This finger-licking bourbon BBQ sauce has just the right amount of sweetness with a subtle tangy kick. This delicious sauce is a must-try for anyone looking to add a little pizazz to barbecue chicken, pork belly, or ribs. It’s a game-changer!

We used “regular” or 80 proof/standard Four Roses Bourbon to create this sensational sauce. However, please use your favorite brand. For those serious about their bourbon, see our Texas Bourbon recommendations.

Ingredients

• Bourbon (standard, 80 proof)
• Tomato sauce– canned or pureed tomato sauce.
• Honey-substitute with real maple syrup, but keep in mind that it will change the overall flavor of the sauce.
• Sweet onions–
• Soy sauce-sub with tamari for gluten-free option
• Brown sugar– Dark brown sugar is preferred, but light brown will work in a pinch.
• Apple cider vinegar (sub with red wine vinegar)
• Unsalted Butter
• Worcestershire sauce
• Fresh garlic– substitute with a 1/2 teaspoon of granulated garlic or garlic powder.
• Spices – chili powder, cayenne, black pepper, etc.
• A blender or food processor

Making a Bourbon BBQ Sauce

• Start the sauce: Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan. Add chopped onion, and cook over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Next, add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add all remaining ingredients, EXCEPT the butter, to the saucepan. 
• Simmer sauce: Increase heat to medium-high, and simmer for 15-20 seconds. Stir often and watch for burning. Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for an additional 10-12 minutes.
• Blend it: Transfer bourbon BBQ sauce to a blender and puree mixture until smooth. 
• Return sauce to pot, and simmer uncovered over low heat for 10-15 more minutes. 
• Silk the sauce: Once the sauce has reduced by one-third and thickened, remove the pan from heat, stir in butter, cover, and keep warm.
• To use: brush sauce on in layers during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Plan on three applications. Ideally, you want this sauce to caramelize on the meat.

Make Ahead and Store Bourbon BBQ Sauce

• Make this sauce ahead of time then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5 days. Freeze for up to 3 months in a vacuum-sealed bag.
• Rewarm the bourbon BBQ sauce before applying to grilled and smoked meats. This sauce is also great served on the side.

What to use it on!

Brush this Bourbon BBQ sauce on baked, grilled, and smoked ribs, chicken, and heartier fish like salmon. Apply this sauce during the last 15 minutes of cooking time. You can also serve it as a side sauce, or drizzle onto pulled pork or chopped brisket sandwiches.

More Bourbon Recipes to Enjoy!

• Bourbon Bathed Bratwursts
• Bourbon BBQ Spritz
• Apple Bourbon Pork Chops
• Smoked Bourbon Apple Crumble
• Bourbon Brined Turkey Legs

Print

Bourbon BBQ Sauce

This is one of the best homemade bourbon BBQ sauces you’ll ever make. Sweet with a bit of bourbon bite, this sauce is perfect for slathering on barbecued chicken, pork ribs and more!

Course Sauces

Cuisine American, American BBQ

Keyword barbecue sauce, barbecue sauce recipes, bbq sauce recipes, bourbon barbecue sauce, bourbon bbq sauce, four roses recipes, four roses sauce

Cook Time 30 minutes minutes

Total Time 30 minutes minutes

Servings 2.5 Cups

Calories 497kcal

Ingredients

• 1 cup tomato sauce 8 ounces
• 1/2 sweet onion chopped
• 2 garlic cloves minced
• 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup bourbon Four Roses Bourbon
• 1/4 cup cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter unsalted preferred
• 2 teaspoons soy sauce or tamari
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika not smoked
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder mild
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 dashes cayenne pepper

Instructions

• Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan. Add chopped onion, and cook over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Next, add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add all remaining ingredients, EXCEPT the butter, to the saucepan.
• Increase heat to medium-high, and simmer for 15-20 seconds. Stir often and watch for burning. Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for an additional 10-12 minutes.
• Transfer bourbon BBQ sauce to a blender and puree mixture until smooth.
• Return sauce to pot, and simmer uncovered over low heat for 10-15 more minutes.
• Once the sauce has reduced by one-third and thickened, remove the pan from heat, stir in butter, cover, and keep warm.
• To use: brush sauce on in layers during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Plan on three applications. Ideally, you want this sauce to caramelize on the meat.

Nutrition

Calories: 497kcal | Carbohydrates: 87g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 1082mg | Potassium: 595mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 82g | Vitamin A: 597IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 94mg | Iron: 2mg

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