There’s something irresistible about popcorn dressed up for adults, especially when bourbon is involved. This Bourbon Popcorn Trio brings together three distinct flavors that feel perfect for cocktail hour, game night, or holiday gifting. This week, our Sunday Supper friends are gathering over all things popcorn! Check out their recipes and leave them some love!

• Beurre Noisette Popcorn Balls, A Bubbly, and Other Popcorn and Wine Pairings by Culinary Cam
• Caramel Popcorn by Sneha's Recipe
• Easy Caramel Corn by Palatable Pastime
• Nacho Cheese Popcorn Seasoning by Amy's Cooking Adventures
• Parmesan Thyme Popcorn with Browned Butter by Karen's Kitchen Stories
• Popcorn-Crusted Chicken Tenders by Food Lust People Love
• Popcorn Granola Bars by A Day in the Life on the Farm
• Sweet and Salty Popcorn Snack Mix by Making Miracles

and me!

Bourbon Popcorn Trio by Our Good Life

From buttery Bourbon Caramel, to smoky Maple Bourbon Sea Salt, to a bold Spicy Bourbon Chili, this trio offers something for every palate. The recipes are simple, approachable, and easily scaled for parties or gift-giving.

Serve them together as a tasting flight, pair them with your favorite bourbon, or package them in jars for a thoughtful homemade gift. Whether you’re entertaining friends or settling in for a cozy night at home, this trio proves popcorn isn’t just for the movies anymore.

Tasting Menu 

Bourbon Popcorn Tasting Menu

Sweet-Bourbon Caramel Popcorn
Buttery • Rich • Classic
Pair with: Old Fashioned or wheated bourbon

Bourbon Caramel Popcorn

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup popcorn kernels (about 7–8 cups popped) Renee Nicole's Kitchen

• 3/4 cup salted butter Renee Nicole's Kitchen

• 3/4 cup corn syrup Renee Nicole's Kitchen

• 1 3/4 cups brown sugar Renee Nicole's Kitchen

• 2 teaspoons bourbon (good quality bourbon adds great flavor!) Renee Nicole's Kitchen

• 1 teaspoon baking soda Renee Nicole's Kitchen

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. 

2. Pop your popcorn — use an air popper or microwave (in a brown paper bag folded shut). Spread popped popcorn evenly on the lined sheets. 

3. Make the bourbon caramel:

   • In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, melt butter with brown sugar and corn syrup, stirring until it bubbles. 

   • Turn off heat and carefully stir in baking soda and bourbon — it will foam up and lighten in color. 

   • Drizzle the bourbon caramel over the popcorn, working quickly but carefully so the popcorn gets coated evenly. 

4. Bake & toss: Bake for about 15 minutes, then remove one sheet and stir to turn and redistribute caramel. Swap trays and bake another 15 minutes.

5. Cool and break apart: Let popcorn cool on the pans or wax paper. Break into clusters and enjoy! 

🍿 Tip: Store in an airtight container at room temperature — it stays fresh for up to two weeks (if it lasts that long!). 

Savory-Maple Bourbon Sea Salt Popcorn
Smoky • Salty • Balanced
Pair with: Rye bourbon or Manhattan

Savory Maple-Bourbon Popcorn 

Ingredients

• 8–10 cups freshly popped popcorn (air-popped or stovetop)

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup

• 1–1½ tablespoons bourbon (use one you enjoy sipping)

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

• ¼ teaspoon onion powder

• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

• ¾ teaspoon flaky sea salt (or to taste)

• Optional upgrades:

  • Fresh cracked black pepper

  • Finely grated parmesan

  • Crumbled cooked bacon (very small pieces)

Instructions

1. Pop the popcorn and place it in a very large heat-safe bowl. Remove unpopped kernels.

2. Make the bourbon butter glaze

   • In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter.

   • Stir in maple syrup and bourbon.

   • Simmer gently for 1–2 minutes to cook off some alcohol while keeping the flavor.

3. Season it up

   • Whisk in smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne (if using), and salt.

4. Coat the popcorn

   • Slowly drizzle the warm bourbon mixture over the popcorn while tossing gently.

   • Taste and adjust seasoning.

5. Optional crisping step (recommended)

   • Spread popcorn on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

   • Bake at 275°F for 10–12 minutes, stirring once.

   • Cool slightly — it will crisp as it cools.

Spicy-Bourbon Chili Popcorn
Warm Heat • Bold Finish
Pair with: High-proof bourbon or smoked cocktails

Spicy Bourbon Chili Popcorn

Ingredients

• 8–10 cups popped popcorn

• 4 tablespoons butter

• 1 tablespoon bourbon

• ½ teaspoon chili powder

• ¼ teaspoon cayenne (or to taste)

• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika

• ½ teaspoon salt

• Optional: pinch of brown sugar

Instructions

1. Melt butter; stir in bourbon.

2. Whisk in spices.

3. Drizzle over popcorn and toss.

4. Bake at 275°F for 8–10 minutes if desired.

Last Thoughts

Popcorn has a way of bringing people together, and this Bourbon Popcorn Trio turns a simple snack into something a little more special. Whether you are setting out bowls for friends, pairing it with a favorite pour, or tying jars with twine for an easy homemade gift, these flavors were made to be shared.

I love how each variety tells a slightly different story. Sweet and nostalgic, savory and comforting, bold and spirited. Yet they come together beautifully as a trio. It is proof that with just a few thoughtful ingredients and a splash of bourbon, everyday moments can feel intentional and celebratory.

If you make these, I would love to hear which flavor wins your heart. However you enjoy them, I hope they add a bit of warmth, connection, and good living to your table, one crunchy handful at a time.