Description
A sweet and tangy homemade Dr Pepper BBQ sauce that combines the caramel notes of Dr Pepper with traditional BBQ ingredients for a sauce that’s both familiar and surprisingly distinctive.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups Dr Pepper soda (not diet)
- 1 cup ketchup (preferably one without high fructose corn syrup)
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (light or dark both work well)
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your heat preference)
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional, but adds great depth)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
Instructions
- Pour the Dr Pepper into a medium-sized heavy-bottomed saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Allow it to reduce by about half (to approximately 1 cup), which should take about 15-20 minutes.
- Once the Dr Pepper has reduced, add the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and molasses. Stir thoroughly to combine.
- Add all the seasonings: dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, cayenne pepper, liquid smoke (if using), and salt. Whisk everything together until completely incorporated.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Allow the sauce to simmer uncovered for about 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The sauce should reduce by about one-third and noticeably thicken.
- Remove the sauce from heat and let it cool slightly. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers or mason jars.
Notes
- Potential Substitutions: Maple syrup can replace molasses, honey can substitute for brown sugar, smoked salt can replace regular salt and liquid smoke, chipotle powder can replace cayenne for a smokier heat profile.
- For a lower-sugar version: Replace regular Dr Pepper with Dr Pepper Zero Sugar, substitute monk fruit sweetener or erythritol for brown sugar, use no-sugar-added ketchup.
- For a lower-sodium option: Use low-sodium Worcestershire sauce, reduce added salt, enhance flavor with fresh minced garlic instead of powdered.
- For dietary restrictions: Ensure your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free, use plant-based Worcestershire sauce alternative for vegan options.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American BBQ
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons (30g)
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: undefined
- Trans Fat: undefined
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: undefined
Keywords: dr pepper bbq sauce recipe, homemade bbq sauce, soda bbq sauce, sweet tangy bbq sauce, grilled beef chops with dr pepper bbq sauce