Drunk Franks

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Cuisine: American

Drunk Franks combine hot dogs with a bourbon and brown sugar glaze, offering a sweet, smoky flavor perfect for casual gatherings and appetizer platters.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup bourbon
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons minced onion
  • 2 pounds hot dogs
  • 1 1/2 cups ketchup
  • Tabasco sauce to taste

Instructions

  1. Cut the hot dogs into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Combine bourbon, brown sugar, minced onion, ketchup, and Tabasco sauce in a saucepan.
  3. Add the hot dog pieces to the mixture and heat until warmed through.
  4. Let the mixture cool down.
  5. Reheat before serving.
  6. Best made 24 hours in advance for enhanced flavor.

Tips & Substitutions

For a deeper flavor, let the hot dogs marinate in the bourbon mixture for a few hours before cooking. If you prefer a milder taste, substitute whiskey for bourbon. You can also add some minced garlic or a dash of Worcestershire sauce for an extra kick. These Drunk Franks are great for parties and pair well with snacks like Pizza Snack Crackers.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Drunk Franks as a hearty appetizer at your next gathering, ideally with toothpicks for easy eating. They pair wonderfully with sides like coleslaw or potato salad. For a fun twist, serve them in mini buns topped with chopped onions. These are perfect for game day or any casual get-together.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover Drunk Franks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a saucepan over low heat until heated through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally. Ensure they're heated evenly to maintain their delicious flavor.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Drunk Franks contains roughly 734 calories, with 12g protein, 93g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (25% of the Daily Value), iron (21% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1243mg per serving (54% of the Daily Value).

734 kcal 37% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 12.4g 25% DV
Total Fat 36.3g 47% DV
Carbs 92.7g 34% DV
Fiber 5.5g 20% DV
Sugar 21.4g 43% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1242.9mg 54% DV
Potassium 368.4mg 8% DV
Cholesterol 13.2mg 4% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 39.3mcg 4% DV
Vitamin C 5.2mg 6% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg 1% DV
Calcium 101.9mg 8% DV
Iron 3.8mg 21% DV
Diet fit High-fiber

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different types of hot dogs for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can use turkey, chicken, or even plant-based hot dogs if you prefer. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the type you choose. The marinade will still provide great flavor regardless of the hot dog variety.

Is it necessary to let the mixture cool before reheating?

Yes, letting the mixture cool allows the flavors to meld better. However, if you're in a hurry, you can skip this step and serve immediately. Just ensure that they are heated thoroughly before serving to enjoy the best taste.

Can I make Drunk Franks in advance?

Definitely! In fact, they're best made 24 hours in advance. This allows the hot dogs to soak up the flavors of the bourbon and ketchup mixture. Just store them in the fridge and reheat when you're ready to serve. Your guests will love the enhanced flavor!

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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