Description

This Dr Pepper BBQ Sauce combines the rich sweetness of Dr Pepper soda with classic BBQ ingredients like ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce to create a tangy, sweet, and slightly smoky sauce perfect for grilling, marinades, or dipping. The optional cayenne pepper adds a subtle kick, balanced by the smoky depth of liquid smoke, resulting in a versatile BBQ sauce that enhances any meat or vegetable dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Dr Pepper Reduction

12 Ounces Dr. Pepper

Main Sauce Ingredients

2 Cups Ketchup
1 Cup Brown Sugar
1 Tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
1/4 Teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (Optional)
1/2 Teaspoon Liquid Smoke

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Instructions

Boil Dr Pepper: Pour 12 ounces of Dr. Pepper into a saucepan and bring it to a boil over medium heat.
Reduce Dr Pepper: Lower the heat to low and simmer until the Dr. Pepper reduces by half, which should take around 10 to 15 minutes.
Add Sauce Ingredients: Add 2 cups of ketchup, 1 cup of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (if using), and 1/2 teaspoon of liquid smoke to the reduced Dr. Pepper in the saucepan.
Combine Ingredients: Stir well to fully blend all the ingredients together.
Simmer Sauce: Let the mixture simmer on low heat for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld.
Cool Sauce: Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the BBQ sauce to cool down.
Store Sauce: Transfer the cooled sauce into an airtight container or jar for storage.
Serve: Use the Dr Pepper BBQ sauce to brush on grilled meats, marinate your favorite dishes, or serve as a flavorful dipping sauce. Enjoy!

Notes

For a spicier kick, increase the cayenne pepper to 1/2 teaspoon.
Make sure to simmer the sauce on low heat to avoid burning the sugars in the sauce.
Store leftover sauce in the refrigerator and use within two weeks for best flavor.
The sauce can be used as a glaze during the last few minutes of grilling or as a marinade before cooking.
Liquid smoke adds authentic smoky flavor without needing a smoker; omit if you prefer.