Oh my goodness, you guys! I just made the best BBQ sauce ever. It’s sweet, a little boozy, and so, so yummy.

I love how the peaches and bourbon mix together. It’s kinda fancy but still super cozy. Every time I taste it, I smile big.

You gotta try this on grilled chicken or burgers. It makes everything taste extra special. I promise, your friends will beg for more!

So, wanna make this bourbon peach BBQ sauce with me? Grab your pot. Let’s have some fun in the kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Bourbon Peach BBQ Sauce

Perfect Balance of Sweet and Savory: The fresh peaches bring natural sweetness, while the bourbon adds a smoky richness and depth of flavor that complements the tangy vinegar and spicy kick from habanero sauce.
Versatile Sauce: Whether you’re grilling chicken, ribs, pork, or even drizzling it on burgers or veggies, this BBQ sauce can elevate any meal.
Easy to Make: With just a handful of ingredients, this recipe comes together in less than an hour. It’s perfect for busy evenings or weekend cookouts.
Great for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and store it in the fridge for up to two weeks. It’s always handy for impromptu grilling sessions or quick meals.
Customize the Heat Level: You control the spice! Add more habanero hot sauce or tweak it to suit your taste.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before we get started, here’s a quick list of the essential tools you’ll need to make this Bourbon Peach BBQ Sauce:

Saucepan or Skillet: You’ll need a medium saucepan to cook the ingredients and develop the sauce.
Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Stirring the sauce is essential for ensuring even cooking and preventing burning.
Sharp Knife: For chopping the peaches and garlic.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements will ensure the perfect balance of ingredients.
Blender (Optional): For a smooth, silky finish, you can blend the sauce at the end, though it’s optional depending on your preferred texture.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this flavor-packed Bourbon Peach BBQ Sauce (exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below):

Butter: 1 tablespoon of butter adds richness and helps to sauté the onion and garlic.
Sweet Onion: 1/2 cup finely diced sweet onion gives the sauce a mild, sweet flavor that blends perfectly with the bourbon and peaches.
Fresh Garlic: 1 teaspoon freshly minced garlic provides a subtle earthy kick.
Peaches: 1 1/2 cups roughly chopped fresh peaches (about 1 pound of whole peaches). Use ripe, juicy peaches for the best flavor!
Ketchup: 3/4 cup ketchup forms the base of the BBQ sauce and adds tanginess and smoothness.
Bourbon: 1/2 cup bourbon brings smokiness and a rich depth of flavor that enhances the sweetness of the peaches.
Dark Brown Sugar: 1/3 cup dark brown sugar gives the sauce a deep caramel flavor.
Cider Vinegar: 1/3 cup cider vinegar balances the sweetness with a touch of tang.
Honey: 2 tablespoons honey adds natural sweetness and a bit of floral flavor.
Molasses: 2 tablespoons molasses adds complexity and depth to the sauce.
Dijon Mustard: 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard contribute a slight tang and creamy texture.
Worcestershire Sauce: 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce enhance the umami flavor and add complexity.
Habanero Hot Sauce: 1/2 teaspoon (adjust to your preference) of habanero hot sauce gives the sauce a subtle heat that kicks up the flavor.
Kosher Salt: Kosher salt helps to bring all the flavors together and season the sauce to taste.

Variations for Bourbon Peach BBQ Sauce

This recipe is highly customizable to suit your preferences or based on what ingredients you have on hand. Here are some ideas for how to switch things up:

Different Fruits: Try swapping the peaches for other fruits like mangoes, apricots, or nectarines. Each fruit will bring a unique twist to the sauce.
Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder BBQ sauce, reduce the amount of habanero hot sauce or use a milder hot sauce. For a spicier kick, add extra habanero sauce or chopped fresh chilies.
Add Spices: Feel free to experiment with different spices, such as smoked paprika for more smokiness, or ground ginger for an extra zing.
Use a Different Whiskey: While bourbon adds a distinct flavor, you can try using other types of whiskey (like rye or Tennessee whiskey) for a different nuance.
Make it Vegan: For a vegan-friendly version, substitute the butter with olive oil or another plant-based fat.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating 1 tablespoon of butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the finely diced sweet onion and sauté it for 4-5 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release its fragrance.

2. Add the Peaches

Next, add the chopped peaches to the saucepan and cook for another 3-4 minutes. You want the peaches to soften and release their juices, which will create the base for the sauce. If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can mash the peaches slightly as they cook.

3. Stir in the Ketchup and Bourbon

Once the peaches are soft, add the 3/4 cup of ketchup and 1/2 cup of bourbon to the saucepan. Stir everything together, making sure the ingredients are well combined.

4. Add the Sweeteners and Vinegar

To bring the right balance of sweetness and tang, stir in the 1/3 cup of dark brown sugar, 1/3 cup of cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons of honey, and 2 tablespoons of molasses. The brown sugar and molasses will give the sauce its deep, rich sweetness, while the vinegar will balance out the flavors.

5. Add the Mustard and Worcestershire Sauce

Next, add 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard and 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce to the mix. The mustard adds a slight tang, while the Worcestershire sauce brings umami and depth.

6. Season with Hot Sauce and Salt

Add 1/2 teaspoon of habanero hot sauce (or more, depending on your spice tolerance) and season the sauce with kosher salt to taste. Stir everything to combine and let the sauce simmer for 20-25 minutes over low to medium heat. This will allow the flavors to meld and thicken into a luscious BBQ sauce.

7. Blend the Sauce (Optional)

If you prefer a smooth BBQ sauce, you can use an immersion blender or transfer the sauce to a regular blender to purée it until silky smooth. If you like a chunkier texture, you can skip this step.

8. Taste and Adjust

Give the sauce a taste, and feel free to adjust the seasonings. Add more honey if you like it sweeter, more vinegar for extra tang, or more hot sauce for a spicier kick.

How to Serve Bourbon Peach BBQ Sauce

Now that your sauce is ready, here are some delicious ways to serve it:

Grilled Meats: This BBQ sauce is perfect for grilling chicken, pork ribs, or burgers. Brush it on the meat during the last few minutes of grilling for a sticky, caramelized glaze.
Pulled Pork Sandwiches: Use this sauce to top pulled pork sandwiches for a flavorful twist on a classic.
BBQ Tacos: Add a spoonful of Bourbon Peach BBQ Sauce to tacos filled with grilled shrimp, chicken, or even veggies.
Glaze for Roasted Vegetables: Brush this sauce onto roasted or grilled vegetables like corn on the cob, sweet potatoes, or cauliflower.
Dipping Sauce: Serve this sauce as a dip alongside crispy fried foods like chicken tenders, French fries, or onion rings.

Storing Bourbon Peach BBQ Sauce

If you have any leftovers (or just want to make a big batch ahead of time), here’s how to store it:

In the Refrigerator: Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Simply warm it up before using, or use it cold as a dipping sauce.
In the Freezer: You can freeze the sauce for up to 3 months. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container, and when you’re ready to use it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	80 kcal
Total Fat	1g
Saturated Fat	0.5g
Cholesterol	5mg
Sodium	110mg
Total Carbohydrates	19g
Dietary Fiber	1g
Sugars	17g
Protein	0g