Ingredients:

  • 1.5 cups ketchup
  • 0.5 cup dark brown sugar, packed
  • 0.25 cup honey
  • 0.5 cup bourbon whiskey
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.5 tsp onion powder
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
  • 0.25 tsp salt

Instructions:

  1. Combine Base. Add the ketchup, brown sugar, honey, bourbon, vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce into your saucepan. Note: Doing this while the pan is cold prevents clumping.
  2. Whisk Thoroughly. Stir the mixture vigorously until the sugar crystals have fully dissolved and the liquid looks uniform.
  3. Apply Heat. Place the pan over medium heat. Listen for a gentle simmer, not a violent boil.
  4. The Slow Reduce. Simmer for 15-20 minutes. Stir frequently with your spatula until the sauce thickens and looks glossy.
  5. Check Color. The sauce is ready when it shifts from a bright red to a deep, mahogany brown.
  6. Final Seasoning. Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Note: Adding spices at the end preserves their punch.
  7. The Resting Phase. Let the sauce sit for at least 10 minutes. Watch it thicken further as it cools.
  8. Final Stir. Give it one last whisk before bottling it up or brushing it on your meat.