By: Perry Santanachote

Credit: Drew Swantak

Some offices have candy jars. Thrillist has those, too, but we know the only thing that can truly motivate someone to pretend to be a cupcake on Tinder to pick up girls is bacon. That and booze. So we combined them: the beer & maple syrup glaze gives smoky bacon a crisp, candied crust that actually tastes like beer.

If for some odd reason these slices don’t disappear within minutes, they’ll keep overnight at room temperature.

More: 16 Simple Restaurant Hacks You Need to Be Using



Credit: Drew Swantak

Cook the bacon

Preheat oven to 375℉. Place 1 pound of thick-cut bacon in an even layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake until crispy, about 20 minutes.

More: How to Save & Use Bacon Fat, So All Other Foods Can Also Taste Like Pork

Credit: Drew Swantak

Make the glaze

Combine 3/4 cup lager (1/2 bottle), 1 cup pure maple syrup, 2 tablespoons black pepper, and 1 teaspoon salt in a medium saucepan.

More: The 33 Best Burgers in the Country

Credit: Drew Swantak

Reduce it

Bring the glaze to a simmer over medium heat, and cook, stirring often, until the liquid is reduced by half and looks thicker than syrup, about 20 minutes.

Credit: Drew Swantak

Brush it on thick

Brush a thick layer of glaze over the bacon and bake until caramelized, 8-10 minutes.

Credit: Drew Swantak

Cool it

Let cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes or until glaze hardens.

More from Thrillist:

8 Weird Food Customs From Around the World

The Bacon Weave Mac ‘N’ Cheese Quesadilla Breaks So Many Rules

Every State in the USA, Ranked By Its Beer