Bourbon Whiskey BBQ Sauce

This terrific bourbon BBQ sauce combines Kentucky bourbon whiskey with garlic, ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, tomato paste, and spices. For best results, refrigerate the sauce for a day or two, allowing the flavors to blend.

Print Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Servings 32 people

Equipment

1 Large Skillet Or heavy-bottomed saucepan for even cooking.
1 Chef's knife
1 Cutting Board
1 Whisk or Wooden Spoon For stirring and combining ingredients.
1 Measuring Cups and Spoons For accurate ingredient portions.

Ingredients

Main

¾ cup bourbon whiskey
4 cloves garlic minced
½ onion minced
2 cups ketchup
½ cup packed brown sugar
⅓ cup cider vinegar
¼ cup tomato paste
¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons liquid smoke flavoring
½ tablespoon salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
⅓ teaspoon hot pepper sauce or to taste

Instructions

Combine bourbon, garlic, and onion in a large skillet over medium heat; simmer until onion is translucent, about 10 minutes.
Stir in ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, salt, black pepper, and hot pepper sauce; bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for 20 minutes. catherinedrew

Notes

Achieve optimal flavor by using a quality bourbon; it truly makes a difference. When sautéing the onion and garlic, ensure they are cooked until fully translucent and aromatic, but avoid browning, which can add bitterness. For a richer, deeper flavor profile, consider caramelizing the onions slightly before adding the bourbon. Adjust the hot pepper sauce to your desired heat level. For a thicker sauce, you can simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Allowing the sauce to rest in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours is crucial as it allows the complex flavors to meld and deepen, providing a superior BBQ experience.