Whiskey Steak Marinade

We love making our own seasoning blends and marinades because it gives us complete control over the flavor. I like knowing exactly what goes into our food, and this marinade is easy to adjust with whatever I already have in the pantry. It’s simple, flexible, and always turns out delicious.

If you’re looking for an easy way to boost the flavor of your next steak night, this Whiskey Marinade is one we come back to again and again.You may also love Pineapple Steak Marinade, Bourbon Steak Marinade and Jack Daniels Marinade.

Why We Love Whiskey Steak Marinade

• The whiskey helps tenderize the steak while adding deep, smoky flavor.
• Soy sauce and Worcestershire create umami richness.
• Brown sugar balances the bold flavors and helps create a caramelized crust on the grill.
• Simple pantry ingredients make it affordable and easy to make anytime.

Recipe Snapshot

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Marinate Time: 2–8 hours
• Best For: Ribeye, Strip, Flank, Sirloin
• Flavor Profile: Savory, Slightly Sweet, Smoky
• Serves: 4 steaks
• Method: Grill, Cast Iron, or Broil

This marinade works beautifully on affordable cuts like sirloin or flank steak, making it perfect for feeding a family without overspending.

Ingredients

• Whiskey – Choose the whiskey of your choice. We have used Jack Daniels Whiskey, Bourbon Whiskey, and Tennessee Whiskey.
• Soy Sauce – If you are out, check out these Soy Sauce Substitutes.
• Worcestershire Sauce – See Worcestershire Sauce Substitutes if you are out
• Brown Sugar – Learn How to Make Brown Sugar
• Cloves Garlic, minced – You can also use garlic powder
• Dijon Mustard – Yellow Mustard is a great substitute

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe and ingredients in the recipe card.

How to Make Whiskey Steak Marinade

Step 1 – In a medium bowl, whisk together the whiskey, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar until the sugar dissolves.

Step 2 – Add the minced garlic, dijon mustard, and pepper. Whisk to combine.

Step 3 – Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously to emulsify the marinade.

Step 4 – Place steaks in a non-reactive dish or a large ziplock bag. Pour the marinade over the steaks, ensuring they’re well coated.

Step 5 – Cover the dish or seal the bag, removing as much air as possible. Refrigerate and let marinate for 2-8 hours.

Step 6 – Remove steaks from the marinade 30 minutes before cooking to allow them to come to room temperature. Discard the used marinade.

Expert Tips

• Leftover Marinade – Make sure to discard any leftover marinade that has come in contact with any raw meat. Any unused marinade, store in a airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Combine Ingredients – Combine the ingredients in a bowl until everything is mixed together completely.
• Before Grilling Steaks – We like to remove as much as the marinade from the steaks before placing on the grill. This allows the steak to have brown with the perfect texture.

How Long to Marinade Steak

For tender cuts like ribeye or strip, 2-4 hours is plenty. Tougher cuts like flank or skirt steak do better with a longer marinade, up to 8 hours.

Avoid marinating for longer than 8 hours. The alcohol and acidity in the marinade help break down muscle fibers, which improves tenderness when used for the right amount of time.

Marinate Steaks in the refrigerator. If using a glass bowl, make sure to cover with a plastic wrap.