There are many delicious recipes that have alcohol on their list of ingredients. Cooks welcome using their favorite wine or spirits when preparing a special dish, but some have questions about whether or not alcohol burns off during cooking. To answer this question, we turned to BestReviews’ cooking and baking expert, Andrea Boudewijn.
As a Cordon Bleu-trained pastry chef and operator of Superfine Bakery out of Los Angeles, Boudewijn has extensive baking and culinary experience. She weighs in on how cooking with alcohol works and offers recommendations on useful cooking tools. She also provides a tasty recipe to try.
There’s a lot of misinformation online about the process of alcohol burning off during cooking. We asked Boudewijn if the process of cooking burns it off.
“No, it never completely burns off unless 100% of the liquid is cooked out of the product,” she said. Even then, vapors and remaining moisture still contain a small amount of alcohol.
Boudewijn added that it isn’t practical to use alcohol if a cook wants to burn it off completely. “The alcohol and any flavor it imparts go together, so all flavor would disappear with all the alcohol,” Boudewijn said.
When it comes to baking recipes that include alcohol in the mixture, the same principle holds true.
“Some (alcohol) is always left behind. The amount depends on cook time, cook temp and the product being baked — a more porous product releases more steam, which means more alcohol is able to steam up and escape,” Boudewijn explained.
Whether you’re new to cooking with alcohol or have a collection of recipes that require spirits or wine, according to our expert, there’s one important reason for trying these unique recipes.
“Flavor. Stewing dried fruit in Armagnac, Grand Marnier or Madeira leaves the most wonderful syrup behind. Deglazing a roasting pan with sherry or other alcohol makes a killer base for a gravy too,” Boudewijn said.
It’s important to remember that alcohol can catch fire. In addition to keeping a fire extinguisher on hand, it’s important to be cautious with alcohol and flames.
“Cognac and brandy are used to "fire" dishes like crepes Suzette, so when cooking with alcohol near an open flame, be very careful about allowing the flame to breach the lip of any skillet or fry pan you're working with,” Boudewijn cautioned.
While alcohol-based recipes are delicious, not everyone can indulge in them. Making sure that everyone who’ll be sharing your cooking is aware of which ones are made with alcohol is important for several reasons.
“Be sure to let all dinner guests know which dishes contain alcohol so they can make their own decisions about whether or not to eat it. Sometimes you may have a guest in alcohol recovery or a parent with small children that would prefer to avoid anything containing alcohol. At a large gathering, I recommend displaying a paper menu with sensitive ingredients like meat, nuts and alcohol noted in small type by each dish,” Boudewijn explained.
A. Not all types of alcohol are suitable for cooking. Boudewijn noted that wines and liqueurs are excellent choices and make delicious sauces and syrups. “Think about apple brandy, Cognac and swirling a little Kirschwasser into your cheese fondue for a nice kick,” she said.
A. Boudewijn suggested that champagne or stout cakes, fondues, stewed fruit dessert toppings and whiskey sugar glazes for cakes are some tasty alcohol-infused recipes to try.
A. When cooking with wine, it’s important to consider quality, Boudewijn said. “Use the same quality of wine that you’re drinking. A lot of people use cheap wine for cooking and expensive wine for drinking. Both require high-quality wine.”
She also advised keeping wine glasses on hand to enjoy a glass while cooking with a quality wine, if you like.
Stewed fruit is one of Boudewijn's favorite alcohol-based recipes. It’s one that you’ll enjoy for numerous purposes. “Use it as a topping on a slice of cake, ice cream or even a savory lamb roast for Moroccan flair,” she said.
Combine all ingredients in a heavy saucepan, and cook over medium heat for about 15 minutes. This can be prepped ahead and stored in a fridge. Freeze for long-term storage.
AVACRAFT Stainless Steel Saucepan with Glass Lid
You’ll need a well-made saucepan when cooking with alcohol. This one has useful features, including a pour spout and glass lid with a built-in strainer.
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All-Clad D3 Stainless Steel 12-Inch Fry Pan
This pan heats quickly and evenly, as it’s crafted of durable tri-ply stainless steel with an aluminum core. It can handle cooking temperatures up to 600 degrees. A lid is included.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon, Sur La Table and Macy’s
HOMWE Extra Long Professional Silicone Oven Mitts
Regardless of what you’re cooking, you need an oven mitt. You’ll get two for a reasonable price with this pair that’s crafted of protective silicone. They’re available in several sizes and colors.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Pyrex 3-Piece Glass Measuring Cup Set
Boudewijn recommended using glass pitcher-shaped measuring cups with spouts when cooking with alcohol. This three-piece set includes 1-, 2- and 4-cup tempered glass measuring cups.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Spring Chef Magnetic Measuring Spoons Set
A set of measuring spoons are essential when you prepare your recipes. This one includes eight dual-sided spoons that are easy to store, thanks to their magnetic nesting design.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
2019 Dust to Glory Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
Red wine is a popular choice when cooking with alcohol. Our expert recommended using a quality red wine for roasts and fruit compotes.
Where to buy: Sold by Wine Access
OXO Good Grips 3-Piece Wooden Spoon Set
Because they’re durable and safe to use on most types of cookware, wooden spoons are essential for any cook’s kitchen tool collection. This one includes three spoons in versatile sizes.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
AmazonCommercial Nonstick Heat-Resistant Silicone Spatula Set
Silicone spatulas are useful for many cooking purposes. These four top our list of favorites since they include two sizes and can withstand cooking temperatures up to 428 degrees.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
2020 Weingut Stadt Krems Gruner Veltliner Kremstal
Anyone who cooks with alcohol should try dishes with white wine. Boudewijn prefers a Gruner when making lighter dishes in the summertime. It’s best for chicken and fish, she advised.
Where to buy: Sold by Wine Access
Glasslock 18-Piece Oven-Safe Container Set
Food storage containers will come in handy for preparing ingredients and storing leftovers. These Glasslock containers are made of recyclable, BPA-free glass and come with airtight lids.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Jennifer Manfrin writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
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