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5.0 from 93 votes

Smoked Turkey Brine

This smoked turkey brine is a blend of apple juice, citrus, fresh herbs and spices that is simple to make and produces a juicy and flavorful turkey. A good brine is a must-have for the perfect smoked turkey!

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Additional Time
45 mins
Total Time
58 mins
Servings: 24
Calories: 42 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 2 cups apple juice
  • 2 gallons cold water
  • 1 1/2 cups kosher salt
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 8 cloves garlic smashed
  • 2 tablespoons black peppercorns
  • 2 oranges thinly sliced
  • 2 lemons thinly sliced
  • 5 prigs rosemary
  • 3 prigs sage
  • 5 prigs parsley
  • 3 dried bay leaves

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Place all the ingredients in a large pot over medium heat. Bring the pot to a simmer.
  2. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the salt and sugar have dissolved in the liquid, stirring occasionally. 
  3. Turn off the heat. Let the brine mixture cool to room temperature.
  4. Place a whole turkey in the brine solution to fully submerge it, then refrigerate for 18-24 hours.
  5. When you're ready to smoke your turkey, remove it from the brine and rinse with cool water; pat dry with paper towels. 
  6. Proceed with your normal turkey smoking, or I've listed my recipe for the best smoked turkey below in the notes.

Notes

  • Use my smoked turkey recipe with this brine for the best results.
  • It is very important to only use kosher salt in this recipe - do not substitute a different type of salt.
  • This brine is designed for a 12-14 pound turkey. If your turkey is a little larger and not fully submerged, it's fine to add a little extra water to cover.

Nutrition Information

Calories 42kcal (2%) Carbohydrates 11g (4%) Sodium 661mg (28%) Potassium 62mg (2%) Sugar 9g (18%) Vitamin A 25IU (1%) Vitamin C 8.7mg (10%) Calcium 20mg (2%) Iron 0.3mg (2%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 24Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 42

% Daily Value*

Calories 42kcal 2%
Carbohydrates 11g 4%
Sodium 661mg 28%
Potassium 62mg 1%
Sugar 9g 18%
Vitamin A 25IU 1%
Vitamin C 8.7mg 10%
Calcium 20mg 2%
Iron 0.3mg 2%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.