Crafting The Perfect Bourbon Bbq Sauce: A Step-By-Step Guide

Making a bourbon BBQ sauce is a great way to add a kick to your summer grilling. This sauce is a terrific combination of sweet, tangy, salty, and savoury, with the warmth of bourbon adding depth to the flavour profile. The best part? It's easy to make and only takes about 25 minutes! You can use a decent, inexpensive bourbon like Jim Beam, and even substitute it with whiskey. The recipe also includes other common ingredients like ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. For a spicier sauce, you can add cayenne pepper, Sriracha, or hot sauce. So, fire up those grills, and get ready to impress your family and friends with your homemade bourbon BBQ sauce!

Choosing the right bourbon

When making a bourbon BBQ sauce, it's important to choose the right bourbon to cook with. While bourbon is an excellent ingredient in cooking, not all brands will make great additions to your culinary endeavours. Here are some tips to help you choose the right bourbon for your sauce:

Don't Cook with a Bourbon You Wouldn't Want to Drink

According to the Alcohol Professor, you should follow the wine rule when cooking with bourbon: "don't cook with a bourbon that you wouldn't want to drink". Cheap bourbon may not add much flavour beyond the taste of cheap alcohol, while very expensive bourbon may be a waste of money as the alcohol typically burns off during the cooking process.

Choose a Mid-Range Bourbon

Instead, opt for a mid-range bottle that strikes a balance between price and flavour. Pay attention to the underlying flavours of the bourbon, such as smoky flavours, caramelised sweetness, fruits, cooking spices, nuts, honey, and more. Some bourbons, like high-rye bourbons, have a spicier and peppery finish.

Consider the Proof of the Bourbon

Higher-proof bourbon will require a longer cooking time due to its higher alcohol content. Lower-proof bourbon (below 46% ABV) works better with lighter foods such as fish, seafood, vegetables, and desserts. On the other hand, higher-proof bourbon pairs well with heavier, bolder dishes, especially anything charred, fried, grilled, or smoked.

Opt for a Versatile and Moderately Priced Bourbon

A versatile and moderately priced bourbon, such as Buffalo Trace or Maker's Mark, is often recommended for cooking. These bourbons impart a balanced sweetness and depth of flavour without overpowering the other ingredients in your sauce.

Choose a Bourbon with a Robust Profile for a Complex Sauce

If you want to create a complex and robust bourbon BBQ sauce, consider using bourbons like Woodford Reserve or Knob Creek. These bourbons bring a combination of caramel, vanilla, and oak notes, enhancing the depth and richness of the sauce without making it overly sweet.

Sample Different Bourbons and Trust Your Taste Buds

Ultimately, the best bourbon for your BBQ sauce depends on your personal preference and the specific flavours you want to impart. Sample different bourbons, trust your taste buds, and choose one that aligns with the flavours you want to enhance in your sauce.

Combining ingredients

Combining the ingredients for a bourbon BBQ sauce is a straightforward process. The ingredients are placed in a pot or saucepan and heated until they reach a boil. The heat is then reduced to a simmer, and the sauce is cooked for around 15-20 minutes, or until it thickens and reduces.

The specific ingredients and their quantities can vary depending on the recipe and individual preferences. However, a standard combination includes:

• Ketchup
• Brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
• Apple cider vinegar
• Worcestershire sauce
• Liquid smoke
• Garlic (fresh or powdered)
• Onion (fresh or powdered)
• Bourbon

Some recipes also include additional ingredients such as:

• Tomato paste or tomato sauce
• Molasses
• Soy sauce
• Mustard (Dijon or yellow)
• Lemon juice
• Butter or oil
• Spices (chilli, cayenne pepper, black pepper, red pepper flakes)

It is important to note that the alcohol in the bourbon will not completely cook off, even after simmering the sauce. However, the amount of alcohol remaining will depend on various factors such as cooking time and the size of the pot. For those sensitive to alcohol, a non-alcoholic alternative like a molasses barbecue sauce is recommended.

