Don Draper’s Old Fashioned Bourbon-Glazed Ham brings the elegant notes of the classic cocktail to a hearty main course. This succulent ham, with its caramelized bourbon-bitters glaze, is a showstopper for any celebration, offering a perfect blend of sweet and savory that everyone adores.

Inspired by Don Draper’s signature drink, this ham recipe infuses the rich complexity of bourbon and Angostura bitters into a sticky, glossy glaze that bakes into the meat. The glaze caramelizes beautifully, creating a moist and flavorful centerpiece that’s surprisingly simple to prepare. For precision scoring, I rely on a sharp Shun knife that glides effortlessly through fat. It’s a timeless dish that bridges cocktail culture and homestyle cooking.

Ingredients

• 1 (3 lb) boneless fully cooked ham
• 1/2 cup bourbon
• 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon Angostura bitters
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• Whole cloves, for studding (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C) and position rack in center. Place ham fat-side up in a roasting pan.
2. Using a sharp knife, score the fat layer in a crosshatch pattern, cutting about 1/4 inch deep.
3. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine bourbon, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, bitters, orange zest, and ground cloves. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring until sugar dissolves, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
4. Brush half of the warm glaze evenly over the scored ham surface. If using whole cloves, press them into the intersections of the scored lines.
5. Bake ham for 20 minutes. Remove from oven and brush with remaining glaze.
6. Return ham to oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C) and glaze is bubbly and caramelized.
7. Transfer ham to cutting board, tent with foil, and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing to retain juices.