Chef Scout’s Bourbon BBQ Sauce

Ingredients:

1/2 onion small dice

1 jalapeño minced

4 cloves minced garlic

3/4 cup bourbon

Salt to taste

Black pepper to taste

2 cups ketchup

1/4 cup tomato paste

1/3 cup cider vinegar

4 tablespoons molasses

2 tablespoons preserves (your choice)

1/2 cup Worcestershire

3/4 cup brown sugar

1/3 teaspoon hot sauce

Directions:

In a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat, combine the diced onion, garlic, and whiskey. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the onions have softened and become translucent, allowing the whiskey to reduce and the flavors to concentrate.

Add the black pepper, salt, ketchup, tomato paste, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and hot pepper sauce. Stir until all ingredients are fully incorporated.

Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and allow it to simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors have melded together and the sauce has thickened.

For a smooth, restaurant-style BBQ sauce, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer before serving. If you prefer a more rustic sauce with texture, leave it as is.

Allow the sauce to cool before using. Store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate.