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!
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.
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
Easy to whip together with what’s on hand.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes + chill
- Yield: 1 3/4 cups 1x
- Category: Condiments
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 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.
________________________________
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”