Bourbon Barbecue Sauce: Add a Kentucky Kick to Your Meat
By: Amy Holwerda
Published: May 6, 2011

With the Kentucky Derby to be run on Saturday, thousands of Derby parties will feature burgoo, mutton barbecue, hot browns, grilled corn and Derby pie – foods steeped in Kentucky culture and tradition. And many at these parties will be drinking the most American of all spirits, Kentucky bourbon.
Adventurous chefs may want to combine food and booze traditions, and we recommend the easiest way, with bourbon barbecue sauce. To be honest, and just a little bit braggy, this bourbon barbecue sauce is pretty magical. With a gorgeous mix of spices, whisky, and brown sugar, it will transform any meat: chicken, ribs, or burgers into a culinary dream. No word on whether it will bring you such luck with the horses.
Bourbon Barbecue Sauce
Yield 4 cups
1/2 onion, cut into wedges
4 cloves garlic, minced
3/4 cup bourbon whiskey (Kentucky bourbon, obviously!)
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 tablespoon salt
2 cups ketchup
1/4 cup tomato paste
1/3 cup cider vinegar
2 tablespoons liquid smoke flavoring
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 teaspoon hot pepper sauce, or to taste
In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the onion, garlic, and whiskey. Simmer for 10 minutes, or until onion is translucent. Mix in the ground black pepper, salt, ketchup, tomato paste, vinegar, liquid smoke, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and hot pepper sauce.
Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for 20 minutes. Scoop out the onion wedges. Run sauce through a strainer if you prefer a smooth sauce.
Photo Source: Coffee Hero