Cherry Bourbon BBQ Sauce is one of those recipes that instantly sparks excitement every time I prepare it. The blend of tart cherries and smooth bourbon a flavor that feels both comforting and adventurous.
As I stir the sauce, I feel a sense of satisfaction watching the ingredients come together, transforming into something truly special.
The warm aroma fills my kitchen, reminding me of good times shared around the table. Crafting this sauce always brings me joy and a deep connection to the art of cooking.
Does Cherry Bourbon BBQ Sauce Have Alcohol In It?
Cherry Bourbon BBQ Sauce usually contains alcohol because of the bourbon used. During cooking, some alcohol evaporates, but a portion of it, along with the rich bourbon flavor, often stays in the sauce.
How much alcohol remains depends on the cooking time the longer the sauce simmers, the more alcohol burns off.
So, while the sauce carries that distinctive bourbon taste, the actual alcohol content is reduced significantly after cooking.
How To Prepare Cherry Bourbon BBQ Sauce?
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Course: Condiment / Sauce
Cuisine: American (with a twist)
Yield: About 2 cups
Equipment Needed
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Immersion blender (or regular blender)
- Cherry pitter (optional but helpful)
Ingredients
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 cups fresh pitted cherries, halved
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ cup bourbon
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ tsp ground mustard
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
1. Warm olive oil over medium heat, add onion and saute until translucent (3–4 minutes). Add garlic and stir for another minute until fragrant. Stir in ketchup, bourbon, vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire, onion powder, and mustard.
3. Bring to a gentle simmer. Gently fold in the halved cherries. Simmer for 15–20 minutes until cherries soften and sauce thickens. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3. Use an immersion blender to puree until smooth or carefully transfer to a regular blender (leave the lid vented). Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or a pinch of sugar. If you want it spicier, a dash of chipotle or cayenne works wonderfully.
Special Notes
Most alcohol evaporates during simmering. If you’re concerned, simmer a minute longer before blending. The sauce tastes even richer after a day in the fridge flavors meld beautifully. For chunkier texture, skip blending and mash cherries instead.
Nutrition Facts (Per 2‑Tbsp Serving)
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 45 kcal |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Sodium | 260 mg |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Protein | 1 g |
| Carbohydrates | 10 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
Pro Tips And Tricks For Cherry Bourbon BBQ Sauce
➢ Use fresh, ripe cherries for the best natural sweetness and vibrant color in the sauce.
➢ Simmer the sauce gently to allow flavors to meld without burning or becoming bitter.
➢ Adjust the bourbon amount depending on your taste preference, starting small to avoid overpowering the sauce.
➢ Blend the sauce smoothly for a refined texture, or leave it chunky to add rustic appeal.
➢ Let the sauce rest overnight in the refrigerator; this deepens the flavors and creates a richer taste.
Ways To Use It Cherry Bourbon BBQ Sauce
1. Brush it over grilled ribs or chicken to add a sweet and smoky glaze.
2. Use it as a dipping sauce for crispy fried appetizers like chicken tenders or onion rings.
3. Drizzle it on pulled pork sandwiches to elevate the flavor profile.
4. Mix it into baked beans for a rich, fruity twist.
5. Toss it with roasted vegetables to give them a bold, tangy finish.
How To Make Cherry Bourbon BBQ Sauce Tastier?
Cherry Bourbon BBQ Sauce becomes tastier when smoked paprika is added to deepen the smoky flavor. A splash of fresh lemon juice brightens the sauce and balances its sweetness.
Introducing finely chopped chipotle peppers or a pinch of cayenne adds a gentle heat that enhances the bourbon’s warmth.
Allowing the sauce to simmer slowly helps the flavors meld and intensify naturally. Adding a bit of molasses or honey enriches the sweetness and gives the sauce a thick, sticky texture that clings beautifully to grilled foods.
What Is Special About Cherry Bourbon BBQ Sauce?
Cherry Bourbon BBQ Sauce stands out because of its unique combination of sweet cherries and the smoky warmth of bourbon.
The natural tartness of cherries balances beautifully against the rich, caramel notes from the bourbon, creating a depth of flavor that traditional barbecue sauces often lack.
This sauce offers a bold, sophisticated twist that enhances grilled meats and adds a touch of elegance to casual dishes.
Its blend of fruity sweetness and subtle heat creates a memorable taste experience that lingers long after the first bite.
Storage & Make Ahead
Store Cherry Bourbon BBQ Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it stays fresh for up to two weeks.
For longer storage, freezing the sauce in small portions works well and makes it easy to thaw as needed. Preparing the sauce ahead of time allows the flavors to deepen and blend more fully.
Reheating gently on the stove preserves its rich texture and taste. Keeping the sauce chilled helps maintain its vibrant color and balance of flavors, ensuring every use delivers the same delicious experience.
Conclusion
Cherry Bourbon BBQ Sauce has been an easy success for me, bringing bold, delicious flavors to every meal I prepare.
The combination of cherries and bourbon creates a unique taste that impresses everyone who tries it. This sauce adds a special touch to grilled dishes, elevating simple recipes into memorable experiences.
I hope this recipe inspires you to try something new in your kitchen. Once you taste the rich, smoky sweetness, I’m confident you’ll want to keep this sauce on hand for all your cooking adventures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Cherries Instead Of Fresh?
Frozen cherries work well and can be used directly in the sauce without thawing.
Can I Use This Sauce As A Marinade?
Absolutely, it tenderizes meat while adding a flavorful glaze.
Is Cherry Bourbon BBQ Sauce Good On Meats Other Than Chicken?
Yes! This sauce is incredibly versatile. It pairs wonderfully with pork ribs, beef brisket, grilled sausages, and even grilled vegetables. It adds a sweet, smoky kick to almost any BBQ dish.
Can I Make This Sauce In Advance?
Definitely. In fact, making it a day ahead helps the flavors blend even better. Just keep it refrigerated and bring it to room temperature or warm it slightly before serving.
Cherry Bourbon BBQ Sauce
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Warm olive oil over medium heat, add onion and saute until translucent (3–4 minutes). Add garlic and stir for another minute until fragrant. Stir in ketchup, bourbon, vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire, onion powder, and mustard.
- Bring to a gentle simmer. Gently fold in the halved cherries. Simmer for 15–20 minutes until cherries soften and sauce thickens. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Use an immersion blender to puree until smooth or carefully transfer to a regular blender (leave the lid vented). Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or a pinch of sugar. If you want it spicier, a dash of chipotle or cayenne works wonderfully.
Notes
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 45 kcal | Fat: 0 g | Sodium: 260 mg | Fiber: 1 g | Protein: 1 g | Carbohydrates: 10 g | Cholesterol: 0 mg“Hi, I’m Samia, a passionate recipe creator with 5 years of experience in crafting delicious, unique dishes. My love for cooking has led me to explore a variety of cuisines, combining flavors to create memorable meals for every occasion. Whether it’s a simple weeknight dinner or an elaborate feast, I believe in making every dish special. Join me on my culinary journey as I share easy-to-follow recipes and tips that will inspire your cooking and bring joy to your kitchen!”