Sizzlin' Sweet Onion Bourbon Burgers

It's time for another Backyard BBQ Tested Recipe! @FromFieldtoPlate's Sizzlin' Sweet Onion Bourbon Burgers are a staple for the summer. He took it up a notch by adding bourbon grilled onions to an already delicious grilled burger. Bring on the sweet and savory flavors! 

Patty Ingredients:
2 pounds ground meat (game, beef - your choice!)
2 Tbsp garlic, minced
1 Tbsp Worcestershire
1/4 cup sweet onion, minced
1/2 Tbsp cracked pepper
2 tsp paprika
1 tsp sea salt
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder

BBQ Sauce Ingredients:

1 cup brown sugar
1 cup all-natural ketchup
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup fresh brewed coffee (or more water)
1/2 cup bourbon
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/3 cup molasses
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)

Bourbon Grilled Onions Ingredients:

1 sweet onions, sliced thin
1/4 cup bourbon
1 tsp cracked pepper
1 tbsp oil

Burger Fixings:

Lettuce
Tomatoes, sliced
Cheddar cheese
Hamburger Buns
Mayonnaise 

Patty Directions:

1. In large glass bowl, mix ground meat along with all other ingredients.
2. Take a baseball-size handful of meat mixture and roll into ball. 
3. On a piece of parchment paper toss ball down, press down on the ball and with other hand follow along the sides to form a perfect patty. Continue this until all patties have been formed. 
4. Place all patties in fridge for 30 minutes before cooking. This is key.
5. Preheat the grill to high heat.
6. Place the burger patties on the grill and don’t touch! Once they’ve cooked for 5 minutes flip once.

Onion and Sauce Directions:

While burgers are cooking, work on your sauce and onions. 

1. Start out with a skillet on medium high heat. Add your oil and onions and start to break down. 
2. After 1 minute, add your bourbon and ignite the alcohol.
3. Sprinkle with pepper and cook until onions are soft and carmelized.
4. In a saucepan, bring bourbon to boil, reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. This will burn off the alcohol and leave the flavor (you can also just light it on fire for 30 seconds).
5. Add remaining ingredients, whisk together, bring back to boil.
6. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring frequently so it does not burn.
7. Once sauce has reduced and is your desired thickness remove from heat.

Build Your Burger with on a hamburger bun with a spread of mayo, lettuce and sliced tomatoes. Add the patty on top, drizzle on BBQ sauce and top with onions. Enjoy!