Bourbon Maple BBQ Sauce
Bourbon Maple BBQ Sauce is a rich, smoky, and sweet blend that brings depth and character to any dish. With bold bourbon notes and smooth maple undertones, it creates a perfectly balanced sauce that elevates grilled, roasted, or smoked foods with irresistible flavor.
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Heat-safe jar or container for storage
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup ketchup
- ½ cup pure maple syrup
- ¼ cup bourbon
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- A pinch of cayenne pepper optional for extra heat
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, warm the olive oil until it shimmers. Add the smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir for about 30 seconds.
- Pour in the ketchup, maple syrup, and apple cider vinegar. Whisk until everything blends into a smooth, glossy mixture.
- Stir in the bourbon, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and soy sauce until the sugar dissolves and the mustard fully incorporates.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce gently bubble for 12–15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Taste the sauce and add salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if you want extra heat). Adjust sweetness or tang to your liking with a bit more maple syrup or vinegar.
- Remove from the heat and allow the sauce to cool. Once it reaches room temperature, transfer it to a jar or bottle.