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Square crop of jarred BBQ sauce surrounded by burger buns and melted cheese
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4.53 from 55 votes

Bourbon Whiskey BBQ Sauce

This homemade Bourbon Whiskey BBQ Sauce is rich, smoky, tangy, and better than store-bought BBQ sauce.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Additional Time12 hours
Total Time12 hours 45 minutes
Course: Homemade Mixes, Sauces & Condiments
Cuisine: American
Servings: 16 servings
Author: Jamie Sherman

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 4 - 6 cloves garlic minced
  • ¾ cup bourbon whiskey
  • 2 cups ketchup
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar
  • ⅓ cup cider vinegar
  • ¼ cup tomato paste
  • ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons liquid smoke flavoring
  • 1½ teaspoons salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon hot pepper sauce or to taste

Instructions

  • Bring the onion, garlic and whiskey to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Lower heat to a simmer and allow to cook for 10 minutes.
    1 small onion, 4 - 6 cloves garlic, ¾ cup bourbon whiskey
  • Add remaining sauce ingredients to the saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and allow the mixture to simmer for 20 minutes.
    2 cups ketchup, ½ cup packed brown sugar, ⅓ cup cider vinegar, ¼ cup tomato paste, ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce, 2 tablespoons liquid smoke flavoring, 1½ teaspoons salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon hot pepper sauce
  • For the best flavor, refrigerate overnight. Use this BBQ sauce in your favorite recipes or as a dip or topping ingredient.

Notes

🥡 STORAGE

  • Store the cooled BBQ sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 10-14 days.
  • Keep refrigerated between uses.

♨️ REHEATING

  • Warm small portions in the microwave in 15-20 second intervals.
  • Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often.
  • Add a splash of water if the sauce becomes too thick after refrigeration.

❄️ FREEZING

  • Freeze in freezer-safe containers or zip-top freezer bags for up to 3 months.
  • Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

💡 TIPS FOR BEST RESULTS

  • Let the sauce rest overnight in the fridge before serving for the best flavor.
  • Use good-quality bourbon whiskey for the richest flavor.
  • Simmer uncovered so excess liquid cooks off properly.
  • Adjust the hot sauce to match your preferred spice level.

🍳 ALTERNATE COOKING METHODS

  • Make the sauce in a slow cooker on LOW for 2-3 hours.
  • Blend the finished sauce for a smoother restaurant-style texture.
  • Simmer longer for a thicker dipping sauce consistency.

♻️ LEFTOVERS

  • Use the sauce on burgers, sandwiches, or grilled chicken.
  • Stir into baked beans for extra smoky flavor.
  • Toss with shredded pork or chicken for easy sandwiches.
  • Use as a pizza sauce base for BBQ chicken pizza.

📝 NOTES

  • The flavor deepens after chilling overnight.
  • Straining the sauce creates a smoother texture if preferred.
  • This recipe makes a great homemade gift for BBQ lovers.
  • Swap bourbon with apple juice for a non-alcoholic version

Nutrition

Serving: 2tablespoons | Calories: 95kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.1g | Saturated Fat: 0.01g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.02g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 588mg | Potassium: 184mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 220IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 19mg | Iron: 1mg
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