Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the butter and minced garlic to the pan. Saute for 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Stir in the ketchup, Fireball whiskey, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix until combined.
- Add the brown sugar, pepper jelly, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir well to combine. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally. It should thicken slightly and develop a rich flavor.
- Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings as needed. You can add more cayenne for heat or a little more brown sugar or pepper jelly for sweetness. Let the sauce cool slightly before using.
Notes
The Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey imparts a distinctive flavor to the sauce. If you prefer a non alcoholic version, you can substitute the whiskey with an equal amount of apple cider vinegar and a dash of ground cinnamon.
For a spicier kick, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a finely chopped jalapeño pepper during the simmering process.
Feel free to adjust the brown sugar to your taste. If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the sugar or substitute with a natural sweetener like honey.