How to Host a Bourbon & Bites Night with Fridays-Inspired Recipes

Hosting a bourbon tasting night at home? Combine that smooth, amber glow of bourbon with the craveable flavor and fun of TGI Fridays. This guide walks you through how to host a bourbon & bites night with Fridays-inspired recipes – featuring bourbon tasting party ideas, food pairings, cocktail recipes, and easy hosting tips for a night that feels effortless and unforgettable.

What You Need for a Bourbon & Bites Night

Ready to bring that Fridays feeling home? A bourbon & bites night is all about easygoing energy, bold flavor, and good company. Think smooth pours, craveable appetizers, and a vibe that invites everyone to settle in. Whether you’re planning a bourbon tasting party for beginners or a whiskey night for seasoned sippers, the right bourbon food pairings let every sip and bite shine.

Pro move: grab your favorite TGI Fridays Appetizers To-Go, then add a few homemade touches to round out the table.

Your Bourbon Roadmap: Tasting Made Easy

Bourbon is America’s signature whiskey – corn-forward, aged in new charred oak, and born to be shared. The fresh char gives caramel, vanilla, toasted oak, and spice notes that pair beautifully with savory or smoky dishes.

For your bourbon tasting party, variety is key. Build a flight around food pairings:

• High-corn bourbons pair perfectly with creamy or cheesy appetizers.

• High-rye or barrel-proof bourbons complement smoky or spicy bites.

• Wheated bourbons bring mellow sweetness for balance.

Start with three: one approachable pour, one spicier expression, and one richer aged bourbon to anchor the night. Keep pours small, nose the aroma, take a sip, then pair with a bite to see how flavors evolve.

Fridays-Inspired Appetizers to Kick Things Off

Start your whiskey party with the Fridays classics everyone loves. Order TGI Fridays Appetizers To-Go – bone-in wings, loaded potato skins, mozzarella sticks, or chips and queso—and serve them with labeled dips and fresh garnishes.

Add a homemade highlight for a signature touch. Bourbon-glazed sliders are an instant win:

1. Season mini patties with onion, garlic, pepper, and brown sugar.

2. Sear hot, brush with a Fridays-style BBQ-bourbon reduction, and finish with cheddar or crispy onions.

3. Add a final glaze and watch them disappear.

Round out the spread with a bourbon-soaked cheese board: cheddar, brie, smoky gouda, and dried cherries plumped in bourbon. Add candied pecans, crusty bread, and a sprinkle of flaky salt for an upscale Fridays twist.

Full Recipe: Bourbon-Honey Glazed Chicken Bites

Sweet heat, glossy glaze, and a touch of char – these bites bring Fridays-inspired flavor and pair perfectly with both high-rye and wheated bourbons.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken (breast or thigh), cut into 1-inch bites

• 1 tsp kosher salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• 1 tbsp cornstarch

• 1 tbsp neutral oil

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

• ⅓ cup bourbon

• ⅓ cup honey

• 2 tbsp soy sauce

• 2 tbsp ketchup or Fridays-style BBQ sauce

• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar

• ½–1 tsp crushed red pepper (to taste)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp grated ginger (optional)

• 2 tbsp chopped scallions

• Sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions

1. Pat chicken dry and toss with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and cornstarch.

2. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high; sear chicken 2–3 minutes per side until golden.

3. Add butter, garlic, and ginger. Sauté 30 seconds.

4. Stir in bourbon, honey, soy, ketchup/BBQ, vinegar, and red pepper. Simmer 3–4 minutes.

5. Return chicken to the pan, coat evenly, and cook until the glaze thickens.

6. Garnish with scallions and sesame.

Pairing Tip: High-rye bourbon enhances the spice; wheated bourbon softens the heat and highlights the honey. Serve alongside TGI Fridays Potato Skins To-Go for the perfect cocktail and appetizer pairing.

Main Courses That Love Bourbon

Anchor your bourbon tasting menu with mains that balance sweet-smoky flavors and charred edges:

• Bourbon Barbecue Ribs – Slow-baked, then glazed with a bourbon-kissed BBQ sauce.

• Grilled Bourbon-Glazed Salmon – Bourbon, maple, and soy marinade with a bright lemon finish.

• Bourbon-Marinated Steak Tips – Bourbon, olive oil, Dijon, and garlic bring bold flavor and tenderness.

Pair with Fridays-style sides like mac and cheese, loaded mashed potatoes, or a crisp salad.

Desserts with a Bourbon Twist

Bourbon’s dessert potential is unmatched. Try these crowd-pleasers:

• Fudgy Bourbon Chocolate Brownies – Swirled with caramel and brushed with bourbon syrup.

• Bourbon Pecan Pie – Rich filling with toasted pecans and a warm bourbon glaze.

• Bourbon-Infused Ice Cream – Creamy, smooth, and perfect with caramel and candied pecans.

Serve desserts with a neat pour or a Fridays-style Old Fashioned for the ultimate bourbon tasting finale.

Cocktails That Elevate the Night

Recreate Fridays bar energy at home with classic bourbon cocktails:

• Old Fashioned – Bourbon, simple syrup, bitters, and an orange twist.

• Bourbon Smash – Lemon, mint, and honey for a bright, fresh kick.

• Maple Bourbon Sour – Sweet, citrusy, and cozy for cool evenings.

Batch cocktails ahead of time, label each with its garnish, and keep the night flowing.

Pairing Tip: Spirit-forward drinks enhance smoky sliders and wings, while citrusy sours balance rich or creamy bites.

Set the Scene: Warm, Welcoming, and Fridays

Create a space that feels like golden hour in a glass: warm lighting, wood accents, and copper details. Use tasting flights, chalkboard tags, and vintage-style barware to elevate the setup.

Play classic blues or soul for atmosphere, and include tasting cards for guests to jot flavor notes. Keep it relaxed, fun, and full of Fridays-style personality.

Hosting Tips for a Perfect Bourbon Party

• Blend Fridays Appetizers To-Go with one or two homemade dishes.

• Start with approachable bourbons, then move to spicier and aged expressions.

• Offer palate cleansers and non-alcoholic options like mint lemonade or ginger soda.

• Label bourbons and bites clearly.

• Encourage guests to take notes and vote on favorites.

• Above all—keep it simple, social, and spirited.

Your Fridays-Inspired Bourbon & Bites Checklist

✅ Pick up TGI Fridays Appetizers To-Go
✅ Choose a bourbon lineup: approachable, spicy/high-rye, aged
✅ Prep a homemade highlight like Bourbon-Honey Chicken Bites
✅ Plan a sweet-smoky main course
✅ Finish with a bourbon-infused dessert
✅ Batch a signature cocktail
✅ Set up a tasting station
✅ Set the vibe with lighting and music
✅ Provide non-alcoholic options and safe rides

From bourbon tasting party ideas to bourbon food pairings, this guide gives you everything you need for a memorable night in. Grab TGI Fridays Appetizers To-Go, pour a few classic cocktails, and celebrate the art of bourbon and bites – Fridays style.

Please drink responsibly.

👉 Ready to join the celebration? Find your nearest TGI Fridays location and plan your visit today!

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