Irresistible Maple Bourbon Turkey Recipe with Coffee Rub

The moment the rich aroma of maple bourbon glaze mingles with the earthy notes of coffee and cocoa, you’ll know this isn’t your average turkey recipe. This maple bourbon turkey with coffee-cocoa rub is the perfect centerpiece for your holiday table—or any special dinner where you want to wow your guests. It’s smoky, sweet, savory, and just a little indulgent. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want to make turkey more than just once a year!

I first stumbled upon the idea of combining coffee and cocoa in a turkey rub during a backyard BBQ experiment. It seemed unusual at first, but the depth it added to the meat was unforgettable. Pairing this with a decadent maple bourbon glaze? Game-changer. Over the years, I’ve refined this recipe, tweaking flavors and techniques until it became what it is today: a show-stopping dish that always gets compliments. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, or just treating yourself, this turkey delivers big on flavor and style.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A Flavor Explosion: The coffee-cocoa rub brings a bold, slightly smoky depth, while the maple bourbon glaze adds sweetness and caramelized richness.
• Perfect for Holidays: This turkey recipe is made for special occasions—it’s guaranteed to impress your family and friends.
• Balanced Sweet & Savory: The combination of flavors in this recipe strikes the perfect balance, bringing out the best in the turkey.
• Easy to Follow: While it sounds fancy, the preparation is straightforward, and I’ve included tips to make every step a breeze.
• Customizable: Whether you’re looking to adapt this recipe for smaller gatherings or add your unique touch, it’s versatile enough to tweak.

This isn’t your average turkey—it’s elevated, but without being complicated. The coffee-cocoa rub gives the turkey a deep, smoky essence, while the maple bourbon glaze caramelizes beautifully in the oven. Every bite is tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. Honestly, it’s the kind of recipe that makes you close your eyes with the first bite because it’s just that good.

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple yet bold ingredients to create a turkey that’s unforgettable. Here’s what you’ll need:

• For the Coffee-Cocoa Rub:
  • 2 tbsp ground coffee (choose a bold roast for depth)
  • 1 tbsp cocoa powder (unsweetened)
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
• For the Maple Bourbon Glaze:
  • ½ cup maple syrup (pure maple syrup for best flavor)
  • ¼ cup bourbon
  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tbsp butter (unsalted)
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick)
• For the Turkey:
  • 1 whole turkey, 12–14 lbs
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lemon, halved
  • Fresh herbs for stuffing (rosemary, thyme, sage)

If you want to adjust for smaller gatherings, you can use a turkey breast instead of a whole bird—just scale down the rub and glaze accordingly!

Equipment Needed

• Roasting pan with rack (a sturdy option is ideal)
• Meat thermometer (to ensure perfectly cooked turkey)
• Small saucepan (for the glaze)
• Basting brush (helps evenly distribute the glaze)
• Mixing bowls (for rub and glaze prep)
• Aluminum foil (for resting the turkey)

If you don’t have a roasting rack, you can improvise by rolling up aluminum foil into coils to elevate the turkey in the pan. For those without a basting brush, a spoon will work just fine!

Preparation Method

1. Prepare the Coffee-Cocoa Rub: In a small bowl, mix together the ground coffee, cocoa powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
2. Make the Maple Bourbon Glaze: Combine maple syrup, bourbon, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, butter, and cayenne in a small saucepan. Heat over medium-low until the butter melts and the mixture thickens slightly (about 5–7 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool.
3. Prep the Turkey: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Remove the turkey’s giblets, rinse, and pat dry. Rub olive oil over the turkey to help the seasonings stick.
4. Apply the Rub: Generously coat the turkey with the coffee-cocoa rub, making sure to cover all sides evenly. Stuff the cavity with lemon halves and fresh herbs.
5. Roast the Turkey: Place the turkey on the roasting rack in your pan and roast uncovered. Plan for about 15 minutes per pound of turkey.
6. Baste with Glaze: After the first hour, begin basting the turkey every 30 minutes with the maple bourbon glaze. This helps create a caramelized, flavorful crust.
7. Check Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast.
8. Rest the Turkey: Remove the turkey from the oven and tent it with foil. Let it rest for 20–30 minutes to lock in juices before carving.

Pro tip: Don’t rush the resting process—it’s key to keeping your turkey juicy!

