Apple Bourbon BBQ Sauce
Apple Bourbon BBQ Sauce combines sweet apples, smoky bourbon, and tangy vinegar for a rich, flavorful experience. Fresh grated apple and apple butter add natural sweetness, balanced by spices and a hint of heat. Slow simmering develops depth, creating a smooth, bold sauce that enhances grilled meats and adds a delicious homemade touch to any dish.
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Box grater (for apple)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Jar or airtight container (for storage)
Ingredients
- 1 medium apple peeled, cored, and grated
- ⅓ cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Crown Apple Whiskey
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil such as avocado or grapeseed
- 1 small red onion finely diced (approx. ¾ cup)
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup light brown sugar packed
- 1 cup apple butter
- 1 cup ketchup
- ½ cup bourbon
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ to 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for heat
- ½ teaspoon chipotle powder adds a smoky kick
- ¼ cup water
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions
Cook The Onion And Garlic
- Heat a bit of oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once it’s hot, toss in the chopped red onion and cook for about 3–4 minutes, stirring now and then, until it turns soft and see-through. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until it smells fragrant.
Add The Apple
- Mix in the grated apple and let it cook for another 3–4 minutes, until it softens and starts to break down a little.
Deglaze The Pan
- Pour in the bourbon and Crown Apple. Stir everything around, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it bubble for a couple of minutes so the alcohol cooks off a bit.
Make The Sauce Base
- Now add the brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, apple butter, ketchup, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes (if you want some heat), chipotle powder, and water. Stir everything together until it’s all mixed well.
Simmer The Sauce
- Bring the sauce to a low simmer. Lower the heat and let it cook gently without a lid for about 20–25 minutes. Stir it every now and then until it thickens and the flavour come together.
Add A Splash Of Lemon
- Stir in some lemon juice at the end. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed add more salt, sweetness, or spice to your liking.
Blend If You Want It Smooth
- If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can blend it right in the pot with an immersion blender. Or let it cool a bit and blend it in a regular blender.
Cool And Store
- Once the sauce cools down to room temperature, pour it into a clean jar or container with a lid. Store it in the fridge for up to two weeks, or freeze it if you want to keep it longer.
Notes
I always remind myself this sauce gets even better with time. I make extra and refrigerate; by day two, it tastes more balanced and rich, ready to elevate any dish.