Flavorful Peach Bourbon BBQ Sauce Recipe for Easy Canning and Grilling

The scent of simmering peaches mingled with the smoky notes of bourbon wafts through the air, promising a uniquely flavorful BBQ sauce that’s perfect for grilling. This Flavorful Peach Bourbon BBQ Sauce Recipe for Easy Canning and Grilling takes just about 45 minutes from start to finish, and the combination of sweetness from peaches and the deep flavor of bourbon truly elevates your grilling game.

This recipe is ideal for grilling enthusiasts and home canners alike. It’s perfect for summer cookouts or whenever you desire a taste of sweetness and smokiness on your meats. Plus, you can make it in advance and store it for later use, making it a convenient addition to your meal prep.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The fresh peach flavor shines through with every bite.
• The sauce thickens beautifully, creating a perfect glaze.
• You can easily adjust the heat with cayenne pepper.
• Ideal for canning, allowing you to enjoy it all year long.

What You’ll Need

Gather your ingredients for a delicious BBQ sauce.

For the Sauce Base

• 3 cups fresh peaches, peeled and chopped (or frozen, thawed peaches)
• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar

For Flavor

• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

For Cooking

• 1/4 cup bourbon (mid-range like Maker’s Mark recommended)
• 1/4 cup water
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Substitutions: Use white vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Use maple syrup instead of honey.
• Replace brown sugar with coconut sugar.
• Substitute whiskey for bourbon if preferred.
• Use dried herbs instead of fresh if necessary.

How to Make It

Create this flavorful BBQ sauce in easy steps.

Peel and chop

Peel, pit, and chop about 3 cups of fresh peaches. Rough chopping is fine if short on time.

Simmer the peaches

In a large saucepan, combine chopped peaches with 1/4 cup water. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes until peaches are soft and breaking down, stirring occasionally.

Mix the ingredients

Stir in 1 cup ketchup, 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, and 2 tablespoons honey. Mix well.

Add seasonings

Add 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper if using. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Simmer the sauce

Simmer the sauce on low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened and flavors meld.

Blend the sauce

Remove from heat and blend the sauce until smooth using an immersion blender or countertop blender in batches.

Stir in bourbon

Stir in 1/4 cup bourbon and return to low heat for 5 minutes to cook off some alcohol and marry flavors.

Taste and adjust

Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or cayenne if desired.

Store or can

If canning, pour hot sauce into sterilized jars leaving 1/2 inch headspace, seal with lids, and process in a boiling water bath for 15 minutes. Otherwise, cool and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

How to Store It

Fridge: store up to 2 weeks in an airtight container.
Freezer: no, sauce may separate when thawed.
Reheat: warm on the stove over low heat for 5-10 minutes.

Tips for Best Results

• Use ripe, fresh peaches for the best flavor.
• Don’t skip blending for a smooth texture.
• Taste frequently to adjust sweetness and spice levels.
• Make a double batch for ample supply throughout grilling season.

Serving Suggestions

• Slather on grilled chicken wings for a sweet and smoky treat.
• Use as a marinade for pork ribs before cooking.
• Serve alongside grilled veggies for a flavorful dipping sauce.