Bourbon Honey BBQ Sauce
Bourbon Honey BBQ Sauce blends the sweet richness of honey with the smoky warmth of bourbon. This flavorful sauce combines tomato, vinegar, brown sugar, and spices for a balanced, tangy taste. Ideal for glazing grilled meats, it adds a smooth, caramelized finish and a hint of whiskey depth to barbecue dishes.
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Stove
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup bourbon
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt adjust to taste
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the bourbon, honey, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, molasses, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt. Stir well to combine.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking or burning. Allow the sauce to cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until it thickens to your desired consistency.
- After the sauce has thickened, taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed by adding more salt, honey, or vinegar depending on your preferred flavor balance.
- Once the sauce has thickened and you’re happy with the flavor, remove it from the heat. Let it cool slightly before serving or storing.
- It can be served immediately as a BBQ sauce for grilled meats or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Notes
If you’re worried about the alcohol content in the bourbon, don’t be! During the cooking process, the alcohol evaporates, leaving behind the rich flavors without any of the intoxicating effects. It’s the perfect way to add depth to your BBQ sauce without the worry.
For those who prefer a non-alcoholic version, you can swap out the bourbon with apple juice or even a splash of non-alcoholic whiskey alternative. The flavor profile won’t be quite the same, but you’ll still get a sweet, smoky BBQ sauce.