Description
Root beer bbq sauce brings Southern comfort and sweet-tangy magic to classic grilling recipes. Backyard chefs can elevate meats with this rich, caramelized condiment that blends nostalgic soda charm with smoky barbecue depth.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 cup root beer (not diet)
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp molasses
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp salt
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Instructions
- Preparation: Place root beer, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika into a medium saucepan.
- Blending & Heating: Whisk ingredients thoroughly, ensuring smooth integration while heating over medium temperature. Allow mixture to reach a gentle bubbling state, then reduce heat to maintain a soft simmer.
- Reduction Process: Continue simmering uncovered, stirring intermittently to prevent potential scorching. Monitor sauce consistency as liquid gradually condenses and transforms into a rich, glossy texture – approximately 15-20 minutes.
- Finalization: Remove from heat source, allowing sauce to cool naturally. Transfer complete sauce to a clean glass container with secure lid. Refrigerate until needed for culinary applications, where it can be stored for several weeks.
Notes
- Root beer adds natural sugar, so monitor heat to prevent burning and achieve perfect caramelization without excessive sweetness.
- Continuous whisking prevents ingredient separation and ensures smooth, even sauce texture throughout cooking process.
- Simmer at low temperature to concentrate flavors and achieve desired thickness without scorching sauce’s delicate components.
- Use airtight glass container for refrigeration, which maintains sauce quality up to 7-10 days and preserves complex flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg