Tasty Turkey Brine Mixture

This simple brine mixture will help you achieve a juicy and flavorful turkey every time. With just a few easy ingredients, your bird will be tender, moist, and perfect for any special occasion.

Smart Cooking Tips

Use cold water when mixing the brine to ensure the salt dissolves properly without warming the mixture.
Submerge the turkey completely for even seasoning throughout the meat.
Brine the turkey for at least 12 hours, but no longer than 24 hours to avoid overly salty meat.

Ingredients 0/9

5 cups water, divided 1 cup salt 1 gallon water 1 cup packed dark brown sugar 2 quarts apple juice (not from concentrate) 1 pint whiskey (such as Jack Daniel's®) 1 lemon, juiced 1 large Gala apple, quartered and chopped 1 navel orange, quartered, or more to taste

Why This Dish Is A Crowd Favorite

This brine adds wonderful moisture and flavor to your turkey. It helps keep the meat juicy and tender, especially after roasting. The blend of herbs and spices creates a delicious, savory taste that enhances the natural flavor of the bird.

Step 1

Combin 2 1/2 cups of water and the salt in a small saucepan. Heat it up, stirring constantly, until the salt completely dissolves—this usually takes about 3 minutes. Pour this salty water into a 5-gallon bucket, then add another gallon of plain water.

Step 2

In the same saucepan, mix 2 1/2 cups of water with the brown sugar. Bring it to a boil while stirring, until the sugar melts away—about 3 minutes again. Pour this sweet mixture into the bucket with the salty water.

Step 3

Now, add the apple juice, whiskey, and lemon juice to the bucket. Toss in the chopped apple pieces. Finally, squeeze in the orange juice and throw in the orange rinds for extra flavor. Give everything a good stir, and your brine is ready!

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By Ryan Parker

Ryan shares simple recipes made for everyday cooking and easy family meals.

Serving Ideas To Try

After brining and roasting, serve the turkey with fresh cranberry sauce and roasted vegetables. The juicy, flavorful meat pairs beautifully with both classic sides and light salads. Leftover turkey is great in sandwiches or soups.

How To Preserve This Dish

If not cooking immediately, store the brined turkey in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 24 hours. Leftover brine should be discarded, as it can contain raw poultry juices. Cooked turkey can be refrigerated for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.