This Bourbon Whiskey BBQ Sauce is a bold and flavorful blend that will add a smoky, sweet, and slightly spicy kick to your grilled meats. The rich bourbon pairs perfectly with the sweetness of brown sugar and ketchup, while garlic, onions, and liquid smoke give it that classic BBQ sauce depth. It’s perfect for brushing on ribs, chicken, or burgers, and can also be used as a dipping sauce!
Why You’ll Love This Bourbon Whiskey BBQ Sauce ?
This BBQ sauce combines the deep, caramel-like flavor of bourbon with the tanginess of ketchup and cider vinegar. The brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness, while the liquid smoke and Worcestershire sauce bring in a savory depth. Best of all, it’s a versatile sauce that’s easy to make and much better than store-bought versions. Whether you’re grilling or slow-cooking, this homemade sauce will elevate any dish.
Ingredients For Bourbon Whiskey BBQ Sauce :
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 4 – 6 cloves garlic, minced
- ¾ cup bourbon whiskey
- 2 cups ketchup
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- â…“ cup cider vinegar
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons liquid smoke flavoring
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon hot pepper sauce (or to taste)
How to Make Bourbon Whiskey BBQ Sauce
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and bourbon whiskey. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then lower the heat to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes. This will soften the onions and garlic while allowing some of the alcohol from the whiskey to evaporate.
2. Combine Ingredients:
- After the aromatics have simmered, stir in the ketchup, brown sugar, cider vinegar, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, salt, black pepper, and hot pepper sauce. Mix until all the ingredients are fully combined.
3. Simmer the Sauce:
- Bring the sauce mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the pan. The sauce will thicken as it cooks and the flavors will meld together.
4. Cool and Store:
- Once the sauce has thickened and reached your desired consistency, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool. Transfer the sauce to a jar or airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep for 10-14 days.
Variations
- Honey Bourbon BBQ Sauce: Add 1/4 cup of honey to the sauce for a sweeter, richer flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Increase the amount of hot pepper sauce or add crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Smokier Flavor: Add a little more liquid smoke or use smoked paprika to enhance the smokiness.
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Jar or airtight container for storage
Storage
Store the BBQ sauce in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for up to 10-14 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and warm up before using.
What to Serve with Bourbon Whiskey BBQ Sauce
This sauce pairs perfectly with grilled or smoked meats like ribs, chicken, brisket, or burgers. It also works great as a dipping sauce for fries, onion rings, or even chicken tenders. Brush it on during the last few minutes of grilling for a sweet, sticky glaze.
Tips
- Cooking Off Alcohol: Simmering the whiskey helps to cook off the alcohol, leaving behind the rich, caramelized flavor of the bourbon.
- Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer it longer until it reaches the desired consistency. You can also add a bit of cornstarch mixed with water for an even thicker texture.
FAQ
Can I make this sauce without alcohol?
Yes! You can substitute the bourbon whiskey with apple juice or apple cider for a non-alcoholic version that still has great depth of flavor.
Can I make this sauce spicier?
Absolutely! Adjust the level of hot pepper sauce to suit your spice tolerance, or add in cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes for more heat.
Approximate Nutrition Information (per serving)
- Calories: 60
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 1g
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Bourbon Whiskey BBQ Sauce
This BBQ sauce is incredibly versatile. Use it with grilled chicken, ribs, burgers, or even as a dip for fries and onion rings. It’s also fantastic on pulled pork sandwiches!
Ingredients
- - 1 small onion, finely chopped
- - 4 - 6 cloves garlic, minced
- - ¾ cup bourbon whiskey
- - 2 cups ketchup
- - ½ cup packed brown sugar
- - â…“ cup cider vinegar
- - ¼ cup tomato paste
- - ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
- - 2 tablespoons liquid smoke flavoring
- - 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- - ½ teaspoon black pepper
- - ½ teaspoon hot pepper sauce, or to taste
Instructions
1. Bring the onion, garlic, and whiskey to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Lower the heat to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
2. Add the ketchup, brown sugar, cider vinegar, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, salt, black pepper, and hot pepper sauce to the saucepan.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally.
4. Allow the sauce to cool before transferring it to a jar. Store it in the refrigerator and use within 10-14 days.
Notes
Approximate Nutrition Information
- Calories: 45 per tablespoon
- Total Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 220mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 11g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 9g
- Protein: 0g