Whiskey Infused Caramelized Onion and Mushroom Burgers

I think burgers have become one of my top most favorite foods. There are so many different things you can do with burgers, prom plain to super creative like my Spanakopita Burgers, they are always fun to create and delicious to eat. The day I made these I was craving a huge burger at work, my co-worker mentioned to me how her old neighbors used to caramelize onions and mushrooms in whiskey as a burger topping. I knew when I heard her say whiskey infused onions and mushrooms that I would have to give them a try that very night. I did and it was absolutely delicious, it gave grilled onions and mushrooms a whole new tang. So good. 

Ingredients:
1 Tbsp butter
1 onion, sliced
1 cup of sliced mushrooms
2 Tbsp Whiskey, divided
1 tsp brown sugar

1 lb. ground beef (for 4-1/4lb. patties)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 Tbsp BBQ sauce
4 hamburger buns

Burger toppings: sliced tomatoes, fresh spinach leaves or lettuce

Directions:
1. Prepare onions and mushrooms first. Begin by heating the butter to medium-high heat in a medium sized saute pan. Add the onions and mushrooms to the pan, stir to coat in butter. Cook on medium heat for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring frequently. If onions or mushrooms begin to brown, lower heat.

2. Combine whiskey and brown sugar in a small ramekin, stir until brown sugar dissolves. Add half of brown sugar whiskey to pan with onions and mushrooms. Coat onions and mushrooms in whiskey, continue to cook for about 10 to 15 minutes until liquid dissipates. Add remainder of brown sugar whiskey. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the remaining liquid dissipates. Set heat to simmer and allow onions and mushrooms to caramelize while burger patties are prepared.
3. Preheat grill. Meanwhile, combine ground beef with cheddar cheese and bbq sauce. Use clean hands to achieve a thorough melding of ingredients. Once combined, form meat into 4-1/4 lb. patties. Place on wax paper  and refrigerate until ready to cook.

4. Cook burgers on grill until they reach desired doneness. Assemble burgers. Place patty on bun and top with your most favorite toppings, finishing off with the whiskey infused caramelized onions and mushrooms. Enjoy!