Maple Bourbon BBQ Sauce

By James Kimble June 27, 2025 4 mins read 5 Views

I used to grab store-bought BBQ sauces without a second thought, until I realized how easily I could whip up something way better at home. This maple bourbon BBQ sauce is rich, smoky, and sweet with a hint of tang, and adds real depth to ribs, pulled pork, or anything fresh off the smoker.

It comes together in about 25 minutes, yet it tastes like you spent hours crafting it. If you’re already putting love into slow-smoked meat, this bold, homemade sauce is the flavorful finish it deserves.

Ingredients you need for Maple Bourbon BBQ Sauce

Bourbon – I used Kurvball BBQ Whiskey, which I wouldn’t sip on its own, but it’s excellent in barbecue sauces and glazes. Jim Beam is a solid, affordable option that works well here.
Maple syrup – Use real maple syrup, not pancake syrup. It provides rich sweetness and enhances the bourbon notes.
Ketchup is the base of the sauce. It brings tangy tomato flavor and a thick, smooth texture. Any standard tomato ketchup will do the job.
Apple cider vinegar – Adds acidity that balances the sweetness of the syrup and sugar. Distilled white vinegar works in a pinch.
Worcestershire sauce – Gives the sauce a savory, umami depth that ties the sweet and tangy flavors together.
Dijon mustard – Adds sharpness and complexity. Yellow mustard or spicy brown mustard can be used if preferred.
Brown sugar – Adds another layer of sweetness and helps the sauce thicken slightly as it simmers.
Spices – Garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt round out the flavor and bring everything into balance.

all the ingredients for maple bourbon bbq sauce displayed on a wooden board

Is this sauce safe for kids?

Yes! When you cook with alcohol, it’s crucial to bring the sauce to a boil and let it simmer for at least 10-15 minutes. During this time, the bourbon’s alcohol content will boil out, leaving you with the tasty bourbon flavor without the alcohol content.

How to make maple bourbon BBQ sauce

1. Making the sauce

Making the sauce is almost foolproof. All you have to do is add the ingredients to a saucepan and give them a good mix with a whisk.

two hands squeezing ketchup in a metal bowl

a hand measuring out apple cider vinegar into a metal bowl

a person reaching into a bag of brown sugar to add to a metal bowl

a person measuring maple syrup into a metal bowl

Do I need to use real maple syrup?

Real maple syrup makes all the difference here. It’s got this deep, rich sweetness with a little bit of earthy, woodsiness that works with the bourbon and smoke. Pancake syrup is basically corn syrup with fake flavor, way too sweet. Think of real maple syrup as the ingredient that gives your sauce character, not just sugar.

a person holding a bottle of Worcestershire sauce tipping some into a metal bowl

a person squeezing a bottle of Dijon into a metal bowl

a person sprinkling some seasoning into a metal bowl

a person measuring bourbon into a measuring cup to add to a metal bowl

Place the saucepan over medium heat. You want to bring the sauce to a light boil, stirring constantly during the initial heat up as you don’t want the sugars in the sauce to burn.

Let the sauce simmer gently for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Around the 10 mark, taste the sauce to see if you need to add anything.

Pro tip: Don’t skip the mid-simmer taste test. This sauce’s flavor evolves as it cooks, so this is the perfect moment to fine-tune sweetness, acidity, or spice to your liking.

Once the sauce has simmered for at least 15 minutes and thickened to a smooth, glossy consistency that coats the back of a spoon, you can turn off the burner and let the sauce cool to room temperature.

2. Storing the sauce

You can serve the sauce immediately, or let it cool and transfer it to an airtight container for storage. I like to use a mason jar, but any sealed container will work. It will keep in the fridge for up to a month.

a pot of suace and an jar ready for it to be poured into sitting on a wooden board

Here are a few easy ways to adjust the heat level:

Heat – Add cayenne pepper to taste.
Smoky heat – Add a dash of chipotle powder.
Mild heat – Add smoked paprika or ancho chili powder.

How to serve maple bourbon BBQ sauce

As a Texan, I firmly believe that sauce should be served on the side for most smoked meats, but I can appreciate a good BBQ sauce. I’ve always said that a good BBQ sauce won’t make good barbecue bad, but it can make bad barbecue better!

a person pouring maple bourbon bbq sauce over barbecued meat in a metal tray

Here are some of my favorite recipes to use this sauce in

The Best Brisket Burnt Ends That Melt In Your Mouth

Smoked Pork Belly Burnt Ends

Close-up of 3-2-1 smoked pork ribs on a cutting board, featuring a sticky glaze and smoke ring, with juicy meat pulling away from the bone.

Smoked 321 Ribs (Foolproof Method)

Overhead view of smoked pig shots on a wire rack, featuring crispy bacon-wrapped sausage cups filled with golden cream cheese, topped with sliced jalapeño and sweet BBQ seasoning.

Smoked Pig Shots: The Ultimate Tailgate Snack

Not a fan of maple bourbon flavor? Check out our great homemade sauce recipes here.