Cheerwine BBQ sauce recipe is a deliciously unique blend of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors, with the signature cherry taste of Cheerwine soda adding a surprising twist.
The sauce has a rich, deep flavor that balances the sweetness of the soda with the savory elements of barbecue sauce, creating a perfect glaze for meats like ribs, chicken, or pulled pork.
This Cheerwine BBQ sauce recipe the best choice is its ability to stand out among traditional BBQ sauces, offering a flavorful, slightly fruity complexity that’s sure to impress.
I love how the Cheerwine BBQ sauce recipe adds a distinct, vibrant touch to any dish, making it feel special and homemade. Making it at home allows me to control the ingredients and adjust the flavor to suit my family’s preferences.
When the sauce is ready, my family is always excited and full of praise they love the rich, unique taste and how it elevates our meals!
How To Prepare Cheerwine BBQ Sauce Recipe?
Recipe Details
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Course: Condiment
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: Approximately 70 calories per 2 tbsp
- Yield: Approximately 2 cups
Kitchen Utensils Needed
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Knife (for chopping garlic)
Ingredients
- 1 cup Cheerwine soda (or any cherry-flavored soda)
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Meat Church Holy Cow seasoning (or any all-purpose BBQ rub)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional for extra heat)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
How To Make Cheerwine BBQ Sauce Recipe
1. Prepare the Ingredients
In a medium saucepan, add the following ingredients: Cheerwine soda, ketchup, red wine vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Stir gently to combine.
2. Add Spices and Seasonings
Add the cayenne pepper, chili powder, smoked paprika, crushed red pepper, and salt to the mixture. Add the chopped garlic and sprinkle in the Meat Church Holy Cow seasoning (or your favorite all-purpose BBQ rub). Mix everything together thoroughly using a whisk.
3. Simmer and Thicken
Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent the sauce from burning. Let the sauce simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until it thickens to your desired consistency. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon.
4. Taste and Adjust
Once the sauce has thickened, taste it. If you’d like it sweeter, add a little more brown sugar. For extra tang, you can add more vinegar or lemon juice. Adjust the seasoning to your liking, adding more cayenne or crushed red pepper if you prefer a spicier sauce.
5. Cool and Store
Once you’re happy with the flavor and thickness, remove the sauce from the heat and let it cool. Pour it into an airtight jar or container. Store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Special Notes
❖ Adjusting sweetness and heat: This Cheerwine BBQ Sauce Recipe is highly customizable. You can increase the brown sugar for a sweeter sauce, or add more cayenne and crushed red pepper if you like more heat. The combination of flavors can be fine-tuned to suit your personal preferences.
❖ Perfect for grilling: This Cheerwine BBQ Sauce Recipe pairs perfectly with grilled meats like chicken, ribs, or pork. You can also use it as a dipping sauce for fries, grilled vegetables, or even burgers.
Why This Cheerwine BBQ Sauce Is A Game-Changer
What I love about this Cheerwine BBQ Sauce Recipe is its perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. The Cheerwine soda adds a distinctive cherry flavor that’s both unique and familiar, while the Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard give it a tangy complexity.
The seasoning mix with chili powder, cayenne, and smoked paprika brings depth, and the crushed red pepper adds just enough heat for a nice kick.
By making this sauce at home, I can control exactly what goes into it, ensuring fresh ingredients and no artificial additives.
It’s a simple recipe with maximum flavor payoff, making it perfect for BBQ season or any time you’re craving something extra special for your grilled foods.
Amazing Serving Ideas
This Cheerwine BBQ Sauce Recipe is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of ways! Slather it on grilled ribs, chicken wings, or burgers for a sweet and spicy kick. It’s also perfect as a dipping sauce for fries, onion rings, or roasted vegetables.
Try using it as a glaze for roasted pork or even on a grilled veggie sandwich for a unique twist. The options are endless, and it’s sure to elevate any meal with its bold and flavorful taste!
Substitutions
1. Cheerwine Soda: If you can’t find Cheerwine, any cherry-flavored soda (like Cherry Coke or Dr. Pepper) will work as a substitute, offering a similar sweet and fruity base.
2. Red Wine Vinegar: If you don’t have red wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar can provide a similar tangy kick with a slightly different flavor profile.
3. Soy Sauce: If you’re avoiding soy, you can use coconut aminos as a gluten-free alternative, offering a milder, slightly sweeter flavor.
4. Meat Church Holy Cow Seasoning: If you don’t have this specific seasoning, a blend of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a pinch of black pepper will give you a similar flavor.
5. Brown Sugar: If you prefer a healthier option, you can swap the brown sugar for honey or maple syrup, adding a touch of natural sweetness.
How Do You Preserve Cheerwine BBQ Sauce?
To preserve Cheerwine BBQ sauce recipe, allow it to cool completely after cooking. Then, transfer the sauce into an airtight container or a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.
Store it in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, you can also freeze the sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Just be sure to let it cool fully before freezing, and when ready to use, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat as needed.
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FAQs
What makes Cheerwine BBQ sauce unique?
Cheerwine BBQ sauce is unique due to its combination of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors, with the added twist of Cheerwine soda’s signature cherry taste.
What meats pair best with Cheerwine BBQ sauce?
The sauce is perfect for ribs, chicken, pulled pork, or even burgers, adding a rich, flavorful glaze to any grilled meat.
Can I adjust the flavor of the sauce?
Yes! Making Cheerwine BBQ sauce at home allows you to tweak the sweetness, tanginess, and smokiness to suit your personal taste.
How long does homemade Cheerwine BBQ sauce last?
Homemade Cheerwine BBQ sauce can last up to 1-2 weeks when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Can I make the sauce spicier?
Absolutely! You can add ingredients like cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or chili flakes to increase the heat and give the sauce a spicy kick.
Conclusion
Cheerwine BBQ Sauce Recipe offers a unique and flavorful twist on traditional barbecue. The combination of sweet, tangy, and smoky notes, with the signature cherry flavor of Cheerwine, creates a rich and vibrant sauce that stands out.
It elevates any meal, from ribs to pulled pork, making it feel special and homemade. By making it at home, I can customize the flavors to my family’s liking, and the positive feedback from everyone proves how much this sauce enhances our meals and brings us together.
Cheerwine BBQ Sauce Recipe
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Knife (for chopping garlic)
Ingredients
- 1 cup Cheerwine soda or any cherry-flavored soda
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Meat Church Holy Cow seasoning or any all-purpose BBQ rub
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper optional for extra heat
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients
- In a medium saucepan, add the following ingredients: Cheerwine soda, ketchup, red wine vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Stir gently to combine.
Add Spices and Seasonings
- Add the cayenne pepper, chili powder, smoked paprika, crushed red pepper, and salt to the mixture. Add the chopped garlic and sprinkle in the Meat Church Holy Cow seasoning (or your favorite all-purpose BBQ rub). Mix everything together thoroughly using a whisk.
Simmer and Thicken
- Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent the sauce from burning. Let the sauce simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until it thickens to your desired consistency. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon.
Taste and Adjust
- Once the sauce has thickened, taste it. If you’d like it sweeter, add a little more brown sugar. For extra tang, you can add more vinegar or lemon juice. Adjust the seasoning to your liking, adding more cayenne or crushed red pepper if you prefer a spicier sauce.
Cool and Store
- Once you’re happy with the flavor and thickness, remove the sauce from the heat and let it cool. Pour it into an airtight jar or container. Store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.