Cheerwine BBQ Sauce Recipe is a unique blend that combines Cheerwine soda with traditional barbecue ingredients to create a flavourful and sweet sauce.
The delicious taste comes from the balance of sweetness, tanginess, and subtle smokiness, making it stand out from typical BBQ sauces.
The inspiration to make this Cheerwine BBQ Sauce Recipe came from discovering its Southern roots and the way Cheerwine adds a special twist.
The main specialty lies in the use of Cheerwine soda, giving the sauce a distinct cherry flavor. Now, the step-by step process will be shown to make this flavourful BBQ sauce.
What Is Special About Cheerwine BBQ Sauce Recipe?
What makes Cheerwine BBQ sauce special is its unique use of Cheerwine soda, a cherry-flavored soft drink, which adds a subtle fruity sweetness and depth to the sauce.
This distinct ingredient sets it apart from traditional BBQ sauces, giving it a rich, tangy flavor with a hint of cherry that enhances grilled meats perfectly.
The combination of classic barbecue spices with Cheerwine creates a memorable and flavorful sauce that stands out in any cookout or meal.
How To Prepare Cheerwine BBQ Sauce Recipe?
Recipe Overview
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Course: Condiment / Sauce
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: American / Southern BBQ
Yield: About 2 cups of BBQ sauce
Kitchen Utensils
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board and knife
Ingredients
- 1 cup Cheerwine soda (12 oz)
- 1 cup ketchup
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ medium sweet onion or shallot, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for smokiness)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon molasses
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: ¼ to ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or hot sauce for heat
Instructions
1. Prepare Ingredients: Roughly chop the sweet onion or shallot.
2. Saute Onion: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add Base Ingredients: Stir in the ketchup, Cheerwine soda, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, molasses, and Dijon mustard.
4. Season: Add garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if using), liquid smoke, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper or hot sauce (if desired).
5. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook gently, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to your preferred consistency, about 15-20 minutes.
6. Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as needed more salt, sugar, or heat depending on your preference.
7. Cool and Store: Remove from heat. Let the sauce cool slightly before transferring to a clean jar or bottle. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 50 |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 12 g |
| Sugar | 10 g |
| Protein | 0 g |
| Sodium | 180 mg |
Hot Tips For Making The Best Cheerwine BBQ Sauce Recipe
- Simmer Slowly: Let the sauce simmer gently to thicken and deepen the flavors without burning.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste as you go add more brown sugar or molasses if you prefer it sweeter.
- Use Fresh Onion: Fresh sweet onion or shallot adds a nice mild bite and richness.
- Add Heat Gradually: Start with a small amount of cayenne or hot sauce and increase if you want more kick.
- Store Properly: Keep the sauce refrigerated in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to two weeks.
How To Make With More Delicious For Cheerwine BBQ Sauce Recipe?
To make Cheerwine BBQ sauce recipe even more delicious, try adding fresh minced garlic or finely chopped chipotle peppers for an extra smoky and spicy kick.
Using homemade ketchup or adding a splash of bourbon can also deepen the flavor. Letting the sauce simmer longer allows the ingredients to meld together perfectly, enhancing the richness.
Finally, balancing the sweetness with a little extra apple cider vinegar or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a bright, tangy contrast that makes the sauce truly irresistible.
Great Ways To Use Cheerwine BBQ Sauce Recipe
- Brush it on grilled chicken or ribs for a sweet and tangy glaze.
- Use it as a dipping sauce for crispy fried chicken or nuggets.
- Mix it into pulled pork sandwiches for extra flavor.
- Drizzle over roasted vegetables to add a smoky-sweet twist.
- Toss with meatballs or grilled sausages for a delicious appetizer.
How To Store Leftovers Of Cheerwine BBQ Sauce Recipe?
To store leftover Cheerwine BBQ sauce recipe, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or jar. Keep it refrigerated to maintain its freshness and flavor.
Properly stored, the sauce will stay good for up to two weeks. Before using again, give it a good stir, and if it’s too thick, you can gently warm it or add a splash of water to reach the desired consistency.
Conclusion
I had an easy and delicious success making this Cheerwine BBQ sauce recipe, and I hope you feel inspired to try it yourself. The recipe is simple to follow and delivers fantastic flavor every time.
I’m confident you’ll enjoy making it as much as I did. When you try it soon, please let me know how delicious it turns out for you I’d love to hear your experience!
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Cheerwine BBQ Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare Ingredients: Roughly chop the sweet onion or shallot.
- Saute Onion: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Base Ingredients: Stir in the ketchup, Cheerwine soda, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, molasses, and Dijon mustard.
- Season: Add garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if using), liquid smoke, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper or hot sauce (if desired).
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook gently, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to your preferred consistency, about 15-20 minutes.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as needed more salt, sugar, or heat depending on your preference.
- Cool and Store: Remove from heat. Let the sauce cool slightly before transferring to a clean jar or bottle. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 50 | Fat: 0 g | Carbohydrates: 12 g | Sugar: 10 g | Protein: 0 g | Sodium: 180 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!”