Bourbon Whiskey BBQ Sauce

For the first time ever, I wanted to make my own BBQ sauce instead of buying it in a jar. After extensive web scouring, I came across this recipe from Allrecipes.com, a site I don't visit it too often. There were over 400 positive reviews for this BBQ sauce, and if I were the type of person that commented online, I would have added positive review #401. I do not like chunks of onions in my food, and so I blended the sauce at the end to puree the onions. It tastes even better if you let it sit refrigerated overnight, to let the flavors meld together. This is a great addition to any of the pulled pork recipes on this site.

Ingredients

• 1/2 onion, minced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3/4 cup bourbon whiskey
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 tablespoon salt
• 2 cups ketchup
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1/3 cup cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons liquid smoke flavoring
• 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/3 teaspoon hot pepper sauce, or to taste

Instructions

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the onion, garlic, and whiskey. Simmer for 10 minutes, or until onion is translucent. Mix in the ground black pepper, salt, ketchup, tomato paste, vinegar, liquid smoke, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and hot pepper sauce.
2. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for 20 minutes. Run sauce through a strainer if you prefer a smooth sauce.

Makes 4 cups. Slurp up.