Sweet Bourbon Maple Barbecue Sauce

Sweet Bourbon Maple Barbecue Sauce

I’m not sure what, exactly, inspired me to go with a Sweet Bourbon Maple Barbecue Sauce, but I’m glad I did! See, I’m not whoo-hoo wild crazy about bourbon, but I decided to double down on it when I made these Sweet Bourbon Barbecue Chops. I’m so glad I did!

Sweet Bourbon Maple Barbecue Sauce

Sweet Bourbon Maple Barbecue Sauce

I am whoo-hoo wild crazy about this sauce, though. That Bourbon thing stems back to young adulthood when a bottle and I got a little too well acquainted, and I had to walk home from a neighborhood party at 1:00 am with no sandals. I’ve never touched bourbon since, lol!

That’s all but forgotten with one taste of this marvelous barbecue sauce. I used it as a glaze for my Maple Brined Pork Chops – they were divine, below! And if maple isn’t your thing, it’s there to add a touch of body and sweetness, and the flavor of the sauce doesn’t read “maple” at all. Sub in honey, corn, or sorghum syrup (or your favorite product along those lines) instead.

Sweet Bourbon Maple Chops

Sweet Bourbon Maple Chops

I’ll be using this sauce a lot. Its slightly sweet and tangy flavor will complement so many things. I can’t wait to slather a little on a burger and maybe top it with these Copycat French’s Onion Rings. And of course I’ll be keeping my shoes on at any future barbecues! Promise…

Did you know the best time to stock up on vinegar, spices, and maple syrup is before Easter? And buy condiments at sale prices all through the Summer Holidays. If you miss the summer sales, buy them just before the Super Bowl week.

Sweet Bourbon Maple Barbecue Sauce

Sweet Bourbon Maple Barbecue Sauce

 

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Sweet Bourbon Maple Barbecue Sauce

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Easy to whip together with what’s on hand.

  • Author: mollie kirby
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes + chill
  • Yield: 1 3/4 cups 1x
  • Category: Condiments
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/3 cup packed dark brown sugar
  • 3/4 cup ketchup
  • 3/4 cup apple juice
  • 1/2 cup maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup bourbon
  • 1/4 cup raisins, lightly packed
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon mustard powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)

Instructions

Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then add the onions and cook several minutes until lightly browned.

Remove from heat and add the remaining ingredients, stirring well. Replace on heat, bring to a boil & reduce to a simmer. Cook until thickened, about 25 minutes. (It will become thicker after blending and even thicker after cooling.)

Puree with an immersion blender or in a regular blender, strain through a metal strainer if smoother sauce is desired. Will keep, refrigerated for several weeks.

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Sweet Bourbon Maple Barbecue Sauce is deep and rich and has just the right amount of tang with a touch of sweet. Try it with anything grilled.

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I’m posting Sweet Bourbon Maple Barbecue Sauce at Fiesta Friday #118, hosted by Kaila @ GF Life 24/7 and Laurena @ Life Diet Health.

 

27 thoughts on “Sweet Bourbon Maple Barbecue Sauce

  1. Mollie–this looks luscious! (and just in time for bar-b-que season! (but is it OK if I leave out the raisins?) I can see this over a slab of salmon on the grill. thanks!

    • I’m sure that would be fine, but you might want to sub with another sweet dried fruit. The raisins give it a bit of the body and a sweetness, but you can’t tell they’re in there. Maybe dried plums, as they call prunes now, or a few dates?

  2. thesummeryumbrella

    Oh yum! This sounds absolutely delicious! Plus, I would have never thought to use raisins. Definitely need to try ASAP.

  3. Yum! I think this sauce would go well on quite a few dishes as well! Thanks for sharing over at the fiesta this week, and I hope you have a fabulous weekend. 😀

  4. I’m not a fan of bourbon either, but thank goodness I don’t have a bourbon memory like that. But I do have a rum and coke one, lol! But I like any good BBQ sauce, and this one sounds delicious!

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