May is National Hamburger Month. If you like your burger with a side of bourbon, this recipe is for you.

If you like to pair your red meat with a stiff drink, then this is absolutely the perfect burger for you. Though not necessarily a whiskey drinker, I demolished this burger, and I have the deep, dark flavor of bourbon to thank for it.

A quick mushroom sauce that comes together in less than 15 minutes (and can be made ahead) is what pushes this over the top, and bacon’s always a good idea.

Raising your eyebrows at the grass-fed beef? If it’s not something you spring for at the grocery store, just do me this favor – try it once. There is an absolute flavor difference. Muenster is a mild cheese that let’s the bourbon flavor shine through, and the dijonnaise is like icing on a very delicious, very meaty cake.

The classic cheeseburger is always tasty, but what’s the harm in taking things up a notch?

Boozy Mushroom and Bacon Burgers

Serves 4

• 3 tbsp. unsalted butter, divided
• 1 tbsp. garlic
• 4 c. white button mushrooms, sliced
• 1 c. onion, finely diced
• 2 tbsp. all purpose flour
• ¼ c. bourbon
• 1 c. beef stock
• ½ tsp. salt
• ¼ tsp. black pepper
• 1 ½ lb. grass fed ground beef
• Salt and Pepper
• 4 thick slices Muenster cheese
• 4 seeded buns
• 4 slices bacon, cooked
• 4 tbsp. dijonnaise

Directions

1. In a large saucepan over medium high heat, add 2 tbsp. of the butter. Add garlic, mushrooms and onions and cook for about 8 minutes, stirring frequently, until mushrooms are golden brown.
2. Add flour and stir to coat mushrooms, about 1 minute. Remove pan from heat and add bourbon and stir well. Return to heat and add beef stock; stir well.
3. Let mixture simmer until thickened, stirring occasionally, about five minutes. Remove from heat and add in salt, pepper, and remaining tablespoon butter. Stir to combine and melt butter.
4. Heat grill to medium high. Form four patties with beef, 4-5 inches thick and no thicker than 1 inch. Sprinkle with salt and pepper on both sides.
5. Arrange patties on grill, cover, and let cook for several minutes. Flip and continue to cover and cook until desired temperature, about 5 minutes. Top with cheese slices, and cover until cheese has melted.
6. Arrange burgers on buns and top with mushroom sauce. Break bacon in half and place on mushroom sauce. Add the top of the bun and serve.