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    Home > Recipes > Condiments

    Peach Bourbon BBQ Sauce

    Published: Jul 24, 2018 · Modified: Apr 8, 2022 by Whitney Reist · This post may contain affiliate links |

    Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe
    An overhead shot of a large saucepan filled with peach bourbon bbq sauce sitting on a white marble countertop.

    If you are looking for an amazing basic bbq sauce recipe that highlights the flavor of summertime, then this Peach Bourbon BBQ Sauce recipe is perfect!

    A close-up shot of a spoon over a saucepan with a scoop of peach bourbon bbq sauce.
    Jump to:
    • Video
    • Modifications
    • Serve With
    • Canning BBQ Sauce
    • Recipe
    • Comments

    The easy Peach Bourbon BBQ Sauce I'm sharing with you today is a slightly modified version of the sauce that I posted WAYYYYY back in 2014. That sauce had been developed as a fun project while I was in my culinary school externship, and while I really enjoy the original version, I have tweaked and adjusted it a bit to suit my tastes as they have developed over the past few years. I also really wanted to update the recipe with a fresh batch of photos and a video to show you how simple it is to make!

    Video

    If you've been following me for a while, then you probably know how obsessed I am with peaches! They are, hands down, my all-time favorite fruit and in the summertime, I literally cannot buy enough of them. I would probably post a peach recipe every week through July and August if I didn't think you all would get tired of it!

    Fresh peaches piled on a wire plate with a white towel and coral dahlias sitting on the peaches.

    Making your own bbq sauce at home is a lot like learning to make your own homemade salad dressings and vinaigrette - once you get in the habit of it, you will likely never want store-bought again! It's so satisfying to add a little dash of this and that - whatever you have on hand in your fridge/freezer/pantry - and then mix it up into a "signature" creation of your very own. In addition to just being a fun creative outlet, making your own bbq sauce can be a great way to keep sodium and sugar in check in a condiment that is typically very high in both of those additives!

    An overhead shot of a large saucepan filled with peach bourbon bbq sauce sitting on a white marble countertop.

    Modifications

    If you'd like to modify this recipe OR just make your own homemade bbq sauce creation, start by making sure you've got the basics on hand:

    • Tomatoes/tomato products - most great barbecue sauces start with good tomato products, unless you are trying to make South Carolina mustard-based sauce or an Alabama mayo-based sauce! I've seen recipes that call for fresh tomatoes, canned tomatoes, and ketchup.
    • Sweetener - brown sugar, molasses, and honey are all amazing options for adding sweetness to a barbecue sauce. You could also experiment with agave, maple syrup, or even Stevia for certain dietary needs.
    • Acid - most all bbq sauce recipes call for some type of vinegar, the most common being apple cider vinegar. This is what lends the tangy/sour punch to bbq sauce and pairs so well with the rich smokiness of grilled meats.
    • Spices - spices are a great way to add smokiness or International flavor to a bbq sauce. Some of my favorites include smoked paprika, ancho chili powder, chipotle chili powder, and dry mustard powder. You can get crazy here though - curry powder, turmeric, jerk seasoning, ginger, and cinnamon could all add depth of flavor when added in small increments - be sure to taste as you go!
    • Aromatics - using garlic, onions, fresh ginger, or shallots can result in a really vibrant sauce with a deep, bold flavor. The aromatics lend so much flavor that their addition can sometimes allow you to cut back on salt and sugar.
    • Add-ins - this is where you can get creative! Add-ins such as root beer, spirits, beer, jams, coffee, and fresh fruit can make a bbq sauce unique and unforgettable - in a good way, of course! This is your chance to sneak in a flavor that someone "just can't put their finger on what that is" when they try your sauce and lend an element of "secret ingredient" to your recipe!
    A close-up shot of a spoon over a saucepan with a scoop of peach bourbon bbq sauce.

    Serve With

    There are so many ways to use this peach bourbon bbq sauce! Any type of peach sauce is great for pork or chicken, so my favorite way to use this sauce is on top of grilled pork tenderloin, pork chops, or grilled chicken! Here are a few more of my favorite recipes for using this sauce:

    • Peach BBQ Chicken Pizza
    • Peach BBQ Chicken Kabobs
    • BBQ Chicken Nachos

    Canning BBQ Sauce

    Canning homemade recipes in a safe way that prevents botulism is very important/serious endeavor that all has to do with the final pH of your recipe. This can get really tricky when you are using fresh tomatoes in your recipe, as different varieties have varying levels of acidity that can really throw the final pH of any recipe off when you start to make substitutions. The BEST way to ensure that homemade bbq sauce recipes are safe for at-home, water bath canning is to contact your local extension office and ask them for guidance on running a pH test of your final recipe.

    A close up of a canning jar filled with peach bourbon bbq sauce against a white background.

    If you decide to give this Peach Bourbon BBQ Sauce a try, please let me know how it turns out for you.

    Leave a comment and rate the recipe below. This will help me with the creation of future recipes!

    I’d also love to feature your creation in my weekly newsletter, so you can upload a photo to Instagram with the tag @sweetcayenne5 to be featured! Quick and easy recipe videos are available on my YouTube channel, and lots of menu inspiration on my Pinterest boards.

