Homemade Maple Bourbon BBQ Sauce

Let’s face it—store-bought BBQ sauce is fine and all, but have you ever made your own? If not, you're missing out! 

It's easier than you think, and the flavors you get from a homemade sauce? Well, let’s just say it’s a game-changer. 

Today, we're going to talk about why you should ditch the bottled stuff and whip up your very own Maple Bourbon BBQ Sauce. Spoiler: It’s delicious and super simple!

Why Make Your Own BBQ Sauce?

First off, let's talk about control. When you make your own sauce, you control what goes in it. No sneaky ingredients or things you can’t pronounce. 

It's pure, simple, and all natural, just like the pork from Edwards Family Farms. You get to decide how sweet, smoky, or tangy you want your sauce. 

Want a little extra heat? Throw in some cayenne pepper. Not a fan of vinegar? Skip it! It's all up to you.

Plus, you get to show off to your friends and family. Imagine them digging into your perfectly cooked pork with a sauce that's 100% made from scratch. Instant chef status. *chefs kiss*

The Star of the Show: Maple Bourbon BBQ Sauce

Okay, let’s get into the good stuff. This Maple Bourbon BBQ Sauce is a killer combo of sweet, smoky, and tangy. The maple syrup brings in that natural sweetness (no processed sugars here!), while the bourbon gives it a smooth, rich depth of flavor. 

The apple cider vinegar adds a little zing, and the brown sugar takes it to the next level of caramelly goodness. It's perfect for pork, but trust us—this sauce goes with pretty much anything. Chicken, beef, veggies, you name it.

Maple Bourbon BBQ Sauce Recipe

So, you’re convinced and ready to dive into the sauce-making game? 

Here's how to do it:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup (we’re talking the good stuff here)
• 1/4 cup bourbon (any kind will do, but we’re not picky)
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika (this is where the magic happens)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt
• Optional: pinch of cayenne if you like a little heat

Instructions:

1. Mix it all up: Grab a saucepan and throw all your ingredients in there. Give it a good stir—no need to rush, just get everything combined.
2. Simmer it down: Turn the heat to medium and let that sauce come to a simmer. Once it starts bubbling, lower the heat and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps everything thicken up and develop that deep flavor.
3. Taste Test: This is the fun part—taste your sauce! Want it sweeter? Add more maple syrup or brown sugar. Need more tang? A little extra vinegar will do the trick. Adjust it to your liking!
4. Cool it down: Let the sauce cool, then slather it on your pork, chicken, or whatever you’re grilling today.

Why It’s Totally Worth It

Making your own BBQ sauce gives you a whole new level of control over your meals. Not only will your taste buds thank you, but you’ll also feel good about knowing exactly what went into your sauce. 

And let’s not forget—it’s fun! Once you get the hang of it, you can start experimenting with different flavors, adding in fruits, spices, or even a little kick with hot sauce.

So next time you're grilling up some of our forest raised pork, try making this Maple Bourbon BBQ Sauce. It’ll turn any meal into something special—and who knows, maybe you’ll never go back to store-bought sauce again.

From our farm to your table, we’re all about keeping it fresh, simple, and delicious. 

Are you going to try this? Let us know in the comments!