Bourbon-Maple Glazed Carrots with Thyme
Roasted carrots glazed with a bourbon and maple syrup mixture, accented by fresh thyme for a sweet and savory Derby side dish. This american-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 40 minutes brings together bourbon whiskey, pure maple syrup, olive oil for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 120 calories and feeds 4, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, peeled and cut into 3-inch sticks carrots
- 2 tbsp bourbon whiskey
- 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss 1 lb peeled and cut carrots with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves in a roasting pan.
- Step 2: Roast the carrots for 20 minutes until they start to soften and caramelize around the edges.
- Step 3: Meanwhile, whisk together 2 tbsp bourbon whiskey and 2 tbsp pure maple syrup in a small bowl.
- Step 4: Remove the carrots from the oven and pour the bourbon-maple glaze over them, stirring gently to coat.
- Step 5: Return to the oven and roast for an additional 10 minutes until the carrots are tender and the glaze has thickened and sticky.
- Step 6: Serve warm garnished with a few extra thyme leaves if desired.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Bourbon-Maple Glazed Carrots with Thyme take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Bourbon-Maple Glazed Carrots with Thyme?
Refrigerate any leftover bourbon-maple glazed carrots with thyme in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.
Can I substitute ingredients in Bourbon-Maple Glazed Carrots with Thyme?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Bourbon-Maple Glazed Carrots with Thyme for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Bourbon-Maple Glazed Carrots with Thyme?
American cocktails & drinks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
