Bourbon-Coffee BBQ Sauce Recipe
Step up your summer grilling game with this bourbon-coffee BBQ sauce! Spicy, smoky and complex with a boozy punch, this homemade BBQ sauce perfectly complements any grilled meat.
How to Make the Best Bourbon-Coffee BBQ Sauce
This bourbon-coffee BBQ sauce is the ultimate condiment for elevating your grilling game. With the smoky richness of dark roast coffee paired with the warmth of bourbon and the complexity of chipotle and espresso, this isn’t your everyday BBQ sauce. It’s sophisticated, spicy, and absolutely crave-worthy.
Why You’ll Love This Sauce
What sets this bourbon-coffee BBQ sauce apart from the rest is the unexpected flavor combination. The coffee and espresso powder add a deep, smoky complexity that plays beautifully with the sweetness of molasses and maple syrup. The bourbon adds a boozy punch that caramelizes slightly as the sauce simmers, creating layers of sophisticated flavor. The chipotle chili powder brings just the right amount of heat without overwhelming the palate.
Perfect for Any Grilled Meat
This BBQ sauce is incredibly versatile. Brush it on ribs, brisket, chicken, pork chops, or even salmon. The balance of sweet, spicy, and smoky flavors complements virtually any protein you put on the grill. After just one taste, you’ll understand why this sauce is destined to become your new favorite—and why your guests will be asking for the recipe all summer long.
Make It Ahead
The beauty of this homemade sauce is that it actually improves with time as the flavors meld together. Make a batch ahead and store it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks in an airtight container. It’s the perfect condiment to have on hand for unexpected cookouts or weekend grilling sessions.
Bourbon-Coffee BBQ Sauce
Step up your summer grilling game with this bourbon-coffee BBQ sauce! Spicy, smoky and complex with a boozy punch, this homemade BBQ sauce perfectly complements any grilled meat.
Ingredients
Base
Wet Ingredients
Sweeteners & Brown Sugar
Spices & Seasonings
Instructions
Preparation
- In a medium saucepan, stir together the tomato sauce and paste until it becomes one cohesive mixture.
- Stir in the garlic, coffee, apple cider vinegar, molasses, maple syrup, dark brown sugar, chipotle chili powder, espresso powder, Worcestershire sauce, mustard powder, smoked paprika, cumin, onion powder and salt.
Cooking
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Continue to simmer until the mixture slightly thickens, stirring often to prevent burning. If necessary, turn down the heat but maintain a simmer. Cooking time generally takes about 15-20 minutes.
- Turn off heat and stir in bourbon.
- Cool and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Preferably use dark roast coffee for the best depth of flavor.
- Can substitute regular chili powder if chipotle chili powder is not available.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for best freshness.