Bourbon Peach BBQ Sauce Recipe
Bourbon Peach BBQ Sauce is a flavorful, sweet, and smoky condiment perfect for grilling. The combination of ripe peaches, bourbon, honey, and spices creates a rich, tangy sauce with a subtle kick. Ideal for ribs, chicken, or burgers, this sauce adds a delicious twist to your BBQ favorites.
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or whisk
- Blender or immersion blender (optional for smooth texture)
Ingredients
- 2 ripe peaches peeled, pitted, and chopped
- 1/4 cup bourbon use a good-quality bourbon for the best flavor
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 cup finely diced sweet onion about 1/2 large onion
- 1 teaspoon freshly minced garlic about 1 medium clove
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 1/2 teaspoon habanero hot sauce
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients:
- Peel, pit, and chop the peaches. Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and measure out all the ingredients.
Cook the Onion and Garlic:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 5-6 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Add the Peaches:
- Add the chopped peaches to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften.
Incorporate the Liquids:
- Pour in the bourbon, ketchup, cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine.
Sweeten the Sauce:
- Add the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, molasses, smoked paprika, cinnamon, and ginger. Stir the mixture until the sugar dissolves and everything is well combined.
Simmer the Sauce:
- Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peaches break down and the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
Blend the Sauce (Optional):
- For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender directly in the pan or transfer the sauce to a regular blender. Blend until smooth.
Adjust Seasonings:
- Taste the sauce and add kosher salt to taste. If you like more heat, add more habanero hot sauce.
Cool and Store:
- Let the BBQ sauce cool down before using it. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
- If you don’t have bourbon on hand, you can use whiskey as a substitute. The depth of flavor might change slightly, but it will still taste great.
- If you want to make this sauce ahead of time, it will keep well in the fridge for up to a week. The flavors will actually deepen and intensify over time.
- To add more complexity to the sauce, consider adding a splash of orange juice or zest for a citrusy lift.