bourbon

A liquor distilled from fermented grain named for Bourbon County, Kentucky. Straight bourbon is distilled from a mash containing at least 51% corn, and blended bourbon must contain at least 51% straight bourbon. Sour mash bourbon uses a starter from the last batch to ferment the next.

Ingredient

Season: available year-round

Substitutions: 1-2 tsp vanilla extract (+ water, white grape juice or apple juice to get the specified amount of liquid, when liquid matters) = 2 tbsp bourbon; an equal amount of whiskey or sherry; half as much fruit juice or broth (for cooking); 1 tsp vanilla extract + 2 tsp water for every 2 tbsps called for (for cooking)