This sweet and smoky barbecue sauce recipe blends the richness of whiskey and pure maple syrup. Slather it on grilled ribs and chicken for a next-level flavor explosion. Once you try this whiskey-maple BBQ sauce, you’ll see why these two ingredients were made for each other!
Bourbon whiskey is a hugely popular ingredient for all types of barbecue sauces. Still, this whiskey-maple barbecue sauce offers a unique twist, blending maple syrup and mango-pineapple preserves to balance the whiskey’s spirited kick perfectly. This barbecue sauce is great on grilled or smoked ribs, chicken, salmon, and meat substitutes. I recommend making a little extra and serving it as a side sauce for wings and fries. It’s so good! This recipe makes 2 cups of BBQ sauce.
Note on bourbon: We used Four Roses Bourbon in our sauce, but you can certainly use your favorite bourbon or Irish Whiskey.
Ingredients for Whiskey-Maple Barbecue Sauce
- Ketchup
- Bourbon
- Orange marmalade: Substitute with pineapple marmalade.
- Real maple syrup: Avoid using pancake syrup for recipe. “Real” or “pure” maple syrup produces the best flavor.
- Apple cider vinegar
- Chili powder
- Cayenne
- Granulated onion
- Salt and black pepper
How to Make it
- Simmer all of the sauce ingredients over medium-high heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring often.
- Reduce heat and simmer on low for 5-7 more minutes. Taste and adjust more cider vinegar if needed. Consistency should be good and thick.
- Remove barbecue sauce from heat and cool for 10 minutes before using.
- To use: brush whiskey-maple barbecue sauce onto grilled and smoked meats, every 15 minutes during the last quarter of cooking time.
Tips
- Make ahead: You can make this whiskey maple BBQ sauce ahead of time and store it in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week after preparation. I recommend making it the day before—the flavors will mellow out and balance. Reheat to room temperature before using.
- Smokiness: For a smoky BBQ sauce, stir in 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika OR a few drops of liquid smoke.
More BBQ Sauce Recipes
Whiskey-Maple Barbecue Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups ketchup
- 1/2 cup orange marmalade
- 1/3 cup bourbon or Irish whiskey
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons cider vinegar (to suit your tastes)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon granulated onion
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- a few pinches cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Instructions
- Simmer all of the sauce ingredients, except butter, over medium high heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring often. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes.
- Remove barbecue sauce from heat, and stir in the butter. Cool for 10-15 minutes before using.
Notes
- Make ahead: You can make this whiskey maple barbecue sauce ahead of time and store it in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week after preparation. I recommend making it the day before, as the flavors will balance out. Reheat to room temperature before using.
- Smokiness: Add extra smoky flavor by stirring in 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika OR a few drops of liquid smoke.
