Jack & Coke Steaks

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Last weekend was Father’s Day.

In our house, no Father’s day is complete without steaks or a trip to the hardware store.

My boys gave my husband this gift, bottled Coke, old fashioned Cream Sodas, & some Corona, plus some beef sticks, and (of course) steaks.

Then off to the hardware store!

Is it terrible to admit that we were going to the hardware store so he could buy wood to make me another flower planter? 

As we were wandering around the garden section (it was a beautifully sunny day, after all), we happened upon some huge barrels.

Jack Daniel’s barrels, on sale for cheap, to use as planters.

Boom.  Sold.

So we hauled the barrels to the car (which now smells strongly of Jack Daniel’s) and found them a home in my garden.  Now my tomatoes and bells peppers are living in them.  And if you walk closely, you can stiff get a whiff of Jack.  Huh, I wonder if that’s going to affect the plants at all?  Jack Daniel’s tomatoes?  It could totally be a thing.

After getting so psyched about Jack Daniel’s barrels, I thought it only logical to marinate the annual Father’s Day steaks in Jack as well.  Plus all the Jack Daniel’s fumes from the garden gave me a hankering for a Jack & Coke.

This boozy steak marinade makes a slightly sweet steak that is absolutely bursting with flavor.  So whether or not you have Jack Daniel’s barrels residing in your garden, you’ll probably want to make these for the man in your life, asap!

Jack & Coke Steaks

Adapted from Kansas City Steaks

½ cup Jack Daniel’s Bourbon

1 cup Coca Cola

1/3 cup lite soy sauce

2 tbsp lemon juice

1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1 tbsp hot sauce (such as Frank’s)

1/3 cup brown sugar, packed

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp black pepper

2 lbs New York Strip Steaks

Use a sharp knife to score the tops of the steaks in a grid pattern about ¼-inch deep.

Whisk together all of the marinade ingredients.  Place the marinade in a zipper bag with the steaks and massage to coat.  Place the steaks in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight (or freeze and the steaks will marinate as they thaw).

About 30 minutes before cooking, remove the steaks from the refrigerator to bring them closer to room temperature. 

Preheat an outdoor grill to medium heat and cook to desired doneness (or check out this post for fantasticindoor steak instructions!)

Serves 4