Dr Pepper BBQ Sauce Recipe is a sweet, tangy, and smoky barbecue sauce made by simmering Dr Pepper soda with spices, ketchup, vinegar, and molasses for rich, bold flavor.
I made this sauce because of my past experience creating BBQ sauces and wanting to try something unique. Watching videos of people making it inspired me to give it a go myself.
Now, I’m ready to share the process step by step so anyone can recreate this delicious sauce at home.
Why Peoples Like Dr Pepper BBQ Sauce Recipe?
Peoples like Dr Pepper BBQ Sauce Recipe because it combines a unique blend of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavours that stand out from traditional BBQ sauces.
The addition of Dr Pepper soda adds a subtle caramel and fruity note that enhances the overall taste. The sauce has a rich texture and balanced spices that complement grilled meats and other dishes well.
Its distinctive flavor profile makes it enjoyable and memorable, encouraging many to try and keep coming back for more.
How To Prepare Dr Pepper BBQ Sauce Recipe?
Recipe Overview
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Course: Condiment / Sauce
Cuisine: American / BBQ
Yield: Approximately 3 cups
Main Kitchen Utensils Needed
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and chopping board
- Can opener (for Dr Pepper)
Ingredients
- 1 can (12 oz / 355 ml) Dr Pepper (regular, not diet)
- 1 cup ketchup
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional, for extra smokiness)
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste (tomato puree if in the UK)
- ½ teaspoon hot sauce (optional, or to taste)
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon chipotle powder or chili flakes for heat
How To Make Dr Pepper BBQ Sauce Recipe?
1. Start By Cooking The Onions:
Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onions and cook them until they soften and turn translucent, which should take about 5 minutes.
2. Mix In The Main Ingredients:
Add the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, tomato paste, and Dr Pepper to the pan. Stir everything together well so it’s fully combined.
3. Add The Spices:
Sprinkle in the garlic powder, chili powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. If you’re using cayenne, liquid smoke, or hot sauce, add those too. Give it a good stir so all the flavour blend evenly.
4. Let It Simmer:
Turn the heat up just enough to bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then lower it to a simmer. Keep it uncovered and let it cook for about 25 to 30 minutes. Stir every now and then while it thickens and reduces a bit.
5. Taste And Tweak:
Give the sauce a taste once it’s done simmering. If it needs a little more salt, heat, or sweetness, feel free to add what you like.
6. Cool Down And Store:
Take the sauce off the heat and let it cool down. Pour it into a clean jar or container, then pop it in the fridge. The flavours will get even better after resting overnight. Use within a week or two for the best taste.
Special Note: This Dr Pepper BBQ sauce offers a unique sweet and smoky flavor with a hint of spice. Perfect for glazing ribs, brushing on grilled chicken, or as a dipping sauce. Adjust the cayenne and hot sauce to suit your preferred heat level!
Nutrition Facts Per Serving
| Nutrition | Amounts |
|---|---|
| Calories | 60 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 15g |
| Sugars | 13g |
| Fat | 1g |
| Protein | 0.2g |
| Sodium | 300mg |
Dr Pepper BBQ Sauce Recipe
This Dr Pepper BBQ Sauce Recipe combines the rich sweetness of Dr Pepper soda with classic barbecue flavours like molasses, smoked paprika, and Worcestershire sauce to create a uniquely bold and balanced sauce.
Its main speciality lies in the soda’s natural caramel and fruity notes, which add depth and a subtle tanginess that sets it apart from traditional BBQ sauces.
The blend of spices and optional smoky elements enhances its complexity, making it perfect for glazing meats or as a versatile dipping sauce that elevates any BBQ experience.
Usage Suggestions
1. Drizzle over grilled ribs to add a rich, sweet glaze.
2. Use as a dipping sauce for crispy chicken tenders or nuggets.
3. Brush onto pulled pork sandwiches for an extra layer of flavor.
4. Mix into baked beans to enhance their smoky, tangy taste.
5. Serve alongside roasted vegetables to give them a bold, tangy kick.
Expert Tips
● Use regular Dr Pepper instead of diet to maintain the sauce’s natural sweetness and caramel depth.
