Mighty Fine Turkey Brine

Ingredients

• 5 cups water , divided
• 1 cup salt
• 1 gallon water
• 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
• 2 quartss apple juice , not from concentrate
• 1 pint whiskey , such as Jack Daniel's®
• 1 lemon , juiced
• 1 large Gala apple , quartered and chopped
• 1 navel orange , quartered, or more to taste

Instructions

1. 1

   Combine 2 1/2 cups water and salt in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, until salt is dissolved, about 3 minutes.

2. 2

   Pour water and salt mixture into a 5-gallon bucket. Add 1 gallon of water.

3. 3

   Combine 2 1/2 cups water and brown sugar in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, until sugar is dissolved, about 3 minutes. Pour into the bucket.

4. 4

   Stir apple juice, whiskey, and lemon juice into the bucket. Add chopped apple. Squeeze in orange juice and add in rinds.