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There’s a certain magic in a Southern kitchen, especially in North Carolina and other beloved Southern states. Those of us from the South lean into our Southern heritage when we can — and food is a perfect go-to.
Maybe it’s the way our family recipes are passed down like heirlooms over hundreds of years. Or how the scent of something slow-roasting can fill the house and call folks to the table.
We’re sharing a recipe that brings together tradition, flavor, and a whole lot of heart: a Cheerwine Bourbon Glazed Ham that tastes like North Carolina home. Whether you’re hosting Sunday supper, planning the holiday spread, or just missing the kind of meal that sticks to your soul, this ham might just be your new family favorite.
First, Let’s Talk About Cheerwine
If you’re from North Carolina (especially the Triad), you likely don’t need an introduction to Cheerwine. But if you’re new to the Tar Heel state — or need a reminder of why we treasure it — it’s more than just a soft drink.
L.D. Peeler created Cheerwine in Salisbury, NC (Winston-Salem’s close neighbor to the south) in 1917 during the sugar shortage of World War I. The unique cherry flavor, dark red color, and perfect level of fizz quickly made it a local favorite.
Its name? A celebration in itself — “cheer” for joy and “wine” for its rich burgundy color (although there’s no alcohol in the soda, for those of you who don’t partake).
Over the years, Cheerwine became a staple of cookouts, picnics, church potlucks, and roadside diners across the Carolinas. It’s the kind of drink that reminds you of family reunions under the shade trees, afternoons at the State Fair, and long summer evenings spent barefoot on the porch. You can find Cheerwine on Amazon if it isn’t at a store near you.
Photo courtesy of Cheerwine.
Even after more than a century, Cheerwine remains proudly family-owned, now in its fifth generation. The company is still run by descendants of founder L.D. Peeler. That kind of long-standing family ownership is rare these days, and it’s part of what makes Cheerwine so special.
It’s not just a brand — it’s a legacy rooted in Southern values, small-town pride, and a deep love for tradition. When we decided to find recipes our fellow Winston-Salemites would love, this one was a knock-out for our North Carolina pride.
Where To Find The Perfect Ham In North Carolina
The secret to a show-stopping glazed ham isn’t just in the glaze; it starts with choosing the right cut.
For this recipe, you’ll want a precooked, bone-in spiral-cut ham. The spiral cut lets all that sticky-sweet Cheerwine bourbon glaze seep into every crevice, and the bone adds flavor you just can’t get from a boneless ham.
Here are a few of our favorite places to find a high-quality ham in the Triad:
- The Honey Baked Ham Company – offers premium cooked bone-in spiral cut ham.
- The Fresh Market – carries premium spiral hams, perfect for glazing.
- Lowes Foods – Proudly Southern, they often carry NC brands like Carolina Pride or Smithfield.
- Carolina Packers Bright Leaf – (order online & free shipping) carries bone-in, spiral-sliced ham that’s hickory and hardwood smoked.
- Foothills Country Ham Co. – (Jonesville) For a saltier, country-style ham with true Carolina character.
Pro tip: Order early during the holidays — they go fast!
Why Add Bourbon?
Pairing bourbon with Cheerwine is classic Southern cooking.
Bourbon brings out the vanilla and caramel notes in the Cheerwine, deepens the glaze, and balances out the sweetness. You don’t need a fancy bottle either — just something smooth. Regional brands like those below are all excellent choices that add local flair.
- Broad Branch Distillery (Winston-Salem)
- Old Nick Williams Farm & Distillery (Lewisville)
- Southern Distilling Company (Statesville)
See our article on the best Winston-Salem area distilleries to learn more about Broad Branch, Old Nick Williams, and other regional distilleries of whiskey, rye, gin, and more.
Cheerwine Glazed Ham Recipe
Okay, now that you have some of the basics, here’s the main attraction. This Cheerwine Bourbon Glazed Ham combines the bold cherry sweetness of North Carolina’s iconic soda with the richness of brown sugar, warm spices, and a hint of bourbon.
Best of all? It’s incredibly easy to make. Just bake, simmer the glaze, and baste to perfection. The result is a tender, caramelized spiral ham that’s perfect for holidays, Sunday suppers, or any meal worth remembering.
Cheerwine Bourbon Glazed Ham Recipe
Ingredients
- 24 ounces Cheerwine
- 1 precooked bone-in spiral-cut ham (10–12 pounds)
- 1 cup bourbon
- ⅓ cup sorghum Molasses
- 1½ cups brown sugar
- ⅓ cup Dijon mustard
- ½ cup dried ginger
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 275°F.
- Place ham on a parchment paper-coated pan.
- Pour 12 ounces of Cheerwine over the ham and cover with a sheet of aluminum foil, crimping the edges down.
- Bake at 275°F for 10-12 minutes per pound.
- In a stockpot, combine 12 ounces of Cheerwine, bourbon, molasses, brown sugar, mustard, ginger, and salt, and then simmer until the glaze thickens.
- Remove your ham from the oven and preheat the oven to 425°F.
