Whiskey Peach BBQ Sauce

Whiskey Peach BBQ Sauce has the perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors. It uses traditional BBQ sauce ingredients in addition to rich whiskey and succulent fresh peaches to elevate any meal.

This sauce works wonders as a marinade, infusing your meats with flavors that’ll make your taste buds sing. It’s the perfect dipping sauce, delivering an extra punch with every bite, and it’s amazing on smoked ribs.

Tree-ripened summer peaches are great to cook with because they have a sweet and juicy flavor that can add depth and complexity to a variety of dishes. They pair well with both sweet and savory ingredients, making them a versatile ingredient in the kitchen.

I love using this as a sauce over chicken drumsticks, juicy pork chops after they hit the grill, or baste it on ribs. As the sauce caramelizes on the grill, it forms a glaze that locks in moisture and infuses your meats with an irresistible, finger-licking goodness.

What Kind of Whiskey to Use?

When making peach whiskey BBQ sauce, the type of whiskey you use can have a significant impact on the flavor of the sauce. Here are some suggestions for the best types of whiskey to use:

1. Bourbon: Bourbon is a classic choice for BBQ sauce, as its sweet and smoky flavor pairs well with the sweetness of the peaches. Look for a high-quality bourbon with a smooth finish, such as Maker’s Mark or Buffalo Trace.
2. Rye: Rye whiskey has a spicy and robust flavor that can add depth and complexity to your BBQ sauce. Look for a rye with a high percentage of rye in the mash bill, such as Bulleit Rye or Rittenhouse Rye.
3. Tennessee whiskey: Tennessee whiskey, such as Jack Daniel’s or George Dickel, is similar to bourbon but has a slightly different flavor profile due to the charcoal filtering process used in production. This can add a unique smokiness to your BBQ sauce.

Ultimately, the type of whiskey you use will depend on your personal taste preferences and the flavor profile you are trying to achieve. You may also want to experiment with different types of whiskey to find the one that works best for your recipe.

» You might also like this Alabama White BBQ Sauce and Maple Bourbon Glaze.

Ingredients Needed

• Olive oil – You can use any cooking oil for this recipe. Olive oil or canola oil works well.
• Shallot –  Shallot that are finely diced will add a mild onion flavor, without overpowering.
• Garlic – Use fresh and grate or mince it before adding.
• Whiskey – I use Jim Beam or Bulleit. You can use whatever whiskey you have on hand. It doesn’t need to be a high-end one.
• Brown sugar – This is an essential element that will help to thicken the sauce and make it sweet.
• Ketchup – I like to use no-sugar-added ketchup to keep the sweetness level down.
• Paprika
• Worcestershire sauce – It gives a little boost of savory, saltiness.
• Apple cider vinegar – the apple cider vinegar gives the sauce a nice tangy flavor that helps to balance the sweetness.
• Tomato paste – Tomato paste is loaded with tomato flavor and gives this dish a bright color.
• Salt
• Peaches – You want to use fresh, very ripe peaches for this recipe. Peeling and diced.

How Long Does It Take To Make Whiskey Peach BBQ Sauce?

Making whiskey peach BBQ sauce typically takes around 20 to 30 minutes from start to finish. The process involves combining the ingredients, whisking them together, simmering the mixture until it thickens slightly, and blending it into a smooth sauce. This allows the flavors to meld and develop.

Once it’s cooked, you can use it right away as a BBQ sauce for your outdoor cooking. You can also cool it and use it as a marinade or dip.

How to Make Whiskey Peach BBQ Sauce

Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Saute the shallots for 3 minutes, then add the garlic and saute for 30 seconds more.

Remove from the heat and add the whiskey. Add the brown sugar, ketchup, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, tomato paste, and salt. Whisk to combine and return to the heat.

Add the diced peaches and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes until thickened.

Remove from the heat and puree with an immersion blender until smooth.

Use immediately or allow to cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Additional Helpful Tips

• If the sauce is too thick, add a little water to thin it out. If it’s too thin, simmer for a bit longer to reduce and thicken.
• The riper the peaches the better the flavor.
• Once the sauce is cooked, use a blender or immersion blender to puree it until it’s smooth and creamy. This will help to incorporate all the ingredients and create a consistent texture. Continue to blend until the desired consistency is achieved.
• It’s always good to use a whiskey that you enjoy drinking on its own.
• As you’re cooking the sauce, taste it frequently and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt or brown sugar to achieve the flavor profile you’re looking for.
• Consider using smoked peaches to make this BBQ sauce to add to the flavor profile.

How to Store It

Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. Ensure the container is tightly sealed to prevent air exposure and maintain freshness.

If you prefer a more convenient pouring option, consider transferring the sauce into clean sauce bottles with tight-fitting lids. This makes it easy to dispense the desired amount whenever you need it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Before You Go

Since you made it to the end of this article, you might be interested in seeing more BBQ sauce recipes. Here are a few more articles we think you might enjoy.

• Irresistible Smoky Bourbon BBQ Sauce
• Alabama White BBQ Sauce
• Carolina Gold Sauce
• Does BBQ Sauce Go Bad?