Fitness / September 16, 2024

Bourbon BBQ Sauce

BBQ sauce…elevated. An out-of-this-world experience, thanks to a seductive splash of bourbon.

Table of Contents

Barbecue (BBQ) sauce is meat’s best friend, especially in the summertime. It’s so versatile and can be enjoyed on top of so many different barbecue favorites. Grilled chicken, pulled pork, burgers, you name it: BBQ sauce is going to make it shine. But if you’re looking to do something different, try this summer upgrade.

Savory, tangy, and sweet, this homemade bourbon BBQ sauce is superior in flavor. After you make this sauce once, you will never be able to go back to your typical store-bought options. I absolutely love BBQ sauce, and the addition of bourbon creates a sweet yet smoky aftertaste that is sophisticated and smooth. Of course, if you’re not keen on serving your kids something made with alcohol, have a bottle of normal BBQ sauce at the ready (I suggest making one from scratch!). But for you and the other adults at your summer barbecue, prepare to have your mind blown.

Is Bourbon BBQ Sauce Healthy?

By making BBQ sauce from scratch, you are already ahead in the health game. That’s because bottled BBQ sauce tends to have a lot of refined sugars and ingredients you may struggle to pronounce. That being said, this bourbon BBQ sauce recipe is not sugar-free. It does include both brown sugar and molasses, which heighten the flavor but are not necessarily good for you. The good news, though, is that you’re in control of just how much sugar you use. So, experiment until you find that balance of taste and nutrition. While this recipe is slightly higher in carbohydrates and sodium, when enjoyed in moderation, it is not an unhealthy sauce option.

Which bourbon should i use?

The bourbon you use in this BBQ sauce is crucial to ensuring the flavor is just right. I say, whichever bourbon you like is a great choice. But if you’re unsure and looking for recommendations, I pulled a couple together just for you. Woodford Reserve, Military Special, and Knob Creek are all beloved bourbon options and should help create a delicious BBQ sauce for your meal. I do want to note that Knob Creek is sweeter, and therefore would create a sweeter sauce, which may or may not be your goal.

INGREDIENTS

1 cup ketchup
1/2 cup bourbon
1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon molasses
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
A pinch of cayenne pepper (optional for heat)

INSTRUCTIONS

Combine

Mix all ingredients in a saucepan.

Simmer

Cook the mixture until it begins to simmer.

Thicken

Let the sauce thicken on low heat, then cool.

Devour!

FAQs & Tips

How to Make Ahead and Store?

This bourbon BBQ sauce begs to be made in larger amounts and stored for continuous enjoyment! Once your sauce is done and has cooled, pour it into a jar with a tight lid. A mason jar would be a great choice! Store in your fridge for up to three months. June, July, and August? You could have bourbon BBQ sauce all summer long!

Get glazing!

When using bourbon BBQ sauce for grilled meats, don’t just layer it on once your meat of choice is on your plate. While the meat is still grilling, glaze bourbon BBQ sauce on top and allow it to caramelize. This is an easy way to enhance the flavor of any BBQ protein.

Plan ahead

If you know when you’re going to enjoy your batch of bourbon BBQ sauce ahead of time, make the sauce at least 1-2 days prior and keep it in the fridge. This gives the flavors time to blend together, creating a richer and more delicious sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Bourbon BBQ sauce is well loved for its versatility. Craving burgers? This sauce will complement not only the beef, but would be a great dipping sauce for a side of crispy french fries. Or maybe pork was on sale at the store and now you’re eyeing up these mouthwatering slow-cooker pulled-pork sandwiches. For a nice vegetarian option, an assortment of grilled veggies and a side of cornbread would be phenomenal with bourbon BBQ sauce.

Bourbon BBQ Sauce

BBQ sauce…elevated. An out-of-this-world experience, thanks to a seductive splash of bourbon.

Course condiment

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Servings

Calories 106kcal

Author Anna Allee

Ingredients

1 cup ketchup
1/2 cup bourbon
1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup brown sugar packed
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon molasses
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
A pinch of cayenne pepper optional for heat

Instructions

In a medium saucepan, combine ketchup, bourbon, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, molasses, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper if using.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir the mixture until well combined. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and the flavors meld together. Remove from heat and allow to cool.