How To Make Moonshine BBQ Sauce

Moonshine BBQ sauce offers a delightful twist on traditional barbecue flavors by incorporating the distinctive kick of moonshine.

BBQ season is one of my favorites, and nothing elevates a grilling session more than a flavorful sauce. While I love the classic BBQ sauces, there’s something about a Moonshine BBQ sauce that takes everything to another level.

It combines sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors with just a touch of alcohol, making it the perfect complement for any grilled meat or vegetable.

If you’re looking for a sauce that will make your BBQ stand out, look no further. Today, I’m sharing my favorite Moonshine BBQ sauce recipe, and I can’t wait for you to try it!

How To Prepare Moonshine BBQ Sauce?

Preparation Time: 5 minutes

Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Course: Condiment

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Calories: 35

Yield: Approximately 2 cups

Equipment Needed

• Medium saucepan
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Heat-resistant spatula
• Storage jar or bottle

Ingredients

• 1½ cups Dijon mustard
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• ¾ cup apple cider vinegar
• ¾ cup beer (a light lager or pale ale works well)
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground white pepper
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1½ teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1½ ounces (1 shot) moonshine
• 1 teaspoon Louisiana-style hot sauce (optional)

Instructions

1. Combine Base Ingredients:

In a medium saucepan, whisk together the Dijon mustard, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and beer until the mixture is smooth and the sugar is dissolved.

2. Add Spices:

Stir in the chili powder, cracked black pepper, ground white pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.

3. Simmer the Sauce:

Place the saucepan over medium-low heat. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

4. Incorporate Flavor Enhancers:

Add the Worcestershire sauce and moonshine to the saucepan. Continue to simmer the sauce for an additional 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. If you prefer a spicier kick, add the Louisiana-style hot sauce during this step.

5. Cool and Store:

Remove the saucepan from heat and let the sauce cool to room temperature. Transfer the cooled sauce into a sealable jar or bottle. For optimal flavor, refrigerate the sauce overnight to allow the flavors to meld.

Special Notes

❖ Moonshine Selection: The moonshine you choose can drastically affect the flavor of the sauce. I recommend trying a fruit-flavored moonshine like peach, apple, or cherry for a sweet, subtle touch. If you prefer a more robust taste, try a classic clear moonshine.

❖ Adjusting Consistency: If you find the sauce too thick after cooling, you can always thin it out with a little water or extra vinegar until it reaches your desired consistency.

❖ Make It Spicy: If you like your BBQ sauce with a kick, I recommend adding more cayenne pepper or even a bit of hot sauce. This is totally up to your personal heat tolerance!

Why Peoples Like Moonshine BBQ Sauce Recipe?

People love Moonshine BBQ sauce because it offers a bold, unique flavor that blends tangy, smoky, and slightly sweet notes with a hint of kick from the moonshine.

The addition of beer and spices like cayenne and chili powder gives it a robust, well-rounded taste, making it the perfect complement for grilled meats, burgers, or even as a dipping sauce.

Its homemade touch allows for customization, whether you prefer it sweeter, spicier, or with more tang. The unexpected twist of moonshine adds a fun, flavorful depth that sets it apart from traditional BBQ sauces.

Expert Tips

➢ If you prefer a sweeter sauce, feel free to adjust the amount of brown sugar. You can also experiment with honey or maple syrup for a unique twist.

➢ While moonshine is the star, don’t hesitate to swap it out for other spirits like bourbon or rum to create different flavor profiles.

➢ Let the sauce simmer long enough to let the flavors meld together. The longer it cooks, the deeper the flavors become. Just be sure to stir occasionally to prevent it from burning.

➢ If you prefer a thicker BBQ sauce, let it cook down a bit longer. You can also add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) to thicken it quickly.

➢ Freshly ground black pepper, chili powder, and cayenne can really make a difference in the final taste. Avoid pre-ground spices for the best flavor!

Usage Suggestions

Moonshine BBQ sauce is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of ways. It’s perfect for glazing grilled meats like ribs, chicken, or pork, adding a tangy and smoky finish.

You can also mix it into pulled pork or chicken for a flavorful sandwich filling. As a dipping sauce, it pairs wonderfully with fries, onion rings, or even grilled vegetables.

For an extra kick, try drizzling it over a burger or as a topping for baked potatoes—its bold flavor will elevate any dish!

How to Make More Tastier?

If you’re looking to make your Moonshine BBQ sauce even tastier, here are five ideas to try:

➨ Add Fruit: Incorporate fruits like peaches, pineapple, or apples to bring natural sweetness and a fruity twist. Puree the fruit and mix it into the sauce for an extra layer of flavor.

➨ Smoky Kick: Boost the smoky flavor by adding a touch of smoked paprika or liquid smoke. This will give your sauce an irresistible depth, perfect for grilled meats.

➨ Caramelized Onions: Sauté onions until they’re golden and sweet, then mix them into the sauce. This adds richness and depth, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

➨ Spicy Sweetness: If you love both heat and sweetness, try adding a little bit of brown sugar with a splash of hot sauce or even chopped fresh jalapeños to create a sweet and spicy balance.

➨ Herbs and Spices: Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or cilantro can add freshness and complexity. A pinch of ground mustard or a dash of cinnamon will elevate the taste, giving the sauce a unique twist!

Proper Storage

To properly store Moonshine BBQ sauce, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container, such as a glass jar or bottle.

Store the sauce in the refrigerator, where it will keep for up to 2-3 weeks. The flavors actually improve over time, so making it in advance is a great idea.

For longer storage, you can freeze the sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just be sure to leave some space in the container for expansion when freezing.

Conclusion

This Moonshine BBQ sauce is a unique and exciting twist on your typical BBQ sauce. It’s got everything: sweet, tangy, smoky, and just a little bit of a kick—thanks to the moonshine.

You’re grilling up some chicken, pork ribs, or veggies, this sauce will make your meal unforgettable. It’s also incredibly easy to make, and the best part is that you can store it for a few weeks and have it ready for the next grilling session!

Next time you fire up the grill, give this Moonshine BBQ sauce a try. I’m sure it’ll become a favorite in your BBQ repertoire!

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