The Ultimate BBQ Spritz

By James Kimble April 8, 2025 5 mins read 21 Views

This ultimate BBQ spritz will completely revolutionize your low and slow cooking game! Our spritz is made with bourbon and is perfect for preventing smoked brisket and other BBQ proteins from drying out during long cooking times. The apple bourbon combo adds a new level of flavor without overpowering the natural flavor of the meat. This Pitmaster BBQ spritz is definitely a game-changer.

BBQ requires a combination of patience, skill, and the right tools. However, it’s important to start with the right building blocks of flavor. It typically starts with a dry rub, followed by an injection marinade, and is finished off with a flavorful BBQ spritz.

Ways to Use a BBQ Spritz

I developed this BBQ spritz recipe with multiple proteins in mind. I’ve used it on pulled pork, spare ribs, baby backs, smoked turkey, and smoked brisket. Of course, for brisket, we substitute apple juice with pickle juice or beef broth for that true Texas flavor. With that said, feel free to adjust the ingredients and find what work best for you.

I used Four Roses Bourbon to develop this recipe but, you can certainly use your favorite bourbon instead. For a BBQ spritz with extra bite, I recommend using Texas Bourbon.

What is the difference between a BBQ spritz and a mop?

Pitmasters have long relied on liquids to keep their barbecue briskets, ribs, and pork roasts from drying out. They typically use one of two methods to add extra moisture: a mop or a spritz. So, what is the difference between these two techniques?

Spritz: A BBQ spritz is a simple combination of apple cider vinegar and apple juice. Some Pitmasters use apple juice only. You can also add bourbon, honey, broth, and soy sauce to the mixture
Mop: Traditional barbecue mops contain a liquid base like apple cider vinegar or apple juice but can also include brown sugar, maple syrup, spices, and barbecue sauce. A mop sauce tends to be thicker and is typically applied with a mop brush or basting brush.

When do you use a BBQ spritz?

Spritzing occurs during the second half of cooking when the bark (crust) has formed but shows visible signs of patching or drying. However, the type of cooking equipment used can make a big difference. For instance, a BBQ spritz is unnecessary when using a water smoker. This is because water smokers generate humidity that helps keep the meat moist within the cooking chamber.

If using a pellet grill or offset smoker, you’ll notice dry patches on the meat after a few hours. That is a good indicator that you need to use a BBQ spritz. When done properly, applying a meat spritz or mop DOES NOT wash off the rub or destroy the bark on smoked meats.

Bourbon (we used Four Roses Bourbon) sub with beer
Apple juice (substitute with apple cider for a sweeter spritz or apple cider vinegar for less sweet) If using on beef brisket, omit apple juice and use beef stock instead.
Pure maple syrup (avoid using pancake syrup. The real stuff has an amazing subtle flavor. If you are using this spritz on beef, omit this ingredient and increase the amount of beef stock. See apple juice bullet point for details.)
Soy sauce (sub with tamari for gluten-free option, or coconut aminos for soy allergies)
Onion powder
Allspice (sub with a tiny pinch of cinnamon, cloves, or nutmeg)
Liquid smoke or 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional
Spray bottle with a high velocity spray nozzle

Tip: Use a clean, food-safe, spray bottle for this liquid spritz recipe. Clean it thoroughly before and after use.

Making the ultimate BBQ spritz

Simmering: Place all ingredients into a saucepan, and let the spritz mixture simmer over medium-high heat.
Prepping: Remove from heat and let it cool for 5 minutes. Transfer to a clean kitchen-safe spray bottle and use. Keep your spritz warm (not hot) during the cooking process.
Spritzing: When spritzing meat, keep a fair distance from it. The object is to create humidity, not assail your smoked meats with a targeted shots of spritz. If you use this recipe as a mop, gently dab the liquid with a mop brush.
Make ahead of time: You can also make this BBQ spritz ahead of time, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Warm it in the microwave for 35-40 seconds, or until room temperature, and use as directed.

Recipe tip: save time and use this ultimate BBQ spritz for wrapping ribs. It offers an added layer of flavor, especially when wrapping ribs and smoked pork shoulder in aluminum foil. Simply use 1/4-1/3 cup of liquid plus a little butter (or margarine) with a couple tablespoons of brown sugar. Wrap it up and place it back in the smoker. It’s absolutely fantastic!

Try our competition-style BBQ mops!

Ultimate BBQ Spritz

This ultimate BBQ spritz that will completely revolutionize your low and slow cooking game! Our spritz is made with bourbon and prevent meats from drying out during a lengthy cook

Course Mops

Cuisine American BBQ

Keyword barbecue spritz, bourbon bbq spritz, moist barbecue

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 5

Servings cups

Calories 513kcal

Ingredients

1/2 cup apple juice
1/4 cup maple syrup the real stuff
1/4 cup bourbon Four Roses
2 teaspoons soy sauce
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon allspice

Instructions

In a medium saucepan, bring all ingredients to a low simmer for 2-3 minutes stirring often. Remove mixture from heat and let the mixture cool for 20 minutes.
Pour spritz mixture into a clean spray bottle.
To use: spray meats during the latter stages of the cooking process and right before wrapping meats.
You can make this spritz up to 5 days ahead of time. Simply bring it to room temperature before using it.