Fireball BBQ Sauce
Fireball BBQ Sauce is a bold, flavorful condiment that blends the smoky richness of traditional barbecue sauce with the spicy sweet kick of Fireball Cinnamon Whisky. This unique combination creates a sweet, tangy, and mildly spicy sauce perfect for grilling, dipping, or marinating. Ideal for meats like ribs, chicken, or pulled pork, it adds a fiery twist that enhances classic BBQ dishes with an extra layer of warmth and flavor.
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Garlic press or chef’s knife (for mincing garlic)
- Airtight jar or container (for storage)
Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey
- ¼ cup light or dark brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
- 3 tablespoons pepper jelly
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for heat
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic finely minced
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- 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.