Root Beer Bbq Sauce
Elevate your grilling game with this irresistibly bold and tangy Root Beer BBQ Sauce, a perfect blend of sweetness, smokiness, and spice. This homemade barbecue sauce features the rich, caramelized essence of real root beer (not diet) melded with classic ingredients like ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar. A dash of smoked paprika and optional liquid smoke adds a deep, smoky flavor, while honey and garlic powder balance out the tangy-sweet profile. Quick and easy to make in just 30 minutes, this versatile sauce clings beautifully to ribs, chicken, or pork, and doubles as a delectable dipping sauce. With its vibrant flavor and unique twist, this Root Beer BBQ Sauce is your secret weapon for unforgettable summer cookouts and weeknight dinners alike!
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups root beer (not diet)
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 0.33 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)
Instructions
In a medium saucepan, combine the root beer, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar. Whisk together until the sugar begins to dissolve.
Add the honey, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, ground black pepper, and salt to the mixture. Stir until well combined.
Optional: If you’d like a smoky flavor, stir in the liquid smoke.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until it thickens to your desired consistency. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed. Add more sugar for sweetness, vinegar for tanginess, or extra spices for a bolder flavor.
Remove the saucepan from heat and let the barbecue sauce cool for a few minutes.
Use immediately as a glaze, basting sauce, or dipping sauce, or transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. The sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
771 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 0.4 g | 1% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.1 g | 0% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2468 mg | 107% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 199.4 g | 73% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.7 g | 6% | |
| Total Sugars | 177.1 g | ||
| Protein | 1.4 g | 3% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 104 mg | 8% | |
| Iron | 2.5 mg | 14% | |
| Potassium | 350 mg | 7% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
