For someone who doesn’t love to drink bourbon, I sure love cooking and baking with it. This BBQ sauce is no exception, and it’s one of the first bourbon recipes published here on FITK, back in 2016.
It’s tangy, acidic, and slightly sweet, and slightly spicy, with the hint of smoky bourbon that takes it to the next level. Once you see how easy it is to make your own BBQ sauce at home, you’ll never buy from a jar again. In no time you’ll be slathering it on grilled chicken wings, tossing it with pulled pork, and using it as a dipping sauce for everything.
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It’s easily made vegetarian and vegan, too, so no matter what dietary needs you or your guests might have, everyone can enjoy this bourbon sauce recipe!
What You’ll Need to Make Bourbon Sauce
Simple, basic pantry ingredients make this sauce with absolutely no chopping of ingredients. The simple ingredients for this quick bbq sauce come together in less than 15 minutes, making it perfect for quick weeknight dinners and easy enough to make when hosting guests for a delicious dinner!
- Bourbon – even if you’re not a bourbon drinker, you’ll love the smoky bourbon flavor and dimension it adds to the sauce!
- Ketchup – for an easy tomato base
- Honey and Brown Sugar – both help thicken the sauce and add sweetness to balance out the acid and spice we have in the sauce
- Onion and Garlic Powder – flavor, flavor, and more flavor!
- Hot Sauce – to add a kick to the sauce
- Worcestershire Sauce – for a wonderful umami addition.
What kind of Bourbon should I use?
The best kind of bourbon is the one you have in your liquor cabinet already. In my opinion, anyway. I generally have Bulleit, which is what I’ve used for this recipe. That being said, I would recommend using something cost effective. You don’t want to use your best bourbon for this recipe, since it’s mixed with so many additional flavors.
How to Make Homemade BBQ Sauce
It’s so super easy to make this homemade sauce, which makes it perfect for any occasion. There are just two simple steps and you’re on your way to slathering this thick, smoky, tangy sauce on everything.
First, whisk together all the ingredients in a saucepan. Don’t forget to pour in the bourbon, and no one will be judging if you pour yourself a little too, go ahead, enjoy it!
Next, simmer the sauce ingredients for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally and scraping the sides so the sugars do not burn. As the sauce simmers, it will begin to thicken slightly and the flavors will meld together. I would recommend taste testing the sauce as it cooks, too, and if needed, adjust any flavors to your preference.
Once the sauce has simmered, it’s ready to be devoured! Yes, really, it’s that easy to make! If storing the sauce immediately, let it cool, then pour it into a jar with an airtight lid and place in the fridge until ready to use. You can make it up to 2 weeks in advance. If you’re ready to use immediately, at this point you can continue with your recipe as needed and enjoy!
Ways to Use Bourbon BBQ Sauce
Any recipe that uses regular barbeque sauce can be substituted with homemade bourbon bbq sauce. Here are a few favorite ways to use this homemade sauce. Have a favorite? Be sure to leave a comment below and let us know!
- Chicken Wings or Cauliflower Wings
- Burgers or Portobello Mushroom Burgers
- Jackfruit or Pulled Pork Sandwiches
- Babyback Ribs or other smoked meats or grilled chicken
- Add it to a salad dressing
Did you make this recipe? Please leave a star rating and review in the form below. I appreciate your feedback, and it helps others, too!
Get the Recipe Bourbon Barbecue Sauce
Ingredients
- ¼ cup bourbon
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/3 cup brown sugar, tightly packed
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons hot sauce
- 2 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, vegetarian or gluten-free, if needed
- Salt, to taste if needed
Instructions
- Whisk together all ingredients in a wide saucepan over medium heat, and bring to a simmer. Whisk occasionally, scraping the sides as needed so any sugars don’t burn. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Let cool slightly and transfer to a jar or use immediately. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for up to 6 months. You can make it up to 2 weeks ahead of time and store in an airtight container in the fridge until you need it.
Notes
- honey changed from 1/3 cup to 1/4 cup
- brown sugar changed from 1/4 cup to 1/3 cup
- Reduced cooking time by half (no significant difference was made by simmering longer)
By the Way…
This recipe is part of our collection of savory homemade sauce recipes. Check it out!
Can you use apple juice instead of bourbon??
Hi! Yes, that should work! If you find it too sweet, try adding an extra splash of apple cider vinegar.
Thumbs up!!!
I would like to give this as Christmas gifts. Can it be canned?
I’m not sure, I’d recommend doing research on canning BBQ sauce. I don’t have experience in this area so I’m sorry I’m not more help!
GREAT RECIPE!
USED PENDLETON WHISKEY AND SRIRACHA FOR MY HEAT. SWEET AND JUST THE RIGHT HEAT! BASTED IT ON TWO RACKS IF RIBS AND THERE WAS NOTHING LEFT!
Great to hear! Thanks, Frank!