Sweet Honey Bourbon BBQ Sauce

Looking for a new BBQ sauce this season, reach no further than this Sweet Honey Bourbon BBQ Sauce Recipe! Perfect for chicken wings, pork ribs, or even your favorite seafood dish!

This is one of my favorite recipes, and it’s so simple that you can make this sweet BBQ sauce, in minutes.

I love a sweet sauce, this honey bourbon BBQ sauce is perfect, with just the right amount of spice, and a bit of bourbon, you get some major flavors.

If you love making homemade BBQ sauces, try my recipes for 3 Ingredient BBQ Sauce, Ancho Chile BBQ Sauce, or Copycat Wendy’s BBQ Sauce Recipe.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• Perfect Balance of Sweet and Smoky – The combination of honey and bourbon creates a rich, bold flavor that’s both sweet and savory.
• Versatile & Crowd-Pleasing – It’s amazing on everything from grilled chicken and ribs to burgers and veggies—your guests will be begging for the recipe!
• Simple Ingredients – Made with pantry staples and no hard-to-find items, it’s easy to whip up any time.
• Better Than Store-Bought – Skip the bottled stuff—this homemade version is fresher, richer, and customizable to your taste.
• Make Ahead Friendly – It stores beautifully in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prep or your next BBQ party.

Ingredients Needed

• Ketchup – Classic tomato-based base for rich BBQ flavor
• Bourbon – Adds deep, smoky sweetness and bold flavor
• Honey – Natural sweetness that balances smoky and tangy notes
• Apple cider vinegar – Adds bright, tangy acidity for balance
• Brown sugar – Deep molasses-like sweetness for caramelized taste
• Molasses – Rich, bold syrup that enhances barbecue depth
• Worcestershire sauce – Umami-rich sauce for savory, meaty depth
• Onion powder – Subtle savory flavor for seasoning base
• Garlic powder – Warm, pungent flavor for extra depth
• Smoked paprika – Adds smoky, slightly spicy, earthy kick
• Black pepper – Sharp, peppery heat to balance sweetness
• Cinnamon – Warm spice that enhances smoky, sweet flavors
• Kosher salt – Brings out all the bold BBQ flavors

How To Make Honey Bourbon BBQ Sauce

Step One: In a medium saucepan, add ketchup, bourbon, honey, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, and all the spices (onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, cinnamon, and kosher salt).

Step Two: Stir everything together until well combined. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat.

Step Three: Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld.

Step Four: Taste the sauce and adjust salt or sweetness if needed. You can simmer longer for a thicker texture. Let the sauce cool slightly, then transfer to a jar or airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Honey Bourbon BBQ Sauce Recipe Tips

• Use good-quality bourbon – It doesn’t need to be top-shelf, but choose one with a smooth, balanced flavor since it adds depth to the sauce.
• Simmer low and slow – Let the sauce simmer gently to avoid burning the sugars and to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
• Taste as you go – The sweetness, tanginess, or smokiness can be adjusted to your liking. Add more vinegar for tang, honey for sweetness, or spices for extra kick.
• Blend for smoothness – If you want a super silky sauce, blend it after simmering using an immersion blender or regular blender (once cooled slightly).
• Make it ahead – This sauce gets even better after sitting overnight in the fridge—perfect for prepping before a cookout or party.

Storing

Store Sweet Honey Bourbon BBQ Sauce in an airtight jar or container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze in small portions and thaw as needed.

What To Serve With Honey Bourbon BBQ Sauce Recipe

Honey Bourbon BBQ Sauce is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Serve it with grilled meats like chicken, ribs, or burgers for a classic BBQ experience.

It’s also perfect for dipping crispy air fryer wings, roasted vegetables, or even as a topping for baked potatoes. For a fun twist, drizzle it over grilled shrimp or veggie skewers, or use it as a dip for fries and onion rings. The rich, smoky sweetness of this sauce enhances any savory dish!

Honey Bourbon BBQ Sauce Recipe Faqs

Can I use a different alcohol in place of bourbon? Yes! If you prefer not to use bourbon, you can substitute with whiskey or even dark rum for a similar depth of flavor. Just note that the taste may vary slightly.

How can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce? To make the sauce sweeter, add more honey or brown sugar. If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the amount of sugar or vinegar to balance it out.

Can I make this sauce ahead of time? Absolutely! This sauce actually tastes better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours or overnight, allowing the flavors to meld.

How thick should the sauce be? The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. If you prefer a thinner consistency, simmer it for less time or add a little extra vinegar or water.

Can I freeze Honey Bourbon BBQ Sauce? Yes, you can freeze this sauce for up to 3 months. Just store it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag, and thaw it in the fridge before use.

Is it possible to make this sauce without molasses? While molasses adds a unique depth, you can substitute it with extra brown sugar for a sweeter, less complex flavor.

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