● Simmer the sauce slowly to allow the flavours to meld and thicken evenly without burning.
● Freshly chopped onions add texture and a subtle sweetness that complements the soda’s fruity notes.
● Adjust cayenne pepper carefully to balance heat without overpowering the smoky and sweet elements.
● Incorporate liquid smoke sparingly to enhance smokiness without masking the complex flavours from the Dr Pepper.
How To Make More Delicious Dr Pepper BBQ Sauce Recipe?
To make more delicious Dr Pepper BBQ Sauce Recipe, start by using fresh, high-quality ingredients like ripe onions and pure tomato paste.
Simmer the sauce slowly to allow the flavours to deepen and blend well. Adjust the balance of sweetness and acidity by adding more brown sugar or apple cider vinegar based on taste.
Incorporate smoked paprika and liquid smoke carefully to enhance smokiness without overpowering. Let the sauce rest for a few hours or overnight to develop richer, more complex flavours before serving.
How Do You Preserve Dr Pepper BBQ Sauce Recipe?
Dr Pepper BBQ Sauce Recipe can be preserved by storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Cooling the sauce completely before sealing helps maintain its flavor and texture.
It will stay fresh for about 1 to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freezing the sauce in small portions works well, allowing easy thawing for later use.
Reheating gently on the stove helps restore its original consistency and taste without breaking down the ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Diet Dr Pepper For This Sauce?
No, regular Dr Pepper is recommended because diet versions don’t have the same sweetness or caramel flavor.
Is This Sauce Spicy?
It has a mild heat, but cayenne pepper and hot sauce can be adjusted or omitted.
Can I Use This Sauce On Meats Other Than BBQ?
Yes, it works great on grilled chicken, pork, ribs, and even burgers.
Can I Make This Sauce Vegan?
To make it vegan, replace butter with a plant based alternative and ensure Worcestershire sauce is vegan friendly.
Conclusion
I had an easy and enjoyable experience making this Dr Pepper BBQ Sauce Recipe, and the delicious result was worth every step.
I hope this recipe inspires you to try it yourself because it’s simple to prepare and full of great flavours. Soon, you’ll be making it too, and I can’t wait to hear how tasty it turns out for you.
Let me know your thoughts once you’ve made Dr Pepper BBQ Sauce Recipe.
Here Are Some Quick BBQ Sauce Recipes You Might Enjoy
Honey Gold BBQ Sauce: Southern Inspired
Citrus BBQ Sauce: A Flavour Explosion
Tamarind BBQ Sauce || Tangy Flavor
Cherry Habanero BBQ Sauce | Sweet Cherries
Dr Pepper BBQ Sauce Recipe
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and chopping board
- Can opener (for Dr Pepper)
Ingredients
- 1 can 12 oz / 355 ml Dr Pepper (regular, not diet)
- 1 cup ketchup
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for heat
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke optional, for extra smokiness
- ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste tomato puree if in the UK
- ½ teaspoon hot sauce optional, or to taste
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon chipotle powder or chili flakes for heat
Instructions
Start By Cooking The Onions:
- Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onions and cook them until they soften and turn translucent, which should take about 5 minutes.
Mix In The Main Ingredients:
- Add the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, tomato paste, and Dr Pepper to the pan. Stir everything together well so it’s fully combined.
Add The Spices:
- Sprinkle in the garlic powder, chili powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. If you’re using cayenne, liquid smoke, or hot sauce, add those too. Give it a good stir so all the flavour blend evenly.
Let It Simmer:
- Turn the heat up just enough to bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then lower it to a simmer. Keep it uncovered and let it cook for about 25 to 30 minutes. Stir every now and then while it thickens and reduces a bit.
Taste And Tweak:
- Give the sauce a taste once it’s done simmering. If it needs a little more salt, heat, or sweetness, feel free to add what you like.
Cool Down And Store:
- Take the sauce off the heat and let it cool down. Pour it into a clean jar or container, then pop it in the fridge. The flavours will get even better after resting overnight. Use within a week or two for the best taste.
Notes
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 60 kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Sugars: 13g | Fat: 1g | Protein: 0.2g | Sodium: 300mg“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!”