’ve never made Chex Mix at home, you absolutely need to put this recipe on the list! (You could omit the bourbon – although I think it adds a fun subtle sweetness in terms of flavor.)
Ingredients for Homemade Chex Mix
- Corn Chex, Rice Chex and Wheat Chex. These three cereals form the basic for Chex Mix – no surprise there, right??
- Small pretzels. I like using small pretzels twists, but you could substitute pretzel sticks instead.
- Rye Chips. These are a bit harder to find, but I usually find ’em in the chip aisle at the grocery store. For me, the rye chips are the best part of Chex Mix!
- Roasted, Salted Peanuts. These aren’t traditional in Chex Mix, but I love the added flavor and texture of the peanuts with the various cereals.
- Unsalted Butter, Whiskey, Worcestershire Salt. These 3 get mixed together and tossed in a bowl with all of the ingredients.
- Seasoned Salt, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder. These 3 seasonings bring the traditional Chex Mix flavor to your homemade snack mix.
What type of Bourbon to use in Bourbon Chex Mix?
Ah – the classic question when it comes to cooking (and baking) with alcohol. The standard rule is to only use a wine/bourbon/etc. that you would be willing to drink by itself. Now don’t go reaching for that rare bottle of bourbon here – no need for that! But don’t go reaching for a “bottom shelf” bottle, either. Any of the classic American whiskey brands will work well in this recipe – Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, Woodford Reserve, etc.
I used a 100-proof “middle shelf” bourbon for this recipe. The bourbon added a subtle but noticeable sweetness to this snack mix recipe. Of course, if you use a higher proof and/or stronger flavored bourbon, the taste of the bourbon will be more noticeable.
How to Store Leftovers
This Bourbon Chex Mix will definitely taste best on the day it’s made. However, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Leftovers can also be frozen in a freezer bag for up to 4 months.
If you’re looking for a fun (and delicious!) homemade snack mix, then put this Bourbon Chex Mix on the list to make. It’s great for parties with friends or just quiet afternoons curled up on the couch watching a movie. Cheers!
Did you make this Bourbon Chex Mix recipe at home? Leave a comment, or snap a photo and tag me on Instagram (@Spicedblog) – I’d love to see your version!
Bourbon Snack Mix
Ingredients
- 3 cups corn Chex cereal
- 3 cups rice Chex cereal
- 3 cups wheat Chex cereal
- 1½ cups small pretzels
- 1 cup rye chips
- 1 cup roasted salted peanuts
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted
- 2 Tbsp bourbon whiskey
- 2½ Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tsp seasoned salt such as Lawry’s
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 250°F.
- Using a large bowl, add Chex cereals, pretzels, rye chips and peanuts; stir until well combined.
- Using a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, bourbon, Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, garlic powder and onion powder.
- Pour butter mixture over cereal mixture; toss until well coated.
- Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil. Spread snack mixture evenly onto pan.
- Bake for 75 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.
- Let snack mix cool completely before serving. Leftovers can be stored an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
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I need to try this soon for me BTW cant wait to make your recipes soon for me
I do hope you enjoy this Chex Mix recipe, Ramya – the bourbon adds a fun layer of extra flavor!
I definitely need to try making chex mix at home! The addition of the bourbon gives it so much extra flavor!
If you’ve never tried making homemade Chex Mix, then you absolutely need to do! This version is especially fun with the extra flavor from the whiskey. 🙂
Chex? I don’t know if we have those here. Probably something similar. Sounds like a Chux to me – you know, those wash cloths? Hehehehe … But I’m sure this is moreish.
sherry
Is Chex cereal another American-only thing?? I did a little cursory googling, and it appears that Crispix is one of the closest cereals that’s available down there. Oh well. You’ll just have to plan a trip to the States I guess! 🙂
Okay my comment has not turned up 🙁 Anyway just saying not sure we have Chex here but it sounds like a Chux wash cloth! Hehehehe … Delicious I bet!
sherry
Nope I saw your comment! It might have taken a minute or two to show up…but it wasn’t lost! Phew!
Usually, Steve is the chez mix maker at home and he won’t let me make any – so, Ive got to share this recipe with him. That hint of bourbon is such a fantastic idea!
The bourbon adds a fun extra layer of flavor here! It’s not overpowering, but it’s enough to be like “hmmm, what’s the extra flavor there??” I recommend it!
Like Sherry, I’ve never seen Chex, I’m sure there is a substitute, however using whiskey and Worcestershire Sauce in the same recipe sounds brilliant, so much flavour. This is such a unique recipe.