You don’t have to look any further for a sauce with strong tastes and a touch of southern charm.

Look at this bourbon sauce recipe. Because it has spicy bourbon, sweet brown sugar, and a hint of sour soy sauce, this sauce goes well with bourbon chicken, BBQ ribs, or even bread pudding.

It’s more than just a meal; it’s a trip full of flavors that will make you feel enjoyable, remember memorable times, and get creative in the kitchen. This flexible sauce will make any food taste better whether you use it as a glaze, a marinade, or a topping.

Overview

The homemade bourbon sauce recipe is a wonderful way to change up the tastes of traditional barbecue. Garlic, soy sauce, and brown sugar combine with rich bourbon to create a sauce that complements grilled meats, roasted vegetables, and even sweet treats.

This sauce can be the star of any meal, whether you use it on bourbon chicken or banana bread.

Why We Love This Sauce

• Versatile: Use it as a glaze, marinade, or topping. It works wonders with grilled meats, veggies, and even desserts like bourbon bread pudding.
• Flavorful Balance: The deep, smoky bourbon flavor is perfectly balanced by the sweetness of brown sugar and the umami of soy sauce.
• Quick & Easy: With just a few simple ingredients, this sauce comes together in no time, making it perfect for last-minute meals.
• Perfect for BBQs: It’s a great addition to your BBQ sauce collection, adding a unique twist to your traditional grilling recipes.
• Customizable: Adjust the sweetness or spice levels according to your preferences, making it easy to tailor to your taste.

What You’ll Need to Make This Bourbon Sauce Recipe

Ingredients

1/2 cup Bourbon: The key ingredient, bourbon brings that distinctive smoky, rich flavor. If you don’t have bourbon, you can use any whiskey, though the flavor may vary slightly.

1/4 cup Brown Sugar: Adds the perfect amount of sweetness to balance the depth of the bourbon and soy sauce.

2 tablespoons Soy Sauce: The salty, umami flavor of soy sauce helps elevate the richness of the sauce, adding a savory depth.

3 cloves Garlic (minced): Fresh garlic gives the sauce a punch of aromatic flavor that perfectly complements the sweetness and richness of the bourbon.

1 teaspoon Fresh Ginger (grated): A small amount of fresh ginger provides a kick of spice, balancing the sweetness and adding complexity to the flavor.

1 tablespoon Lemon Juice or Vinegar: Adds a subtle acidic note that cuts through the richness of the sauce.

2 teaspoons Worcestershire Sauce: A few dashes enhance the savory flavors and give the sauce an extra layer of complexity.

Directions

• Cook the garlic and ginger: In a medium saucepan, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and fresh ginger, cooking for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Be sure not to burn them—this step releases all the aromatic oils.
• Add the liquids: Pour in the bourbon, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. Stir the mixture until the sugar dissolves completely.
• Simmer and thicken: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, allowing it to reduce and thicken. The bourbon will mellow out, leaving behind a smooth, rich flavor.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust the sweetness or spice level with more sugar, soy sauce, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick.
• Cool and store: Once the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency, remove it from heat and let it cool. You can store it in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 65kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0g | Sodium: 220mg | Potassium: 58mg | Fiber: 0g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 2IU | Vitamin C: 0mg | Calcium: 2mg | Iron: 0mg

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Course: Sauce | Cuisine: American | Kitchen Type: Stovetop

Top Tips Bourbon Sauce Recipe

• Double the Batch: If you’re hosting a barbecue, make a double batch! This sauce stores well in the fridge and can be used on multiple dishes throughout the week.
• Substitutions: If you’re out of bourbon, any whiskey or dark rum can be a great substitute. For a non-alcoholic version, try using apple cider or fruit juice with a splash of vanilla extract for that sweet, smoky depth.
• Don’t Overcook: When simmering, be sure not to let the sauce reduce too much. It should thicken to a syrupy consistency but still be pourable.
• Add Heat: For an extra kick, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.

Storage and Freezing

Store any leftover bourbon BBQ sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. The flavors actually improve over time, so don’t be afraid to make it ahead of time. You can also freeze it in an ice cube tray for single-use portions. Just let it cool before transferring to a container for freezing.

Serving Ideas for Bourbon Sauce Recipe

1. Bourbon Chicken – Marinate chicken pieces in the sauce before grilling or pan-searing for a sweet and smoky main dish.
2. BBQ Ribs – Brush this bourbon glaze on your ribs during the last 10 minutes of grilling to caramelize and lock in flavor.
3. Bourbon Bread Pudding – Drizzle this sauce over warm bread pudding for an irresistible dessert that combines sweet and savory.
4. Grilled Veggies – Toss grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus in this sauce for a smoky finish.
5. Bourbon Steak – For a truly decadent steak, serve it with a spoonful of this sauce alongside mashed potatoes.

For more creative recipes, check out AllRecipes for delicious pairings and variations.

More Sauce Recipes You May Enjoy

• Easy Korean BBQ Sauce Recipe 
• Gyoza Sauce Recipe
• Perfect Meatloaf Sauce Recipe

FAQs

What type of bourbon should I use for this sauce?
You can use any bourbon, but a mid-range one with a smooth flavor will give the best results. Avoid overly strong or cheap bourbons, as they may overpower the sauce.

Can I make this sauce without alcohol?
Yes, you can replace the bourbon with apple cider or fruit juice for a non-alcoholic version, though the flavor will differ slightly.

