Kentucky Bourbon Barbecue Sauce recipe 

This BBQ sauce has plenty of sweet heat and the bourbon adds a unique flavor that really shines through.

While it's a great all-purpose sauce it really matches well with chicken, pork ribs and burgers. 

bourbon barbecue sauce recipe

This sauce recipe first came to life at the same time that I was creating the new grilled meatball sub recipe.

Since I was grilling the cheese filled meatballs for the sub (which is unique enough) I knew I'd need something extra special to drizzle over the sub instead of a typical tomato sauce.

meatball sub with bourbon bbq sauce

› › Kentucky Bourbon BBQ Sauce recipe




Makes: 2 cups

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Direct Heat: medium-high

What you'll need:

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 small onion finely diced
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup cider vinegar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
  • 1/3 cup Kentucky bourbon
  • 1/4 cup yellow mustard
  • 1/2 to 1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce (more or less to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
cooking onions for bbq sauce

Step 1:
In a large saucepan melt the butter over medium-high heat. 

Add the onion until it softens, about 5 minutes.

how to make sweet heat bbq sauce at home

Step 2:
Add the remaining ingredients stirring well to break up any spice clumps and bring to a gentle boil.

Reduce heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer until it thickens for about 20 - 30 minutes. 

Stir often to prevent burning on the bottom of the sauce pan.

Keeps for a couple weeks refrigerated in a sealed glass jar.




Back to Top

› › Kentucky Bourbon BBQ Sauce recipe





Newest Recipe

best bourbon sauce

Kentucky Bourbon BBQ Sauce