Apple Cider Vinegar Brine For Turkey makes for an amazing smoked turkey! This brine made for an amazing and moist smoked turkey! (I have included affiliate links to products I love. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.) In addition, this post contains affiliate links that will make me a small commission when used to order online.
I made this turkey on my Pit Boss Pro 1100. Now I picked mine up Lowes, but Walmart and Amazon carry other Pit Boss options or Pit Boss website themselves. I had compared to other pellet grills on the market but I have been happy with my choice.
Pit Boss Austin XL 1000 sq. in. Pellet Grill w/ Flame Broiler & Cooking Probe
Z GRILLS Wood Pellet Grill Holiday 8-in-1 BBQ SmokerCamp Chef 24 in. WiFi Woodwind Pellet Grill & Smoker with Sidekick
Apple Cider Vinegar Brine For Turkey Ingredients:
- 1 Turkey
- 1 Cup Salt
- 1/2 Cup Brown Sugar
- 2 Tbsp Peppercorns
- 2 Tbsp Dried Rosemary
- 5 Cinnamon Sticks
- 2 Tbsp Thyme
- 2 Tbsp Ground Sage
- 3 Tsp Minced Garlic
- 2 Tbsp Whole Cloves
- Two Medium Oranges Quartered
- 2 Quarts Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1 Gallon Water
How To Make Apple Cider Vinegar Brine For Turkey:
Cut up your oranges into quarters.
In a large stockpot add all of the ingredients of the brine (but not the turkey). (If you don’t have a large stockpot I highly recommend one, you can even brine meats in them or make amazing leftovers. Check them out on Amazon -> here)
Bring the brine ingredients to a rolling boil to allow the salt and sugars to dissolve.
I stirred mine as it was warming up to make sure everything was mixing well.
Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature.
If your pot is big enough add your turkey to the brine once it has cooled if not pour the brine into a container to put the turkey in it with.
I used a Tupperware That’s Mega Bowl and it held my 12 lb turkey plus the brine. (They are on Amazon -> here as well if you don’t have a local hookup)
Keep cold in a fridge or continue to add ice to it.
Allow the turkey to brine for at least 18-24 hours.
How To Smoke Apple Cider Vinegar Brined Turkey:
Remove your turkey from your brine and place it to the side on a tray or platter, when I removed my turkey I lifted it straight up so it kept some of the seasonings on it.
Sprinkle with more rosemary, you can use more seasonings as well if you want to.
Pour your brine out, I poured the brine into an over-the-sink strainer to catch all the large pieces of the brine.
Start your smoker up and get it rolling smoke.
You will need to monitor your turkey with a meat thermometer to watch for the turkey to cook thoroughly thru.
I smoked my turkey on the smoke setting for 1 1/2 hours, and then smoked it at 250 for 6 hours.
Serve and enjoy!
Smoked Turkey Recipes:
- Smoked Turkey With Brine, Injection, and Dry Rub
- Dry Rub Recipe For Smoked Turkey
- Coca Cola Turkey Brine Recipe
- Jack Daniels Turkey Brine
What To Serve With Smoked Turkey:
- Smoked Baked Potatoes
- Smoked Loaded Cheesy Potatoes
- How To Make Smoked Deviled Eggs
- Smoked Mashed Potatoes
- Pellet Grilled Dinner Rolls
- Smoked Loaded Baked Beans
- Cheesy Potatoes
- Smoked Sweet Potato Casserole
- Creamy Smoked Macaroni And Cheese
- Smoked Cream Cheese
Leftover Turkey Recipes:
I love to use leftover smoked turkey in other recipes! From Pot Pies to soup to casserole there are no limits, plus I use my PIt Boss Grills to make leftover dishes too!! Check out all my tried and true recipes ->HERE.
Apple Cider Vinegar Brine For Turkey
Ingredients
- 1 Turkey
- 1 Cup Salt
- 1/2 Cup Brown Sugar
- 2 Tbsp Peppercorns
- 2 Tbsp Dried Rosemary
- 5 Cinnamon Sticks
- 2 Tbsp Thyme
- 2 Tbsp Ground Sage
- 3 Tsp Minced Garlic
- 2 Tbsp Whole Cloves
- 2 Medium Oranges
- 2 Quarts Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1 Gallon Water
Instructions
HOW TO MAKE APPLE CIDER VINEGAR BRINE FOR TURKEY:
- Cut up your oranges into quarters.
- In a large stockpot add all of the ingredients of the brine (but not the turkey).)
- Bring the brine ingredients to a rolling boil to allow the salt and sugars to dissolve.
- I stirred mine as it was warming up to make sure everything was mixing well.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature.
- If your pot is big enough add your turkey to the brine once it has cooled if not pour the brine into a container to put the turkey in it with.
- I used a Tupperware That's Mega Bowl and it held my 12 lb turkey plus the brine.
- Keep cold in a fridge or continue to add ice to it.
- Allow the turkey to brine for at least 18-24 hours.
HOW TO SMOKE APPLE CIDER VINEGAR BRINED TURKEY:
- Remove your turkey from your brine and place it to the side on a tray or platter, when I removed my turkey I lifted it straight up so it kept some of the seasonings on it.
- Sprinkle with more rosemary, you can use more seasonings as well if you want to.
- Pour your brine out, I poured the brine into an over-the-sink strainer to catch all the large pieces of the brine.
- Start your smoker up and get it rolling smoke.
- You will need to monitor your turkey with a meat thermometer to watch for the turkey to cook thoroughly thru.
- I smoked my turkey on the smoke setting for 1 1/2 hours, and then smoked it at 250 for 6 hours.
- Serve and enjoy!
Followed this recipe exactly and was rewarded with the best Thanksgiving turkey in the forty years I’ve been cooking this once a year dish. It was so flavorful and moist everyone also agreed it was the best turkey ever. Didn’t know turkey could stand on its own without gravy to give it some moisture and flavor. Plan on having turkey often now, not just once a year. Thanks.