Maple Bourbon BBQ Sauce

This Maple Bourbon BBQ Sauce blends the rich sweetness of maple syrup with the deep, smoky flavors of bourbon and a hint of tangy spices for the perfect balance. It’s ideal for slathering on grilled meats, glazing ribs, or adding a touch of sweetness to your favorite barbecue dishes.

Why This Recipe Works

Homemade is Best: If you are ready to take your barbecue game up a notch, the answer is probably homemade BBQ sauce! This maple bourbon BBQ sauce is one of my favorite homemade sauces. Not only is it easy to make, but it just doesn’t compare to any store-bought BBQ sauce! Instead of adding liquid smoke, I recommend smoking the sauce in the smoker for a little for the absolute best flavor! 

Full of Flavor: The magic of this maple bourbon BBQ sauce recipe comes from its well-balanced mix of ingredients. The bourbon adds depth and a slight smokiness, while the maple syrup and brown sugar provide a natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with the acidity from the apple cider vinegar. The tomato sauce and ketchup give the sauce its base, while the spices and sauces like Worcestershire and soy sauce layer in rich umami flavors. Cooking the sauce on low heat allows the ingredients to meld together for a smooth, thick, and flavorful BBQ sauce with just the right amount of tang and sweetness!

Supplies Needed

• Saucepan
• Whisk
• Jars

Ingredients

• Tomato Sauce & Ketchup: These form the base of the sauce, giving it a smooth texture and a slightly sweet, tangy flavor.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a bit of acidity to balance out the sweetness!
• Bourbon: Bourbon adds a rich, smoky flavor to this sauce.
• Maple Syrup: Maple adds a natural sweetness that goes well with the bourbon and spices in the sauce.
• Brown Sugar: Enhances the sweetness while giving the sauce a subtle molasses-like flavor.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds savory, umami notes that balance the sweetness.
• Soy Sauce: Soy sauce is added to deepen the overall flavor of the sauce.
• Dijon Mustard: For a subtle tang and sharpness to cut through the sweetness of the maple and brown sugar!
• Smoked Paprika: Provides a smoky flavor that complements the bourbon and maple syrup.
• Garlic Powder, Salt and Pepper: These seasonings round out the flavors, adding just the right amount of savory seasoning.

How To Make Maple Bourbon BBQ Sauce

Stove Top:

1. Combine Ingredients: Add all of the ingredients to a medium sized pot over medium heat.
2. Bring to a Simmer: Whisk everything together and let the sauce come to a light simmer (do not boil).
3. Let it Cook: Once it begins to simmer, reduce the heat to low and let the mixture continue to cook for 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally.
4. Remove & Store: Remove the sauce from the heat and let it rest until it comes to room temperature before storing. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days.

Smoking Instructions:

1. Smoke if Desired: To add a smoky flavor, add the cooked sauce to an aluminum pan and place onto the smoker at 225 F. Use your favorite wood and allow it to smoke for 30-45 min. Remove and let it cool fully before storing.

What Pairs Best With This Sauce

This maple bourbon BBQ sauce goes well with just about everything. I recommend putting it on all of your favorite barbecued main dishes, or serve it as a dipping sauce for meats and sides! Here are some ideas for serving this barbecue sauce:

• Grilled Chicken: Brush it on smoked chicken legs or dip your grilled chicken nuggets into maple bourbon sauce!
• Pulled Pork & Meatballs: Toss it with slow-cooked smoked pulled pork for a sweet and smoky flavor. Or, simmer some bison meatballs in the sauce as a killer appetizer!
• Burgers and Sandwiches: Use it as a topping for smoked burgers or pork belly sandwiches!
• Ribs: Slather it on party ribs or baby back ribs!
• Dipping Sauce: Serve it as a dipping sauce for fries, chicken tenders, or brats and tots.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Recipes To Try

• Apricot BBQ Sauce
• Pineapple BBQ Sauce
• Homemade Memphis BBQ Sauce
• Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce
• Low Carb Smoky BBQ Sauce