Whip up a big batch of Mary’s Bourbon Barbecue Sauce and pair it with some quick and easy dry-rubbed barbecue ribs and my Grilled Sweet Potatoes with Crunchy Pistachios and Pomegranate Molasses for the ultimate summer meal. My bourbon barbecue sauce recipe was specially designed to pair with my pork barbecued ribs recipe—seriously, they only take 90 minutes! This sweet and spicy barbecue sauce is one of our all-time summer favorites and it’s the best bonus recipe so far this year.
I love bourbon but Jack Daniel’s® whiskey makes for the best barbecue sauce.
What’s so great about this barbecue sauce recipe? First of all, I love whiskey—especially Jack Daniel’s. Anyone who knows me can attest that is my favorite. Maybe it’s the vanilla… or the oaky notes… or that smoky hint of cinnamon spice… No matter what it is, it adds so much dimension and depth to a homemade barbecue sauce. In fact, my husband says it’s the best barbecue sauce he’s ever had!
Just imagine slathering this rich and satisfying made-from-scratch barbecue sauce all over some hot, fresh rib racks. Actually, you should try it on everything. Make extra: It stores great in the refrigerator for up to three weeks.
Mary’s Sweet and Spicy Bourbon Barbecue Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 cups ketchup
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1 cup bourbon or whiskey
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- A pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes
Instructions
- In a heavy sauce pot, combine all the ingredients. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for 15 to 20 minutes. The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Remove from heat and cool to room temperature. Store in a container in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
