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Flavorful Coffee-Rubbed Smoked Brisket Recipe with Easy Whiskey BBQ Sauce

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A bold and juicy smoked brisket featuring a deep, earthy coffee rub and a warming whiskey BBQ sauce, perfect for backyard gatherings or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons ground coffee (preferably dark roast)
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar (packed)
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 5–6 lbs beef brisket (preferably flat cut)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 cup whiskey (60 ml, bourbon recommended)
  • 1 cup ketchup (240 ml)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Trim excess fat from the brisket, leaving about 1/4 inch to keep the meat moist.
  2. In a bowl, combine ground coffee, paprika, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper if using. Mix well.
  3. Pat the brisket dry with paper towels. Rub olive oil all over the meat.
  4. Generously coat the brisket with the coffee rub, pressing it into the meat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
  5. Preheat smoker or grill to 225°F (107°C). Add hardwood chips like hickory or oak and keep a water pan nearby.
  6. Place brisket fat side up on the smoker grate away from direct heat. Smoke until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), about 5-6 hours.
  7. Wrap brisket tightly in butcher paper or foil and return to smoker. Continue cooking until internal temperature reaches 203°F (95°C), about 3 more hours.
  8. Remove brisket and let rest wrapped for at least 1 hour.
  9. While resting, combine whiskey, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, minced garlic, onion powder, black pepper, and salt in a saucepan.
  10. Simmer sauce over medium-low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  11. Slice brisket thinly against the grain and serve with warm whiskey BBQ sauce.

Notes

Use fresh ground coffee and a quality whiskey for best flavor. Soak wood chips before smoking for richer smoke aroma. Rest brisket wrapped for at least 1 hour to lock in juices. Use a probe thermometer to avoid opening smoker frequently. For gluten-free, substitute Worcestershire sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.

Nutrition

Keywords: smoked brisket, coffee rub, whiskey BBQ sauce, barbecue, smoked meat, backyard BBQ, slow cooked brisket

Find it online: https://lirafood.com/flavorful-coffee-rubbed-smoked-brisket-recipe-with-easy-whiskey-bbq-sauce/