How can I make the sauce spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to give the bourbon sauce an extra kick of heat.

How do I store leftover bourbon sauce?
Keep in the fridge for up to two weeks in a container that won’t let air in. For longer storage, freeze it in small portions.

bourbon sauce – Recipe Card

Max

Any meal benefits from this rich, smokey, sweet glaze that is bourbon sauce. This sauce perfectly balances whiskey, brown sugar, soy sauce, and a hint of ginger and garlic, making it an ideal partner for grilled meats, sweets like bread pudding, or even as a dipping sauce. Made quickly, it gives your favorite dishes an enticing depth of taste!

 

5 from 1 vote

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Course sauce

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 65 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 1/2 cup Bourbon: The key ingredient bourbon brings that distinctive smoky, rich flavor. If you don’t have bourbon, you can use any whiskey, though the flavor may vary slightly.
• 1/4 cup Brown Sugar: Adds the perfect amount of sweetness to balance the depth of the bourbon and soy sauce.
• 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce: The salty umami flavor of soy sauce helps elevate the richness of the sauce, adding a savory depth.
• 3 cloves Garlic minced: Fresh garlic gives the sauce a punch of aromatic flavor that perfectly complements the sweetness and richness of the bourbon.
• 1 teaspoon Fresh Ginger grated: A small amount of fresh ginger provides a kick of spice, balancing the sweetness and adding complexity to the flavor.
• 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice or Vinegar: Adds a subtle acidic note that cuts through the richness of the sauce.
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire Sauce: A few dashes enhance the savory flavors and give the sauce an extra layer of complexity.

Instructions

 

• Cook the garlic and ginger: In a medium saucepan, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and fresh ginger, cooking for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Be sure not to burn them—this step releases all the aromatic oils.
• Add the liquids: Pour in the bourbon, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. Stir the mixture until the sugar dissolves completely.
• Simmer and thicken: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, allowing it to reduce and thicken. The bourbon will mellow out, leaving behind a smooth, rich flavor.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust the sweetness or spice level with more sugar, soy sauce, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick.
• Cool and store: Once the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency, remove it from heat and let it cool. You can store it in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Video

Notes

• Double the Batch: If you’re hosting a barbecue, make a double batch! This sauce stores well in the fridge and can be used on multiple dishes throughout the week.
• Substitutions: If you’re out of bourbon, any whiskey or dark rum can be a great substitute. For a non-alcoholic version, try using apple cider or fruit juice with a splash of vanilla extract for that sweet, smoky depth.
• Don’t Overcook: When simmering, be sure not to let the sauce reduce too much. It should thicken to a syrupy consistency but still be pourable.
• Add Heat: For an extra kick, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.

 

Storage and Freezing

 

Store any leftover bourbon BBQ sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. The flavors actually improve over time, so don’t be afraid to make it ahead of time. You can also freeze it in an ice cube tray for single-use portions. Just let it cool before transferring to a container for freezing.

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Nutrition Information:

Calories: 65kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0g | Sodium: 220mg | Potassium: 58mg | Fiber: 0g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 2IU | Vitamin C: 0mg | Calcium: 2mg | Iron: 0mg

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More Recipes with bourbon Sauce

Chicken with Bourbon Sauce Recipe

Looking for a main dish that’s full of flavor? Bourbon chicken is an easy and tasty way to enjoy bourbon sauce. This dish features tender chicken cooked in a rich bourbon sauce that’s savory, sweet, and slightly tangy.

Bourbon Chicken Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup bourbon sauce (from the recipe above)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Instructions:

1. Warm up a big pan with olive oil over medium-low heat.
2. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook for six to seven minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and done. 
3. Lower the heat and pour the bourbon sauce over the chicken. Let it simmer for 5-10 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce and coat the chicken.

Serve your bourbon chicken with rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad for a satisfying meal.

Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce Recipe

Now, let’s talk about dessert! Bread pudding with bourbon sauce is a classic comfort food that’s rich, decadent, and perfect for the holidays or any special occasion. The bourbon sauce adds a luxurious twist to the creamy bread pudding, making it the ultimate indulgence.

Bread Pudding Ingredients:

• 4 cups day-old bread (cubed)
• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Bourbon Sauce for Bread Pudding Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup bourbon whiskey
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Make the Bread Pudding: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine milk, cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon. Toss the bread cubes in the sauce after adding them. Pour into a greased baking dish and bake for 45 minutes, or until golden brown.
2. Make the Bourbon Sauce: In a saucepan, combine the bourbon, brown sugar, butter, and vanilla extract. Simmer over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly.
3. Serve: Drizzle the warm bourbon sauce over the bread pudding and serve immediately.

This dessert is sure to impress anyone at your dinner table, with its rich flavor and bourbon-infused sauce.

Bourbon BBQ Sauce Recipe

If you’re a fan of BBQ, you’ll love this bourbon BBQ sauce recipe. It’s the perfect accompaniment to meats like ribs, chicken, or burgers, and it’s incredibly easy to make.

Bourbon BBQ Sauce Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup bourbon whiskey
• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine all the ingredients.
2. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens.
3. Let it cool and refrigerate for a week.

This sauce is perfect for glazing bourbon chicken or brushing over grilled meats.

Ready to Get Cooking?

What’s your favorite way to enjoy bourbon sauce? Do you prefer it with BBQ chicken or as a sweet finish to a bread pudding recipe with bourbon sauce? Share your thoughts in the comments below – we’d love to hear from you!

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