Sweet And Smoky BBQ Sauce
This Sweet And Smoky BBQ Sauce blends rich flavors of sweetness, spice, and smoky depth for a bold, homemade taste. It enhances grilled meats, vegetables, and sandwiches with its thick, flavorful texture. Easy to prepare, it offers a fresh alternative to store-bought sauces. The balance of ingredients creates a memorable, delicious sauce that adds warmth and character to any meal, making it a favourite addition to your kitchen.
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Airtight jars or containers for storage
Ingredients
- 4 cups ketchup
- ¼ cup molasses
- ¼ cup honey
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup water
- 2 tablespoons rum
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 6 tablespoons brown sugar packed
- ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 tablespoon liquid smoke flavoring
Instructions
Mix the Base Ingredients:
- Grab a medium saucepan and place it over medium heat. Pour in the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, molasses, honey, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, water, rum (if you’re using it), and yellow mustard.
Stir and Heat:
- Give everything a good whisk until it’s all combined. Keep stirring now and then, and let it come to a gentle simmer.
Add the Spices:
- Once it’s simmering, toss in the black pepper, garlic powder, cayenne, smoked paprika, chili powder, allspice, and a dash of liquid smoke. Stir it all together.
Let It Simmer:
- Turn the heat down low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes. Stir every so often—by the end, it should start to thicken a bit.
Cool It Down & Store:
- Take the sauce off the heat and let it cool completely. Once it’s cool, pour it into jars or containers with a good seal. Keep it in the fridge for up to two weeks, or pop it in the freezer if you want to store it longer.
Notes
If it gets too thin after cooling, I simmer a little longer or whisk in a cornstarch slurry.