Smoke Wrangler's Bacon-Bourbon Barbecue Sauce

Name: Smoke Wrangler's Bacon-Bourbon Barbecue Sauce
Yield: Makes 1 quart
Ingredients: 2 strips bacon, finely diced; 1 1/2 cups cider vinegar; 2 1/2 cups ketchup; 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons red pepper flakes; 2 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper; 1/2 cup bourbon; Coarse salt (sea or kosher), to taste

By Steven Raichlen

May 1, 2017

Bacon and bourbon—two flavorings with deep roots in American barbecue. They come together in this smoky tangy barbecue sauce created by Project Smoke smoke wrangler and frequent Barbecue Board contributor, Rob Baas. Rob is the guy who assembles and fires up all the grills and smokers on our TV show, and his Kentucky roots come through in this fiery sweet-tart red sauce fired with sufficient red pepper flakes to let you know it means business.

Try This

Rob likes to serve this sauce with pulled pork, but don’t miss slathering it on your favorite rack of baby backs or spare ribs. Yes, that goes for barbecued lamb or mutton, too.

Recipe notes

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