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4.62 from 80 votes

Blueberry Bourbon BBQ Sauce

A delicious homemade blueberry BBQ sauce perfect for all of your summer cookouts!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Course: Condiments
Cuisine: American
Servings: 2 1/2 cups
Calories: 74kcal
Author: Cheryl Bennett

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. fresh blueberries any bad/moldy fruit discarded // 450g
  • 1 cup ketchup // 235g
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar // 100g
  • 1/2 - 3/4 cup apple cider vinegar // 120 - 180mL
  • 1/2 cup bourbon // 120mL
  • 1 small red onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 jalapeño diced
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt I use Diamond Crystal, see note
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
  • 1 tablespoon neutral oil such as grapeseed or canola
  • 2 small or 1 large bay leaf

Instructions

  • Heat oil over medium / medium low heat and sauté onions and garlic until translucent and fragrant, about 8 minutes.
  • Add remaining ingredients to a large, heavy-bottomed pot (like a Dutch oven) and cook down for approximately 30 minutes, until thickened and syrupy.
  • Remove bay leaves and let cool slightly.
  • Carefully transfer to a blender and purée until smooth. (Or use an immersion blender) *See note
  • Store in airtight container in refrigerator for up two weeks.

Video

Notes

  • I happen to love vinegar, so I used 3/4 cup. If you are not a fan of the strong flavor, use 1/2 cup.
  • If you use Morton's kosher salt, cut the amount by almost half. For fine sea salt or table salt, cut the amount by half.
  • When blending hot liquids in a blender - The way I do this is to remove the clear blender cap in the middle of the lid, then place a clean, folded kitchen towel over the hole (I recommend using a dark towel for this in case it gets stained). The towel covers the hole so you won't get splashed, but it also allows steam to escape. Place your hand on top of the towel to hold in place, then turn the blender on low to get it started. When the sauce has started moving, increase the speed. Decrease the speed when the sauce is blended to your liking before shutting off to avoid splashes.

Nutrition

Serving: 2tbsps. | Calories: 74kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 172mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 11g