Bourbon Whiskey BBQ Sauce

Name: Bourbon Whiskey BBQ Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 16 servings
Cuisine: Canadian
Ingredients: 1 cup ketchup; 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed); 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar; 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey; 2 tablespoons maple syrup (pure); 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat); 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)

40 min 16 servings Easy

All Recipes

A rich and smoky Bourbon Whiskey BBQ Sauce perfect for grilling season, with a touch of maple syrup for a Canadian twist.

Prep

10 min

Cook

30 min

Total

40 min

Servings

Difficulty

Easy

Elevate your grilling game with this rich and smoky Bourbon Whiskey BBQ Sauce. A staple for any Canadian barbecue, this sauce combines the classic depth of bourbon with a hint of maple syrup, offering a unique and delicious twist to traditional flavours. Whether you're grilling chicken, pork, or beef, this sauce will complement and enhance your meats with its complex blend of sweet, smoky, and tangy notes. Perfect for backyard barbecues or as a thoughtful homemade gift for your foodie friends, this sauce is a must-try for barbecue enthusiasts.

Ingredients

Servings

For the BBQ Sauce

Instructions

Combine ingredients

In a medium saucepan, combine ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, bourbon whiskey, and maple syrup.

Pro tip: Ensure all sugar is dissolved before proceeding.

Add seasonings

Stir in Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.

Pro tip: Adjust cayenne pepper according to your spice preference.

Bring to a simmer

Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally.

Simmer and thicken

Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce is thickened and glossy.

Pro tip: The sauce should coat the back of a spoon.

Taste and adjust

Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more maple syrup for sweetness or more vinegar for tanginess.

Pro tip: Balance is key for a well-rounded flavour.

Cool and store

Remove from heat and let the sauce cool before transferring to a jar or bottle. Store in the refrigerator.

Pro tip: Use a funnel for easy transferring to bottles.

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Tips & Tricks

Use quality bourbon whiskey for the best flavour.
Simmer slowly to meld the flavours together.
Adjust sweetness with maple syrup to taste.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Bourbon Whiskey BBQ Sauce generously over grilled meats, or use it as a marinade to infuse your dishes with rich, smoky flavour. It pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes, from coleslaw to cornbread. This sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, allowing the flavours to develop even further. Perfect for hosting a weekend barbecue or simply enjoying a weeknight dinner with a gourmet touch.

Kitchen & BBQ gear

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