Jack Daniels BBQ Sauce Recipe is a smoky, sweet, and tangy sauce made from whiskey, ketchup, honey, vinegar, and spices.
I made this Jack Daniels BBQ Sauce Recipe because I have past experience creating BBQ sauces and I was inspired after seeing how this one was prepared.
I wanted to capture the deep flavours and smooth texture myself. Now I am ready to share the process and show each step of making this Jack Daniels BBQ Sauce recipe.
Jack Daniels BBQ Sauce Recipe
The Jack Daniels BBQ Sauce Recipe is a rich, smoky, and sweet sauce that brings a bold, distinctive flavor to any grilled or roasted dish.
Its main speciality lies in the combination of Jack Daniel’s whiskey with honey, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar, which creates a perfect balance of sweetness, tang, and warmth.
Enhanced with garlic, onion, Worcestershire sauce, and liquid smoke, this sauce delivers deep complexity and a subtle smoky kick.
It’s versatile, ideal for ribs, chicken, burgers, or as a dipping sauce, making it a standout in American BBQ cuisine.
How To Prepare Jack Daniels BBQ Sauce Recipe?
Recipe Overview
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Course: Condiment / Sauce
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: American / BBQ
Yield: Makes about 3 cups of BBQ sauce
Equipment Needed
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Storage jar or airtight container
Ingredients
- ½ cup Jack Daniels Whiskey
- 2 cups ketchup
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- 1 small onion, finely minced
- ¾ cup honey, or molasses
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
- ½ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon Tabasco or hot sauce, or to taste
- Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
Step 1: Cook The Aromatics
Heat some olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for about 3–4 minutes, until it softens and turns translucent. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, being careful not to let it burn.
Step 2: Add The Whiskey
Pour in the Jack Daniel’s whiskey and stir well, scraping up any bits stuck to the pan. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes so the alcohol can mellow out a bit.
Step 3: Combine The Base Ingredients
Add ketchup, tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and honey or molasses. Stir everything together until it forms a smooth sauce.
Step 4: Add Flavour And Seasoning
Mix in the brown sugar, yellow mustard, liquid smoke, Tabasco, salt, and pepper. Make sure it’s evenly combined.
Step 5: Simmer Gently
Turn the heat down to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 30–35 minutes, stirring occasionally. It will thicken and darken as it cooks. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Step 6: Cool And Store
Once it’s thick and glossy, take it off the heat and let it cool to room temperature. Transfer the sauce to a sterilised jar or bottle and keep it in the fridge. It will stay good for up to three weeks.
Nutrition Facts Per Serving
| Nutrition | Amounts |
|---|---|
| Calories | 90 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 22 g |
| Sugars | 20 g |
| Fat | 1 g |
| Protein | 0.5 g |
| Sodium | 250 mg |
Recipe Variations
➣ Swap honey for maple syrup to give the sauce a rich, earthy sweetness.
➣ Add crushed red pepper or smoked paprika to create a spicier, smoky flavor profile.
➣ Incorporate fresh fruit puree, such as peach or mango, for a fruity, tangy twist.
➣ Replace ketchup with tomato sauce and a touch of balsamic vinegar for a tangier, more complex base.
➣ Blend in a small amount of bourbon or rum alongside the whiskey for a deeper, boozy flavor.
Pro Tips And Tricks
➢ Reduce the sauce slowly over low heat to deepen flavours and create a thicker, richer consistency.
➢ Toast the garlic and onions lightly before adding liquids to enhance their natural sweetness.
➢ Stir in brown sugar gradually to avoid clumping and achieve a smooth texture.
➢ Let the sauce sit overnight in the refrigerator to allow flavours to meld and intensify.
➢ Adjust the balance of vinegar and honey to fine-tune tanginess and sweetness according to taste.
Serving Suggestions
Jack Daniels BBQ Sauce Recipe brings smoky, sweet, and tangy flavours to ribs, chicken, and grilled meats. It enhances roasted vegetables and baked beans, adding depth and richness.
