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Bourbon and Coke Glazed Ham

A tender and juicy ham glazed with a magical elixir of bourbon and Coca-Cola, perfect for festive occasions and family gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Ham
  • 1 (6 to 8 pound) fully cooked bone-in ham Look for a high-quality, preferably heritage breed.
  • 3 (12 ounce) cans Coca-Cola Regular Coke works best, but diet options can be experimented with.
  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced Opt for a sweet onion variety like Vidalia.
  • 1/3 cup honey Try using local, raw honey for a deeper flavor.
  • 3/4 cup dark brown sugar Adds richness and a hint of molasses sweetness.
  • 1/4 cup bourbon Use your favorite bourbon; the sweeter the better.
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons Dijon mustard Adds a tangy contrast to the sweetness.
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper Just enough to introduce a subtle kick.
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper Balances the flavors perfectly.
  • 15-20 whole cloves Essential for that holiday aroma.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Place the ham, Coca-Cola, and sliced onion in a large Dutch oven. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cover and reduce heat to low, simmer for about 1 hour or until the ham's internal temperature reaches 140 degrees F.
  2. In a small bowl, combine honey, dark brown sugar, bourbon, Dijon mustard, cayenne pepper, and black pepper until well blended. Set aside.
  3. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F.
  4. Discard the cooking liquid and transfer the ham to a roasting pan.
  5. Using a sharp knife, score the ham in a criss-cross pattern about 1/4-inch deep. Stick whole cloves into the center of each diamond shape.
Baking
  1. Brush a generous amount of the prepared glaze over the ham. Bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the glaze is bubbling and caramelized, monitoring closely to prevent burning.
  2. Once baked, let the ham rest for about 10 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Ensure your ham is at room temperature before cooking for even heating. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze slices individually for future use.