2 tablespoons bourbon
2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
2 tablespoons water
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
8 slices bacon
1 pound ground beef, preferably 80/20
2 teaspoons barbecue sauce
1 teaspoon hot sauce
1 teaspoon ground cumin
8 slices American cheese
4 sesame seed buns
Sliced tomatoes and lettuce
In a small saucepan, combine the bourbon, sugar, water, smoked paprika and salt. Cook over medium-low heat until the mixture is slightly thickened, about five minutes. Set aside to cool.
Cook the bacon slices in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. When the bacon is browned and crispy, remove slices to a paper-towel-lined plate.
Meanwhile, in a large bowl combine the ground beef, barbecue sauce, hot sauce and cumin. Stir until the mixture is well combined.
Form the beef into four large patties. Make a dimple in the center of each patty. Place them in the refrigerator until you're ready to hit the grill.
Heat the grill over medium-high heat. Place the burgers on the grill and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping once, until they're cooked through. If you're using a meat thermometer, look for 140 degrees Fahrenheit for medium and 160 degrees for well-done.
When the burgers are almost fully cooked (about five degrees off from the final cooking temperature), place two slices of bacon and two slices of American cheese on top of each patty. Close the grill lid to melt the cheese.
To assemble the burgers, place a burger patty on each bun. Drizzle each patty with the bourbon sauce. Top each burger with the sliced tomatoes and lettuce.
