Sweet Bourbon Barbecue Sauce with Brown Sugar

This rich and tangy sauce combines the deep flavors of bourbon with the sweetness of brown sugar for a perfect barbecue kick. It’s easy to make and will add a delicious twist to your grilled favorites.

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TIME55 min

SERVINGS4

RATING5.0 / 5

Sweet Bourbon Barbecue Sauce with Brown Sugar

01 / WHAT YOU NEED

Ingredients

2 cups ketchup 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce 1 cup bourbon ¾ cup brown sugar ¾ cup molasses ¾ cup apple cider vinegar ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 teaspoons onion powder 2 teaspoons garlic powder 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper 1 teaspoon mustard powder 1 teaspoon liquid smoke flavoring ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste

02 / HOW TO MAKE IT

Let's cook.

Step 1

Start by pouring the ketchup and tomato sauce into a saucepan. Add the bourbon, brown sugar, molasses, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce, then sprinkle in the onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, mustard powder, liquid smoke, and cayenne pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine. Place the pan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once it’s bubbling, lower the heat so it simmers softly. Let it cook, stirring every so often, until the sauce thickens up and becomes nice and smooth—this usually takes about 45 minutes. When it’s ready, taste and adjust the seasoning if you want a bit more kick or sweetness.

03 / EXTRA DETAILS

Good to know.

Cook's tip

- Simmer the sauce gently to avoid burning the sugars.
- Taste and adjust the sweetness or tanginess to your preference.
- Use a whisk to keep the sauce smooth while cooking.

Why you’ll love it

This sauce strikes the perfect balance between smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors. The bourbon adds a rich depth, while the brown sugar gives it a smooth sweetness that enhances any grilled dish. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make at home.

Serving ideas

This sauce is great brushed on ribs, chicken, or pork during grilling. It also works well as a dipping sauce for fries or as a flavorful topping for burgers and sandwiches.

Storage & leftovers

Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to two weeks. Reheat gently before using to restore its smooth texture.