- Drizzle your glaze over the heated ham, separating the slices as you pour.
- Bake at 425°F uncovered for 8-10 minutes.
- Allow to stand 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Cook Time varies from 2.5–3 hours depending on ham size
- Servings: 16–20
- Calories per Serving: ~350–400 (varies by glaze usage)
5 Ways To Customize The Glaze
Every family has their own spin on the classics, and this ham is no exception. Once you’ve mastered the base recipe, it’s easy to tweak the glaze or the technique to match your crowd’s taste buds or the occasion.
Here are a few mouthwatering ideas to customize your Cheerwine Bourbon Glazed Ham:
1. Turn Up the Heat
There’s something magical about the combo of sweet and spicy. It’s why pepper jelly goes on cream cheese, and why hot honey is a thing.
That same magic works beautifully in this Cheerwine bourbon glaze. If your family likes a little heat with their sweet, here’s how to bring the fire:
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze for a warm back-of-the-throat heat.
- Stir in a few dashes of hot sauce (Texas Pete, Cholula, ghost pepper sauce) to wake things up.
- Want it sweet and spicy? Try a swirl of pepper jelly melted into the glaze for a glossy, peppery finish.
Did You Know?
Despite its name, Texas Pete hot sauce was founded in Winston-Salem by the Garner family (now named the TW Garner Food Company) in 1929. The current factory, built in 1942 (and added onto too many times to count), sits on the original Garner family home site in northwest Winston-Salem.
2. Make It Even Sweeter (Because Why Not?)
Want to lean into the candy-coated holiday vibes?
- Brown Sugar Crust: After glazing, pack a light layer of brown sugar over the ham and broil it for 2–4 minutes. It’ll melt into a crackly, caramelized shell.
- Maple Syrup Magic: Swap some (or all) of the brown sugar in the glaze for real maple syrup. It adds a buttery, smoky sweetness that pairs beautifully with bourbon and Cheerwine.
- Cherry Preserves Boost: Add a spoonful or two of cherry jam or preserves to the glaze to echo the Cheerwine flavor and thicken the sauce naturally.
- Honey Finish: Drizzle warm honey over the ham just before serving—or add a bit to your glaze for a golden, floral finish.
3. Go Bourbon-Free
No bourbon? No problem. This glaze is still deeply flavorful without alcohol. Some fantastic alternatives include:
- Apple cider or apple juice makes a great family-friendly substitute with a subtle tartness.
- Orange juice brings a citrusy brightness that pairs beautifully with the cherry notes of Cheerwine.
- For depth without booze, try a splash of pomegranate juice or balsamic vinegar.
4. Make It Smoky (Without Needing A Smoker)
There’s something irresistible about a smoky-sweet glaze on ham. It brings on that North Carolina BBQ vibe. Whether you’re a pitmaster or a first-time host, here’s how to layer in that warm, woodsy flavor:
- Stir smoked paprika, chipotle powder, ground cumin, or black garlic powder into the glaze.
- Add 1–2 drops of hickory or mesquite liquid smoke to the glaze while it simmers.
- Replace part of the bourbon or juice with a dark beer for richness and complexity.
- Finish it on the grill (see below) to naturally char the glaze and add a smoky crust.
5. Finish It On The Grill
If the weather’s nice or you’re just looking to show off, grilling adds that extra something:
- Slice the finished ham into thick steaks and brush each slice with glaze.
- Grill over medium heat for 2–3 minutes per side until you get caramelized edges and crispy tips.
- Bonus: This is a great way to reheat leftovers the next day without drying them out.
Classic Sides That Belong On Any Southern Table
This ham is the star of the show, but no Southern meal is complete without a few faithful sidekicks. Here are some local-favorite ideas to round out the spread.
- Sweet Potato Casserole topped with brown sugar, pecans, or toasted marshmallows
- Collard Greens slow-simmered with ham hocks and served with a little vinegar kick
- Deviled Eggs (you know your aunt’s got the best)
- Mac & Cheese, the creamy, baked kind with a crispy cheddar top
- Buttery cornbread or fluffy yeast rolls
- Banana Pudding crowned with Nilla wafers, of course
Check out our article on Winston-Salem’s farmers markets to find some fresh, local produce — several operate year-round.
Why This Dish Feels Like Home
There’s something about the crackle of glaze on a holiday ham that feels like a hug from the past. Maybe it’s the memory of your mom humming in the kitchen or your uncle carving meat with a story in every slice.
Food like this tells a story. It reminds us who we are, where we come from, and how lucky we are to call North Carolina home.
This Cheerwine ham might just start a new tradition. One that your kids ask for every Christmas. One that makes your kitchen smell like comfort and cheer.
Don’t Feel Like Cooking?
For those times you don’t want to lift a finger in the kitchen but want to eat at home, check out the best take-out restaurants in Winston-Salem. If you’re looking for a trendy downtown eatery to hit, we have recommendations for the best downtown restaurants in the Twin City.
What Southern dishes are your favorite family go-tos? Please share your top picks (and even recipes) in our comments!