Use it to coat burgers, drizzle over sandwiches, or stir into coleslaw for extra flavor. It also works well as a dip for fries, nuggets, or roasted snacks.
Every bite becomes flavourful and satisfying, making meals more memorable and indulgent without extra effort.
Why You Will Choose Jack Daniels BBQ Sauce Recipe?
You Will Choose Jack Daniels BBQ Sauce Recipe for its deep, smoky flavor and perfectly balanced sweetness and tang.
The whiskey enriches the taste, while honey, vinegar, and spices create a smooth, bold sauce that enhances ribs, chicken, and burgers.
This recipe delivers a rich, layered flavor that brings barbecue dishes to life. Controlling the sweetness and heat allows creating a customised taste, making every meal flavourful, memorable, and satisfying.
How To Store The Finished Jack Daniels BBQ Sauce Recipe?
Store the finished Jack Daniels BBQ Sauce Recipe in a clean, airtight jar or bottle to preserve its flavor. Keep it refrigerated to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.
The sauce develops deeper flavours over time, so letting it sit for a day enhances the taste. Use a clean spoon each time to avoid contamination.
Proper storage ensures the sauce stays thick, rich, and ready to use for up to three weeks, maintaining its smoky, sweet, and tangy profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make This Sauce Without Alcohol?
Yes, substitute Jack Daniels whiskey with apple juice, water, or extra vinegar for similar flavor without alcohol.
Can I Adjust The Spiciness?
Yes, add more or less Tabasco or hot sauce to reach your preferred heat level.
Is It Suitable For All Meats?
Yes, it pairs well with chicken, pork, beef, and even vegetables.
Can I Make It Thicker Or Thinner?
Simmer longer to thicken or add a little water or vinegar to thin the sauce.
Conclusion
I had an easy and enjoyable experience making this Jack Daniels BBQ Sauce Recipe, and the delicious result was a complete success! I hope this recipe inspires you to try it too.
It’s simple to make, full of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors, and perfect for any BBQ. I can’t wait for you to try it let me know how wonderfully delicious it turns out!
You Might Also Like
Hawaiian BBQ Sauce Recipe | Quick & Delicious
Eggplant Mushroom Recipe | Flavourful Dish
Delicious Sourdough King Cake Recipe
Cantaloupe Juice Recipe In 5 Minutes
Authentic Gordon Ramsay BBQ Sauce Recipe
Jack Daniels BBQ Sauce Recipe
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Storage jar or airtight container
Ingredients
- ½ cup Jack Daniels Whiskey
- 2 cups ketchup
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- 1 small onion finely minced
- ¾ cup honey or molasses
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
- ½ cup brown sugar light or dark
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon Tabasco or hot sauce or to taste
- Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
- ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
Step 1: Cook The Aromatics
- Heat some olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for about 3–4 minutes, until it softens and turns translucent. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, being careful not to let it burn.
Step 2: Add The Whiskey
- Pour in the Jack Daniel’s whiskey and stir well, scraping up any bits stuck to the pan. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes so the alcohol can mellow out a bit.
Step 3: Combine The Base Ingredients
- Add ketchup, tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and honey or molasses. Stir everything together until it forms a smooth sauce.
Step 4: Add Flavour And Seasoning
- Mix in the brown sugar, yellow mustard, liquid smoke, Tabasco, salt, and pepper. Make sure it’s evenly combined.
Step 5: Simmer Gently
- Turn the heat down to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 30–35 minutes, stirring occasionally. It will thicken and darken as it cooks. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Step 6: Cool And Store
- Once it’s thick and glossy, take it off the heat and let it cool to room temperature. Transfer the sauce to a sterilised jar or bottle and keep it in the fridge. It will stay good for up to three weeks.
Notes
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 90 kcal | Carbohydrates: 22 g | Sugars: 20 g | Fat: 1 g | Protein: 0.5 g | Sodium: 250 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!”