Yea, my favorite glaze EVER is here any time I want it!
This whiskey glaze from TGI Friday’s shines because of how it brings sweetness, smokiness, and just a little tang together in one bite.
I recommend using a high-quality whiskey for this recipe—nothing overly fancy but not too cheap.
The slow simmer is where the magic happens, so let the sauce cook low and slow until it thickens to the perfect consistency.
I’m always amazed at how versatile this glaze is—it’s excellent brushed over ribs, drizzled on shrimp, or as a dipping sauce.
The addition of fresh lime juice at the end brightens up the entire recipe in the best way.
How to Make TGI Friday’s Whiskey Glaze
Ingredients
- 1 cup Pineapple Juice
- 1/2 cup Brown Sugar
- 1/3 cup Soy Sauce
- 1/4 cup Jack Daniels Whiskey
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
- 1 tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1/2 tsp Cayenne Pepper
- 1/2 cup Diced White Onion
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Begin by pouring 1 cup of pineapple juice into a saucepan and adding 1/2 cup of brown sugar.
Whisk them together until the sugar completely dissolves.
Step 2:
Add 1/3 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup Jack Daniels whiskey, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper.
Mix the ingredients until they’re well combined.
Step 3:
Introduce 1 tablespoon of minced garlic and 1/2 cup diced white onion into the saucepan.
Stir to integrate these aromatics thoroughly.
Step 4:
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low.
Let it simmer, stirring occasionally until it’s reduced by half and thickened.
Step 5:
Once the glaze thickens, remove it from the heat and let it cool to room temperature before using.
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Roasting Garlic:
For a deeper flavor, consider roasting the garlic before adding it for an extra layer of complexity.
Roasted garlic will bring a milder, sweeter note.
Onion Varieties:
Feel free to try different onion types like red onions if you want a slightly different flavor profile.
Red onions might give a softer and more colorful glaze.
Alcohol-Free Option:
If you prefer an alcohol-free glaze, substituting whiskey with apple juice can still deliver a delicious taste.
Apple juice makes a fantastic alternative while keeping things kid-friendly!
What to Serve with TGI Friday’s Whiskey Glaze
Classic Mashed Potatoes
The rich flavor of mashed potatoes pairs perfectly with the sweet and savory notes of whiskey glaze.
You can use buttery Yukon Gold potatoes to enhance the texture and flavor of the dish.
Adding a splash of cream and a touch of garlic will take this pairing to new heights!
Grilled Asparagus
Grilled asparagus offers a fantastic contrast to the sweetness of the glaze and adds a crisp texture to your meal.
A sprinkle of lemon zest before serving brings a refreshing twist that you and your guests will love.
Cooking asparagus on a grill or in a grill pan can also give it those irresistible char marks.
Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries are a fun alternative and add a lovely sweetness that complements the glaze beautifully.
Toss them with a dash of paprika or cinnamon for a bit of a kick.
You can bake them for a healthier option, and they are still just as delicious.
Roasted Brussel Sprouts
You might not immediately think of brussel sprouts, but roasting them brings out a unique nutty flavor.
Combine them with a bit of balsamic glaze or honey for a sweet and tangy finish.
If you haven’t tried this combination before, it might just surprise you!
Pineapple Salsa
Make a vibrant pineapple salsa to add a splash of color and tropical flavor to your meal.
A mix of pineapple, red onion, and cilantro brings freshness and pairs surprisingly well with whiskey glaze.
The salsa can be served on the side or even over your main dish for an extra punch of flavor.
Variations and Substitutions
Sweetness Adjustments
You can tweak the sweetness of the glaze by adjusting the brown sugar level.
If you like things sweeter, you might want to add a bit more.
For a less sweet version, cutting back on the sugar can balance out the flavors.
Alternative Alcohol Options
If you’re out of whiskey, you can try using bourbon for a different flavor profile.
It gives a smooth and warm taste to the glaze.
For a non-alcoholic option, consider using apple or grape juice as a substitute.
Garlic Variations
Roasted garlic adds depth, but if you’re short on time, fresh garlic works well too.
It’s a convenient swap when you’re in a hurry.
Just be sure to adjust the amount if the flavor is stronger than roasted garlic.
Texture Customization
If you’d prefer a thicker glaze, simmering the sauce longer assists in achieving that perfect consistency.
Alternatively, a touch of cornstarch can thicken the sauce quickly.
Whisk it well to avoid lumps forming.
How to Store Leftover TGI Fridays Whiskey Glaze
Refrigeration
Once you’re done enjoying your homemade TGI Fridays Whiskey Glaze, you’ll need to store the leftovers properly.
Pour the leftover glaze into an airtight container to prevent any air from entering and spoiling the sauce.
Place the container in the refrigerator where it should be consumed within one week to keep it fresh.
Freezing
If you want to save the glaze for a longer time, freezing it is a great option.
Transfer the glaze into a freezer-safe container, leaving some room at the top as it might expand slightly when frozen.
Label the container with the date so you’ll easily remember when you made it for future use.
Thawing
When you’re ready to use the stored glaze again, make sure to thaw it properly.
Move it from the freezer to the refrigerator a day ahead to let it thaw gradually and safely.
Once thawed, give it a good stir before serving to ensure the texture and flavors are just right.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcooking the Sauce
You won’t want to overcook the whiskey glaze, as this can lead to a thick, sticky mess that’s hard to manage.
Cooking the sauce on too high a heat can cause it to reduce too quickly and lose its balance of flavors.
Stick to a gentle simmer to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Skipping the Whisking
You might feel tempted to let the sauce sit while it cooks, but don’t!
Regular whisking helps to combine the ingredients evenly and prevent them from burning.
Make sure to whisk frequently to get that perfect, smooth texture.
Using Cheap Whiskey
Don’t be tempted to use the cheapest whiskey you can find.
The quality of the whiskey directly impacts the depth and richness of the glaze.
Go for a mid-range whiskey to get the best flavor without breaking the bank.

TGI Fridays Whiskey Glaze Recipe
- 1 cup Pineapple Juice
- 1/2 cup Brown Sugar
- 1/3 cup Soy Sauce
- 1/4 cup Jack Daniels Whiskey
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
- 1 tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1/2 tsp Cayenne Pepper
- 1/2 cup Diced White Onion
- Begin by pouring 1 cup of pineapple juice into a saucepan and adding 1/2 cup of brown sugar.
- Whisk them together until the sugar completely dissolves.
- Add 1/3 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup Jack Daniels whiskey, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper.
- Mix the ingredients until they're well combined.
- Introduce 1 tablespoon of minced garlic and 1/2 cup diced white onion into the saucepan.
- Stir to integrate these aromatics thoroughly.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low.
- Let it simmer, stirring occasionally until it's reduced by half and thickened.
- Once the glaze thickens, remove it from the heat and let it cool to room temperature before using.
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