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Southern US🍳 Medium

Bourbon Molasses Glazed Turkey Legs

5htotal
Prep: 30 min
Cook: 4h 30m
6servings
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Smoked legs finished with a sticky, sweet reduction of Kentucky bourbon and dark molasses.

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Ingredients

Servings:6
  • 4 large Turkey legs (drumsticks)
  • 1/2 cup Kentucky bourbon
  • 1/3 cup Dark molasses
  • 1/4 cup Brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons Apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons Kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon Black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne pepper(optional)

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat your smoker to 275°F (135°C) using hickory or oak wood for a traditional Southern flavor profile.

  2. 2

    Pat the turkey legs completely dry with paper towels and rub them generously with a blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.

  3. 3

    Place the turkey legs directly on the smoker grates and smoke for approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 150°F.

  4. 4

    While the turkey smokes, combine the bourbon, molasses, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard in a small saucepan over medium heat.

  5. 5

    Simmer the glaze for 10-12 minutes, stirring frequently, until it reduces by a third and becomes thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.

  6. 6

    Once the turkey reaches 150°F, begin brushing the legs with the bourbon molasses glaze every 15 minutes.

  7. 7

    Continue smoking and glazing until the turkey reaches a final internal temperature of 175°F and the glaze is dark, sticky, and caramelized.

  8. 8

    Remove from the smoker and let the legs rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

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