Sweet Bourbon Barbecue Sauce

By
Derrick Riches
Derrick Riches
Derrick Riches
Derrick Riches is a grilling and barbecue expert. He has written two cookbooks.
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Updated on 04/18/21
Sweet Bourbon Barbecue Sauce

The Spruce / Karen Hibbard
Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 9 mins
Total: 19 mins
Servings: 32 servings
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
38 Calories
1g Fat
6g Carbs
0g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 32
Amount per serving
Calories 38
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 1g 1%
Saturated Fat 0g 0%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 76mg 3%
Total Carbohydrate 6g 2%
Dietary Fiber 0g 0%
Protein 0g
Calcium 14mg 1%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

This tomato-based sauce has a sweet yet tangy flavor from the bourbon. This is a great barbecue sauce for just about anything but is particularly good on beef, poultry, and pork. I also recommend using this on pork ribs. 

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup/180 mL ketchup
  • 1/2 cup/120 mL maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup/60 mL bourbon
  • 2 tablespoons/30 mL vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoon/30 mL cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon/15 mL Dijon-style mustard
  • 1-2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1/4 teaspoon/1.25 mL salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon/1.25 mL black pepper

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Sweet Bourbon Barbecue Sauce ingredients

    The Spruce / Karen Hibbard

  2. Heat oil in a saucepan. Add garlic and cook for 15 to 20 seconds until it becomes fragrant. 

    oil and garlic in a saucepan

    The Spruce / Karen Hibbard

  3.  Add ketchup and maple syrup, cider vinegar, and bourbon. Simmer over low heat for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring often. 

    Add ketchup and maple syrup, cider vinegar, and bourbon to the garlic in the saucepan

    The Spruce / Karen Hibbard

  4. Add Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 3 to 4 more minutes. Remove from heat and let the sauce cool for 5 to 10 minutes before using. Use sauce as a baste while meat is on the grill or serve on the side once grilled meat is plated.  

    Sweet Bourbon Barbecue Sauce in a saucepan

    The Spruce / Karen Hibbard

Variation

If you are making this sauce a day ahead of time, follow the above instructions, but allow the sauce to cool for 20 to 30 minutes. Place into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week after preparation.