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Bottle of homemade Whiskey BBQ Sauce beside grilled meats.

Whiskey BBQ Sauce

A delightful sauce with sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors that enhance grilled meats and more.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Condiment, Sauce
Cuisine American
Servings 12 servings
Calories 60 kcal

Ingredients
  

Base Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup finely chopped onion
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Flavoring Ingredients

  • 1.5 cups ketchup
  • 0.5 cup whiskey Choose a good bourbon for best flavor
  • 0.25 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 0.25 cup brown sugar Can substitute with honey for a different taste
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper Optional for added spice

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
  • Add finely chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Cooking

  • Pour in ketchup, whiskey, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
  • Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened to desired consistency.
  • Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Finishing

  • For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender or transfer to a regular blender and blend until smooth.
  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Notes

Store in an airtight container for optimal freshness. Freezing in portions extends shelf life.
Keyword BBQ Sauce, Grilling, Homemade Sauce, Whiskey Sauce