Heating and simmering

During the heating and simmering process, the sauce reduces and thickens, creating a desirable consistency for BBQ sauce. This step also allows the flavours to meld and develop, creating a more complex and well-rounded taste profile. The alcohol in the bourbon will also reduce during this time, with approximately 60% of it cooking off. However, it's important to note that some alcohol will remain in the sauce, so it may not be suitable for those who are sensitive to alcohol or unable to tolerate it.

While the sauce simmers, it's important to keep a close eye on it to prevent boiling over. Stirring occasionally will also ensure that all the ingredients are well incorporated and prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

For an extra smoky flavour, liquid smoke can be added to the sauce during the heating and simmering process. Additionally, the level of spiciness can be adjusted by adding cayenne pepper, Sriracha, or hot sauce to taste. The amount of sweetness can also be customised by reducing or increasing the amount of brown sugar used.

Once the sauce has thickened and reduced, it's ready to be used immediately or stored for later use. It can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or frozen for up to three months.

Adding spices and flavourings

Start by adding the dry spices. These can include garlic powder, onion powder, ground black pepper, cayenne pepper, and red pepper flakes. You can also add dry mustard or Dijon mustard for a more pronounced mustard flavour. If you want a smokier sauce, add liquid smoke, which is made from the steam trapped while burning lumber. You can also add hot sauce or Tabasco to turn up the heat. Additionally, a small amount of salt can be added to enhance the other flavours.

Next, add the wet spices and flavourings. These include Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, and balsamic vinegar. The Worcestershire sauce will add salinity, while the soy sauce brings salinity and umami. The vinegars and lemon juice will add a tangy, acidic element to the sauce. You can also add tomato-based ingredients like ketchup, tomato sauce, or tomato paste for a more robust tomato flavour.

Finally, you can adjust the sweetness and thickness of the sauce. Brown sugar, coconut sugar, or molasses can be added for sweetness, while also thickening the sauce. Alternatively, you can use refined sugar-free substitutes or reduce the amount of sugar for a less sweet sauce.

Feel free to experiment with different combinations and amounts of spices and flavourings to create a unique bourbon BBQ sauce that suits your taste preferences.

Storing and serving

Once you've made your bourbon BBQ sauce, you'll need to know how to store and serve it. Here are some detailed, direct, and instructive guidelines:

Storing:

• Allow to Cool: Before storing your sauce, it's important to let it cool down completely. This will help maintain its quality and flavour. Place the saucepan in a cool area and stir occasionally to release the heat. You can also portion it out into smaller containers to speed up the cooling process.
• Refrigeration: Your homemade bourbon BBQ sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Use airtight containers or jars to prevent spoilage and maintain freshness. Label the container with the date it was made and use within the recommended time frame.
• Freezing: If you want to enjoy your sauce at a later date, freezing is a great option. It can be frozen for up to three months in an airtight, freezer-safe container. Leave at least a 1/2-inch headspace in the container to allow for expansion during freezing.
• Food Safety: It's important to practice good food safety habits when storing your sauce. Use clean utensils when handling the sauce, and avoid double-dipping to prevent contamination. Discard the sauce if it develops an off smell or appearance.

Serving:

• Bring to Room Temperature: For the best flavour and consistency, allow your sauce to come to room temperature before serving. Take it out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before serving and give it a good stir to recombine the ingredients.
• Heating: If you prefer your sauce warm, place it in a saucepan over low heat. Stir frequently to prevent burning and heat until it reaches your desired temperature. You can also heat individual portions in the microwave.
• Pairings: Bourbon BBQ sauce is incredibly versatile and can be used on a variety of dishes. It pairs well with grilled meats like chicken, beef ribs, and pulled pork. It can also be used as a dipping sauce for crispy fries or a topping for vegetarian burgers. Get creative and experiment with different combinations.
• Storage During Events: If you're serving your sauce at a BBQ or party, keep it covered and chilled until ready to use. Place it in a suitable container and store it in a cool, shaded area to prevent spoilage. Provide utensils or dispensers for your guests to serve themselves, ensuring a hygienic and enjoyable experience.
• Plating: When plating your dishes, consider the presentation. Drizzle the sauce artistically over your main course or provide it as a side dip. Garnish with fresh herbs or spices to enhance the appearance and flavour.

Frequently asked questions