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Homemade honey bourbon BBQ sauce in a glass jar with a basting brush and glazed grilled chicken

Honey Bourbon BBQ Sauce

A rich, smoky-sweet BBQ sauce with honey and a splash of bourbon — ready in about 30 minutes and perfect on ribs, chicken, and burgers.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 2 cups
Course: Sauce
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup bourbon
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional

Method
 

  1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together all the ingredients until smooth.
  2. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring often.
  3. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  4. Taste and adjust — add more honey for sweetness or more cayenne for heat.
  5. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Use right away or store in an airtight jar.
  6. Brush onto ribs, chicken, or burgers during the last 10 minutes of grilling.