    Recipe

    A close-up shot of a spoon over a saucepan with a scoop of peach bourbon bbq sauce.

    Peach Bourbon BBQ Sauce

    If you are looking for an amazing basic bbq sauce recipe that highlights the flavor of summertime, then this Peach Bourbon BBQ Sauce recipe is perfect!
    Tried this recipe?Mention @sweetcayenne5 or tag #sweetcayenne!
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes
    Servings: 2 pints

    Ingredients

    • 1 teaspoon neutral-flavored oil such as canola
    • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
    • 1 ½ teaspoon ancho chili powder
    • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
    • 1 teaspoon ground mustard
    • 4 cups fresh diced peaches (about 6 medium peaches)
    • ⅓ cup bourbon optional; can sub water if desired
    • 1 cup no-salt-added ketchup
    • 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
    • 2 tablespoons worcestershire sauce
    • ⅓ cup brown sugar
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon black pepper
    • ½ cup water

    Instructions

    • Place a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the oil and heat for 30 seconds. Add the garlic, chili powder, paprika, and mustard. Stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
    • Add the diced peaches and toss to combine with spices.
    • Add the bourbon and bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring frequently.
    • Add the ketchup, vinegar, worcestershire sauce, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a low boil over medium heat. Reduce to a simmer and cook, stirring frequently, until the peaches are jammy and tender, about 15 minutes. The mixture should reduce by about ⅓ and coat the back of your spoon when stirred.
    • Remove the sauce from heat and cool slightly. Use an immersion blender or regular blender to carefully puree the sauce until smooth. Add the water as needed to reach desired consistency - I like my finished sauce to be slightly thinner than store-bought bbq sauce and more the consistency of a creamy salad dressing.
    • Store the cooled sauce in the refrigerator for up to 1 month or freeze for later use.

    Video

    Notes

    • Calories per serving is based on a 2 tablespoon serving size of this recipe as written.
    Serving: 2Tblspn | Calories: 30kcal | Carbohydrates: 5.6g | Protein: 0.5g | Fat: 0.3g | Sodium: 169mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 5.2g

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. M Manago says

      August 08, 2021 at 6:46 pm

      Pretty good base BBQ sauce recipe that you can modify to your liking. Nice and tangy. I swapped half the brown sugar for honey, swapped the bourbon for brandy, added some chili paste for more kick, and two more peaches halfway through cooking. Felt like it needed a little more peachy flavor. Turned out really well.4 stars

      Reply
      • Whitney Reist says

        August 09, 2021 at 9:50 am

        Hi there - thank you for trying the recipe and for sharing your modifications! I'm glad you enjoyed the sauce 🙂

    2. Sam says

      July 21, 2021 at 7:36 pm

      How about pressure canning to avoid the water bath concern?

      Reply
      • Whitney Reist says

        July 26, 2021 at 12:14 pm

        Hi Sam! Unfortunately I do not own a pressure canner and do not have any experience with that - I'd love to learn someday though!

    3. Rae Williams says

      August 10, 2020 at 8:10 am

      I had been given some fresh peaches to use up, already canned slices and made glaze, so I was looking for something else exciting! I found your recipe and tried a single batch. I thought it lacked that extra something (for my tastes). I added a few drops of liquid smoke and oh my goodness!!! Absolute PERFECTION!! So good I used up the last of my peaches and canned it up!! 10 pint jars water bathed for some yummy bbqs coming up!!! Thank you for sharing!!

      Reply
      • Whitney Reist says

        August 10, 2020 at 8:13 am

        Hi Rae - that's awesome to hear! I'm so glad you enjoyed the recipe - thanks for trying it and for the tip about the liquid smoke!

    4. Sarah R. says

      July 11, 2020 at 5:29 pm

      Got a 25lb. box of peaches and I needed some good recipes to make with all this fruit. Tried this recipe out and I love it! It’s a bit of a tangier bbq sauce though so I may add more brown sugar next time but it does not disappoint! Thank you for a wonderful recipe!5 stars

      Reply
      • Whitney Reist says

        July 16, 2020 at 7:29 am

        Hi Sarah! Thank you so much for trying the recipe - peaches are my absolute favorite, and I try to use them in as many recipes as possible!

    5. Carrie A Velez says

      May 20, 2020 at 2:40 pm

      Question about your peach BBQ sauce: Can this recipe be made and then put in a hot bath for canning and storing for later? If so, how long in the hot bath and then how long can it be stored.

      Thank you for sharing this recipe! I'm looking forward to trying it.

      Reply
      • Whitney Reist says

        May 20, 2020 at 8:45 pm

        Hi Carrie! I have not performed a pH test on this recipe, so I really wouldn't feel comfortable recommending a processing time for canning it. In order to safely can it, the pH would need to be under a certain level. I typically store this sauce in the fridge for up to 1 month after making it. I hope you enjoy it!

    6. JEANETTE ESCOBEDO says

      May 20, 2020 at 2:15 pm

      Used this sauce on pork spare ribs... so yummy! I didn't blend it because I wanted the taste and texture of the peaches... delicious!..5 stars

      Reply
      • Whitney Reist says

        May 20, 2020 at 8:43 pm

        Hi Jeanette - thanks for trying the recipe! I'm glad you enjoyed it 🙂

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