My buddy Brad Korber is a big Foodie and when we are together I’m always interested in what restaurant he is going to recommend. Brad also has an accomplished list of self-made recipes which he has decided to share with me and now everyone else that comes to our site. He sent me his favorite BBQ sauce recipe and his favorite rib rub recipe. The beauty of his recipes is that they contain typical ingredients you already have or can easily source from any grocery store. FYI: You do not need to use ketchup, molasses, or even brown sugar for this recipe.
Here is what Brad had to say about his Jack Daniel‘s sauce.
“While the rub is essentially a mash-up of years of trying to match what I saw on TV or in recipes and making it up on my own, the sauce on the other hand has never changed from day one when I first put this together and it has been getting awesome reviews from friends and family for 20+ years. Whiskey BBQ sauce is not an original idea, but I think the maple syrup adds an element that’s a little different from honey or other sweet components. So easy and simple, when you reach the grilling stage with your ribs (whether back or side) I apply this sauce very liberally, I don’t usually use it for dipping, I put lots on while grilling so the ribs are sticky and messy. You can make smaller and larger batches as required, it will keep in the fridge for 30 days or more.”
Table of Contents
Jack Daniels BBQ Sauce Ingredients:
1/2 Cup Jack Daniels Whiskey (you can try others, but there is a reason Jack is the best selling Whiskey on the planet)
1/2 Cup Honey (Thick)
1/2 Cup Maple Syrup
1/2 Cup BBQ sauce (Kraft Plain BBQ Sauce or other common brand names- use the plain versions)
1/2 Tablespoon Cayenne (you can add more or less depending on your taste preference. Don’t skimp, you need some to add that little kick)
1 Tablespoon Corn Starch (Add to thicken)
Optional- 1/4 Cup Apple Cider Vinegar- (I usually do not add- but it works well), depending on your preference, adds some tanginess to this sweet and hot BBQ sauce. Mike here, I add it because I love the acidic profile it brings.
Instructions:
- Simply mix all ingredients in a medium pot or saucepan. Stir over medium/low heat for about 15 minutes stirring occasionally. I like to make sure all the ingredients mix in well so there are no lumps and you get a smooth consistency. Do not bring to a boil, you only want to simmer the sauce.
- Once everything is mixed well turn off the heat.
- Cool and place into squeeze bottles or another airtight container.
- Refrigerate up to 30 days.
Servings:
2.75 Cups of BBQ Sauce
Where to use this Sauce
This sauce is awesome on ribs, or even on pork belly burnt ends. When I make ribs I slather them with sauce for the last 30-45 minutes at 225F. I like to have a couple different sauces on hand for the final stretch. Half the racks get the JD BBQ sauce and the other half get my own BBQ sauce recipe. The Jack Daniel’s sauce has just the right sweet, with heat while my BBQ sauce is a bit more traditional with an acidic background. Use it with Brad’s rib rub recipe.
The sauce definitely has a lower viscosity compared to may store bought sauces. I find this works best when applied to the meat in its final cooking stage. Let the sauce stick on to the meat and make for a messy finish.
Jack Daniels BBQ Sauce Recipe
Equipment
- Medium sauce pan
- Wooden Spoon
- Measuring Cup
- Sauce Squeeze Bottle
- Measuring Spoons
Ingredients
- 1/2 Cup Jack Daniel'ss Tennessee Whiskey You can try others, but there is a reason Jack is the best selling Whiskey on the planet
- 1/2 Cup Honey Thick
- 1/2 Cup Maple Syrup
- 1/2 Cup BBQ sauce Kraft Plain BBQ Sauce or other common brand names- use the plain versions
- 1/2 Tablespoon Cayenne You can add more or less depending on your taste preference. Don't skimp, you need some to add that little kick
- 1/4 Cup Apple Cider Vinegar- Optional, I usually do not add- but it works well, depending on your preference, adds some tanginess to this sweet and hot BBQ sauce. Mike here, I add it to the mixture because I love the acidic profile it brings.
- 1 Tablespoon Corn Starch
Instructions
- Simply mix all ingredients in a medium pot. Stir over medium/low heat for about 15 minutes stirring occasionally. I like to make sure all the ingredients mix in well so there are no lumps.
- Once the sauce is mixed well, turn off the heat.
- Cool and place into squeeze bottles.
- Kee in the Refrigerator for up to 30 days. Airtight containers for storage are key to keeping a sauce fresh.
6 thoughts on “Jack Daniels BBQ Sauce Recipe”
Yummo, however JD is whiskey not bourbon
Hi Ezra, Thanks for pointing that out. I always thought it was Bourbon, but you’re right, it is Whiskey.
Cheers,
Michael
I think it’s really minimal difference though,something to do with the area it’s from or the barrels?
Mum’s got Spare ribs going right now,half with the JD half with the other bbq sauce many thanks👌👍🙏
Right on. Enjoy the ribs and sauces.
Nice recipe – but NEVER add cornstarch to a hot liquid – it just clumps. Add to the coom mix, then stir&heat.
Thanks Steve. I never have had that problem yet really as I sprinkle it in. I’ll update the recipe regardless. Thanks
Michael