A deeply flavorful turkey brined in bourbon, maple, aromatics, and warm spices, finished with Prohibition BBQ’s Smoky Mountain Sweet BBQ Rub for a juicy, aromatic, and perfectly smoked holiday centerpiece.
Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus brining and drying time)
Cooking Time: Varies — approximately 13–15 minutes per pound
Feeds: 10–14 people (for an 8–10 lb turkey)
Method of Cooking: Smoker
Smoking Cooking Temperature: 275°F–300°F
What You’ll Need:
- 8–10 lb turkey (adjust for larger turkeys)
- Brine Ingredients:
- 1 gallon hot water
- 1 ½ cups kosher salt
- 1 cup bourbon
- 1 cup maple bourbon syrup
- ¾ cup dark brown sugar
- 1 yellow onion, peeled and quartered
- 5–6 strips orange peel
- 4–5 dried bay leaves
- 2 Tbsp whole black peppercorns
- 1 Tbsp whole cloves
- 2 Tbsp Prohibition Smoky Mountain Sweet BBQ Rub
- Butter Mixture:
- Softened butter
- 2 Tbsp Prohibition Smoky Mountain Sweet BBQ Rub
- Additional Smoky Mountain Sweet BBQ Rub to taste
How to Prepare:
Preheat & Prepare Equipment
- Preheat your smoker to 275°F–300°F.
- Prepare a smoker-safe pan or roasting rack for the turkey.
Prepare the Main Protein
- Mix all brine ingredients together.
- Place turkey breast-side down into a food-safe bucket or large container.
- Pour brine over the turkey to fully submerge the breast meat.
- Refrigerate or ice down and brine for 24–48 hours.
- Remove turkey from brine, rinse off the brine, and pat dry.
- Place turkey uncovered in the refrigerator for 4–6 hours to help the skin crisp during cooking.
- Mix softened butter with 2 tablespoons Smoky Mountain Sweet BBQ Rub.
- Remove turkey from refrigerator and gently place the butter mixture under the skin.
- Rub remaining butter mixture over the outside of the skin and add extra Smoky Mountain Sweet BBQ Rub to taste.
Prepare the Vegetables/Additional Items
(Optional)
- Add aromatics such as onions, garlic, apples, or citrus to the smoker pan or inside the cavity if desired.
Cooking Instructions
- Place the turkey breast-side up in the smoker.
- Cook at 275°F–300°F.
- Cook until internal temperatures reach:
- 165°F in the breast
- 185°F in the thighs
- Tent with foil if the skin begins to darken too quickly.
- Rest the turkey for 20–30 minutes before carving.
Serving Instructions
- Carve the turkey into breast slices, thighs, and legs.
- Arrange on a platter and serve with your favorite holiday sides.
Prohibition BBQ Products Used:
- Smoky Mountain Sweet BBQ Rub
For more delicious recipes, visit: www.prohibitionbbq.net
