Homemade Bourbon BBQ Sauce
Flavored with a splash of smoky bourbon whiskey, this homemade BBQ sauce is the perfect partner for your favorite grilled and roasted meats. It only takes a half hour to make and keeps for up to 2 weeks in the fridge.
Servings: 18 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons grated sweet onion
- 1 clove garlic finely minced or pressed
- 1 cup ketchup (see notes)
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup bourbon or Tennessee whiskey
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
Makes about 2 cups
- Melt the butter in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the garlic and continue cooking, stirring often, until soft and aromatic, about 2 minutes longer.
- Stir in the ketchup, brown sugar, bourbon, cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce and bring the mixture to a slow simmer.
- Cook for 18 to 20 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce is thickened and glossy.
Notes
ABOUT THE KETCHUP: Look for a brand of ketchup made with cane sugar instead of high fructose corn syrup. Cane sugar thickens more effectively when simmered, helping the sauce develop the right consistency. It will also caramelize better when applied to meat.
HOW TO STORE: Homemade BBQ sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Let the sauce cool completely before transferring it to a tightly sealed container.
Food safety note: Always use a clean spoon when you dish up barbecue sauce to prevent contamination and preserve shelf life. Never use a utensil that has touched raw meat unless you plan to use up the sauce at that time and thoroughly cook the food you're applying it to.
Nutrition
Serving: 2tablespoons | Calories: 43 | Total Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 3mg | Sodium: 76mg | Carbohydrates: 6g | Sugar: 5g