Beer and Bourbon BBQ Sauce

Beer and Bourbon BBQ Sauce

• • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 sweet yellow onion, diced

  • pinch of salt

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 cup ketchup (I used my own homemade chipotle ketchup)

  • 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes in their juice

  • 1 bottle of your favorite beer (I used Fat Tire)

  • 1/4 cup good-quality bourbon

  • 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

  • 3/4 cup apple juice

  • 1/4 cup molasses

  • 1 - 1 1/4 cups brown sugar

  • 2 teaspoons chili powder

  • juice of 1 lemon

  • 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper (I didn't add any cayenne, since the chipotle ketchup added enough spice; add a little spice, though, if you're using classic ketchup)

Heat the oil in a large stock pot over medium heat. Add the onion and salt and cook for 5-6 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the remaining ingredients.

Using an immersion blender, puree the sauce until completely smooth. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to medium low and simmer steadily, uncovered, for at least 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is reduced and thickened, and the flavors have developed. Adjust seasonings as needed.

Yields about 5 cups.

Recipe from Curly Girl Kitchen.