Bourbon Honey BBQ Sauce
Bourbon Honey BBQ Sauce is a rich, flavorful condiment combining sweet honey, smoky bourbon, and tangy barbecue spices. It delivers a balanced blend of sweetness, smokiness, and a hint of heat. Ideal for glazing meats, dipping, or marinating, this sauce enhances dishes like ribs, chicken, or burgers with its bold, savory-sweet profile and smooth texture.
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Bowl
- Whisk or wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup
- ¼ cup bourbon whiskey
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepperc
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, add the ketchup, bourbon whiskey, honey, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, molasses, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir in smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), and a pinch of salt.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat. Whisk or stir continuously to combine the ingredients thoroughly. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
- Taste the sauce and add more salt or cayenne pepper if desired. If it’s too thick, add a tablespoon of water and stir well. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before using.
Notes
Using real bourbon whiskey is key for authentic flavor, but if you prefer to avoid alcohol, you can substitute with a non alcoholic bourbon flavored syrup or simply add extra smoked paprika and vanilla extract for complexity.
Also, adjust the cayenne pepper according to your heat preference this sauce works just as well mild or with a spicy kick.