Cooking Tips & Techniques

• Don’t Skip the Rub: The coffee-cocoa rub is what makes this recipe truly unique. It not only adds flavor but also helps create a beautiful crust.
• Keep an Eye on the Glaze: The sugars in the maple syrup can burn if you’re not careful. Baste frequently and monitor closely toward the end of roasting.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: Guessing the turkey’s doneness can lead to dry meat. A thermometer ensures you hit that perfect temperature.
• Rest for Juiciness: Resting the turkey allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every slice is moist and flavorful.
• Carve with Care: Use a sharp knife and carve against the grain for tender slices.

Trust me—these tips will take your turkey from good to unforgettable!

Variations & Adaptations

• Smaller Gathering: Swap the whole turkey for a turkey breast. Use half the rub and glaze for smaller portions.
• Spicy Kick: Add extra cayenne or chili powder to the rub for a bit of heat.
• Alcohol-Free Option: Substitute the bourbon with apple juice or chicken stock for the glaze.
• Herbal Twist: Mix dried herbs like rosemary or thyme into the rub for added complexity.
• Grilled Version: Cook the turkey on a grill over indirect heat instead of roasting for a smoky flavor.

Personally, I’ve tried this recipe with turkey legs for a casual backyard BBQ—it was a hit!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the turkey warm with a side of roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad. Complement the meal with a glass of red wine or a bourbon-based cocktail to tie the flavors together.

For storage, wrap any leftovers tightly and refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, place slices in a baking dish with a splash of chicken broth, cover with foil, and warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C). Alternatively, you can freeze leftovers for up to 3 months.

The flavors deepen overnight, so don’t hesitate to enjoy leftovers!

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Per serving (based on 4 oz turkey):

• Calories: 250
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Sugar: 8g

This recipe is packed with protein while balancing sweet and savory flavors. The coffee adds antioxidants, while the cocoa powder has heart-healthy benefits. Just be mindful of the bourbon and maple syrup if you’re watching sugar intake.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a turkey recipe that’s anything but ordinary, this maple bourbon turkey with coffee-cocoa rub is calling your name. It’s bold, flavorful, and guaranteed to be the highlight of your meal. The best part? It’s customizable, so you can make it your own.

Irresistible Maple Bourbon Turkey Recipe with Coffee Rub

Print Recipe

This maple bourbon turkey with coffee-cocoa rub is smoky, sweet, savory, and perfect for holidays or special dinners. A show-stopping dish that always impresses.

• Author: paula
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
• Total Time: 3 hours 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 tbsp ground coffee
• 1 tbsp cocoa powder (unsweetened)
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ cup maple syrup
• ¼ cup bourbon
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp butter (unsalted)
• Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 whole turkey, 12–14 lbs
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lemon, halved
• Fresh herbs for stuffing (rosemary, thyme, sage)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Coffee-Cocoa Rub: In a small bowl, mix together the ground coffee, cocoa powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
2. Make the Maple Bourbon Glaze: Combine maple syrup, bourbon, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, butter, and cayenne in a small saucepan. Heat over medium-low until the butter melts and the mixture thickens slightly (about 5–7 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool.
3. Prep the Turkey: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Remove the turkey’s giblets, rinse, and pat dry. Rub olive oil over the turkey to help the seasonings stick.
4. Apply the Rub: Generously coat the turkey with the coffee-cocoa rub, making sure to cover all sides evenly. Stuff the cavity with lemon halves and fresh herbs.
5. Roast the Turkey: Place the turkey on the roasting rack in your pan and roast uncovered. Plan for about 15 minutes per pound of turkey.
6. Baste with Glaze: After the first hour, begin basting the turkey every 30 minutes with the maple bourbon glaze. This helps create a caramelized, flavorful crust.
7. Check Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast.
8. Rest the Turkey: Remove the turkey from the oven and tent it with foil. Let it rest for 20–30 minutes to lock in juices before carving.

Notes

[‘Don’t skip the coffee-cocoa rub—it adds unique flavor and creates a beautiful crust.’, ‘Monitor the glaze closely to prevent burning.’, ‘Resting the turkey is essential for juicy meat.’, ‘Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness.’]

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4 oz turkey
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 8
• Fat: 8
• Carbohydrates: 10
• Protein: 25

Keywords: Turkey, Maple Bourbon, Coffee Rub, Holiday Recipe, Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, Special Dinner