Beer Can Turkey with North Carolina BBQ Rub
This Beer Can Turkey recipe is all about bringing Carolina BBQ flair to your holiday table. Infused with our Revolution Barbecue North Carolina BBQ Rub, this turkey gets a sweet, smoky crust that’s balanced by the steam of a tallboy beer and a buttery injection. The Bird Brine adds subtle seasoning, while the beer can setup keeps the turkey moist from the inside out, resulting in tender, flavorful meat that’s juicy to the bone. Perfect for gatherings, this turkey combines BBQ technique with rich flavors that are sure to impress, making it a showstopper centerpiece for any special occasion.
Carolina BBQ Turkey: Sweet, Smoky, and Brew-Infused Perfection
8
15 minutes
2 3/4
American
Main Dish
This Beer Can Turkey with North Carolina BBQ flair is all about big flavor and juicy results. Using our Revolution Barbecue North Carolina BBQ Rub, the turkey gets a sweet, smoky crust that captures the essence of Carolina-style barbecue. A tallboy beer and buttery brine add layers of moisture, keeping the meat tender while infusing it with subtle hints of hops and herbs. By cooking the turkey on an open beer can, it stays moist from the inside out, making each slice juicy and packed with flavor. Perfect for family gatherings, this recipe brings BBQ-style turkey to a whole new level.
Ingredients
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1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds), thawed and giblets removed
2 tallboy (24 oz) cans of beer (we used Corona Extra)
4 tablespoons Revolution Barbecue North Carolina BBQ Rub
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1 cup unsalted European butter, melted (such as Kerrygold)
1 tablespoon light agave (or honey)
1 tablespoon Revolution Barbecue Bird Brine
Directions
Preheat your smoker or pellet grill to 375°F, set up for indirect grilling. If you have a top shelf, remove it to make room for the turkey.
In a bowl, whisk together the melted butter, Bird Brine, and agave or honey. This buttery mixture will infuse moisture and a touch of sweetness into the turkey.
Using a meat injector, fill the turkey with the butter mixture, starting with the breasts, then moving to the legs and thighs to ensure every part stays moist and flavorful.
Place the turkey on top of an open tallboy beer can, making sure it’s stable. Position the turkey (with the beer can) on a disposable aluminum pan to catch drippings. Pour another tallboy of beer into the pan along with ½ cup of water to prevent the drippings from burning.
Rub the turkey all over with Revolution Barbecue North Carolina BBQ Rub. This will create a sweet, smoky crust that complements the beer and butter flavors.
Place the pan on the indirect side of the grill, away from the heat source, and close the lid. Smoke until the internal temperature reaches 160°F in the thickest part of the breasts, about 2 hours and 45 minutes.
Remove the turkey from the grill and let it rest for 20 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Carve the turkey and use the pan drippings to add extra moisture to the slices or shredded pieces.
