🥃 Whiskey Glazed Spiral Ham – A Backyard BBQ Showstopper

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When it comes to BBQ showstoppers, few things steal the spotlight like a spiral ham glistening with a whiskey glaze. This recipe turns a store-bought ham into a backyard legend — smoky, sticky, and loaded with layers of rich, sweet, and savory flavor.

We’re combining Kosmos Q Pineapple Rib Glaze, BBQ sauce, dark brown sugar, and a splash of whiskey for a perfect caramelized coating that makes every bite unforgettable. Whether it’s a holiday feast, a summer cookout, or just an excuse to show off, this ham is the hero of the day.

The Story Behind the Recipe

This recipe started as a holiday experiment gone right. I had a leftover spiral ham and a half bottle of whiskey staring back at me. Instead of sticking with the same old brown sugar glaze, I decided to blend in whiskey, BBQ sauce, and a bit of pineapple glaze for a smoky, caramel-sweet finish.

That first slice changed the game. The whiskey adds warmth, the brown sugar creates that perfect sticky crust, and the smoke ties everything together. Since then, it’s been my go-to BBQ crowd-pleaser — an effortless way to impress without spending hours on prep.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❤️

🔥 Whiskey Magic: A boozy glaze that caramelizes beautifully.
🍯 Sticky-Sweet Perfection: Layers of BBQ, brown sugar, and honey glaze.
💨 Smoky Goodness: Low-and-slow cooking infuses deep wood-fired flavor.
🥩 Simple, Yet Show-Stopping: Turns an ordinary ham into an unforgettable centerpiece.
👨‍🍳 Holiday or Cookout Hero: Easy, affordable, and guaranteed to impress.

Whiskey Glazed Spiral Ham

🕒 Prep Time: 15 min 🔥 Cook Time: 2 hrs 30 min ⏳ Total Time: 2 hrs 45 min 🍽 Serves: 12+

Ingredients

  • 1 Fully Cooked Honey Cured Spiral Ham

  • 2 Tbsp Kosmos Q Pineapple Rib Glaze

  • ¼ cup Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ Sauce (or your favorite BBQ sauce)

  • ¼ cup Dark Brown Sugar

  • 1 Tbsp Honey

  • ¼ cup Whiskey (inexpensive is fine)

Instructions

1️⃣ Unpack and Dry the Ham
Get that ham out of its packaging and pat it completely dry with paper towels. Think of this as priming your canvas — drying it out helps the glaze stick and caramelize properly.

2️⃣ Fire Up the Smoker
Preheat your wood-fired smoker to 275°F (135°C). Keep the temperature consistent for even cooking. Fruitwoods like apple or cherry work great for ham — they add a subtle sweetness that pairs perfectly with the whiskey glaze.

3️⃣ Whip Up the Whiskey Glaze
In a small saucepan over low heat, combine:

  • Pineapple Rib Glaze

  • BBQ Sauce

  • Brown Sugar

  • Honey

  • Whiskey

Simmer gently for 4–5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. The sugars should dissolve into a glossy, sticky sauce — your liquid gold.

4️⃣ Get That Ham Smokin’
Place the ham directly on the smoker grates, flat side down. Close the lid and let it smoke for 30–45 minutes to start absorbing that rich, wood-fired flavor.

5️⃣ Sauce Boss Time
After that first smoke session, brush on a generous coat of glaze, making sure to work it into every spiral and crack. The goal is even coverage so every bite is loaded with flavor.

6️⃣ Keep the Saucy Vibes Going
Baste the ham with fresh glaze every 30 minutes, layering flavor and building that deep, sticky crust. Continue smoking until the internal temperature reaches 155°F (68°C).

7️⃣ Rest and Digest
Remove the ham from the smoker and let it rest for 10 minutes. This short rest allows the glaze to set and the juices to redistribute, making each slice tender and juicy.

8️⃣ Slice and Serve
Carve into that golden, sticky ham and bask in the smoky, whiskey-infused glory. Don’t be surprised if there’s silence at the table — everyone will be too busy eating.

Additional Tips 💡

🥃 Ham Prep: Pat the ham completely dry before glazing to help the glaze stick.
🔥 Consistent Temp: Maintain 275°F for even heat and smoke.
🍯 Layer the Glaze: Let each coat caramelize slightly before adding the next.
⏲️ Rest Before Serving: Always rest 10 minutes to lock in juices.
🍽️ Serving Idea: Pair with roasted veggies, mac and cheese, or a crisp coleslaw.

Why This Recipe Works

This glaze hits every flavor note — sweet, smoky, boozy, and savory — while the gentle smoke builds a deep, wood-fired profile. The whiskey caramelizes with the brown sugar and honey, coating the ham in a glossy, mouthwatering crust that’s pure backyard BBQ bliss.

Whether you’re feeding 12 or 2, this dish brings that “made-from-scratch, pitmaster” energy without breaking a sweat.

FAQ Section

Q: Can I use a different type of whiskey?
A: Yes — use your favorite. A smooth bourbon like Maker’s Mark or Buffalo Trace works great, but even budget whiskey adds amazing depth.

Q: How do I prevent the glaze from burning?
A: Apply thin layers and baste every 30 minutes. Keep the temperature steady and avoid open flames.

Q: Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, then reheat gently before using.

Q: What wood is best for smoking ham?
A: Fruitwoods like apple, cherry, or peach add gentle sweetness that complements the glaze beautifully.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 275°F until warm.

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