Cowboy BBQ Sauce
Cowboy BBQ Sauce is a bold, flavorful blend of smoky, tangy,and sweet ingredients like ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, vinegar, and a hintof bourbon. Enhanced by spices and a touch of coffee, it delivers depth andbalance in every bite. Ideal for grilling, dipping, or marinating, this homemadesauce adds rich, southern style barbecue flavor to meats, sandwiches, andsides, making it a standout addition to any recipe.
Equipment
- Medium to large saucepan
- Wooden spoon or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Airtight jars or bottles for storage
- Fine mesh strainer (optional, for smoother sauce)
Ingredients
- 2 cups ketchup
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1½ cups red wine vinegar
- ⅓ cup Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp dry mustard
- ¼ cup strong brewed coffee
- ¼ cup bourbon optional, for added depth
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp canola oil
- 2 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper adjust to taste
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ cup steak sauce
- 12 oz chili sauce
- ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, heat the canola oil over medium heat. Add the ketchup, chili sauce, Worcestershire sauce, steak sauce, apple cider vinegar, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, bourbon (if using), and brewed coffee. Stir well.
- Mix in the brown sugar, all three mustards (Dijon, yellow, and dry), smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for about 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken and become glossy.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed add more sugar for sweetness or cayenne for heat. Allow the sauce to cool slightly before transferring to clean, airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 weeks.
Notes
Want less heat? Trim the cayenne or skip the bourbon. Prefer more sweetness? Add honey or molasses in place of part of the brown sugar. For a deeper flavor, simmer 5–10 minutes longer to intensify thickness.