Cheerwine BBQ Sauce Recipe
Cheerwine BBQ Sauce combines the unique cherry flavor of Cheerwine soda with traditional BBQ ingredients like ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, and spices. This creates a sweet, tangy, and slightly fruity sauce that’s perfect for grilling. It’s ideal for burgers, ribs, or chicken, adding a distinctive, flavorful twist.
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.
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.