Peaches aren’t just good for desserts, you know. In fact, they add the perfect sweet note to savory items too, like my whiskey peach BBQ sauce. This simple recipe cooks up easily in your microwave for a fast condiment that’s great for chicken, pork, and more!
What is Whiskey Peach BBQ Sauce?
Whiskey peach BBQ sauce is a flavorful condiment that combines the sweetness of ripe peaches with the smooth taste of whiskey and traditional barbecue sauce ingredients.
While highly customizable, the base sauce recipe includes components like ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and spices, with the addition of fresh peaches and a splash of whiskey.
Normally, you’d cook barbecue sauce over the stove, but who wants to spend time stirring a pot in the heat of the summer? Instead, I’m using the microwave as a shortcut way to turn out perfect BBQ sauce to save you time and kitchen heat!
The result is a tangy, sweet, and slightly boozy sauce that can be used to enhance the flavor of grilled meats, particularly pork and chicken, as well as burgers and other dishes!
Katie’s tip
Try it on my air fryer pulled pork, peach whiskey BBQ chicken, or air fryer BBQ chicken leg quarters for a delicious pairing.
I’m using Crown Royal peach whisky for my BBQ sauce, since it perfectly reinforces the peach flavor notes in this summer-inspired twist.
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Whiskey Peach BBQ Sauce Ingredients
- ¾ cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup diced, peeled fresh peaches (or peach preserves)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup Crown Royal peach whisky
- 2 Tbsp honey (or hot honey for some heat)
- 1 tsp dried minced onion
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika (or use chipotle powder for heat)
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper (or to taste)
- 1 Tbsp dijon mustard (or ½ tsp mustard powder)
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- I have fresh peaches to use up today, but this recipe works equally well with my microwave peach jam, other peach preserves, or even canned peaches instead!
- You can use white vinegar instead of the apple cider vinegar for a stronger tangy flavor (or add more or less Dijon to adjust as well)
- Any brand of peach whiskey works well (such as Bird Dog, Jim Beam, etc). I just happen to have a bottle of Crown Royal peach already on hand
- If you prefer a less sweet sauce, adjust the amount of brown sugar and/or honey down. You can also substitute molasses for honey since it’s slightly less sweet
- Low sodium soy sauce is an alternative option for the Worcestershire sauce
- You can also use about 1 Tbsp of your favorite BBQ rub or seasoning instead of the seasoning mix, if preferred
How to Make Whiskey Peach BBQ Sauce in the Microwave
- Add all ingredients to a microwave safe bowl and stir to combine
- Microwave on high for 7 minutes, pausing halfway through to stir, or until thickened. Add additional time in 30-second increments if needed to thicken it more. Sauce will thicken slightly as it cools
- Taste and adjust if needed. Add more brown sugar for sweetness, add salt and/or ketchup if too tangy, thin with vinegar or ketchup if you accidentally over thickened
- The sauce will be slightly chunky from the peaches and onion. If you prefer a smooth sauce, use a food processor, blender, or immersion blender to blend until smooth (optional)
- Store in a mason jar or other airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks. To use for grilling, brush on in the last 10-15 minutes of cooking
More Microwave Peach Recipes
Recipe FAQs
What Dishes Can I Use Whiskey Peach BBQ Sauce With?
You can use whiskey peach BBQ sauce with grilled meats such as pork, chicken, and beef.
It’s also great for burgers, ribs, and even as a dipping sauce for fries or vegetables.
Can I Make Whiskey Peach BBQ Sauce Without Alcohol?
Yes, you can make a non-alcoholic version by substituting the whiskey with apple cider or peach juice.
If you do make it with the alcohol, note that not all of the alcohol will cook out, so expect it to still contain a reduced amount. When serving to children or non-drinkers, it’s recommended to swap in a different ingredient.
Is Whiskey Peach BBQ Sauce Spicy?
Whiskey peach BBQ sauce is not very spicy, but you can adjust the heat by adding ingredients like chili powder or cayenne pepper to taste.
Also consider using hot honey in place of regular honey. Avoid adding red pepper flakes if you want the consistency of your sauce to be fairly smooth.
How Do I Thicken Whiskey Peach BBQ Sauce?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can cook the sauce longer to reduce the liquid.
Alternatively, add a small amount of cornstarch (1 tsp or so) mixed with water.
Is Whiskey Peach BBQ Sauce Gluten Free?
Most ingredients in whiskey peach BBQ sauce are naturally gluten free. The whiskey is considered gluten free, however trace amounts do remain, so if you’re particularly sensitive, omit the alcohol.
Make sure to check the other ingredients just to make sure they are approved as gluten free, as even naturally gluten free items can be exposed during production cross contamination.
What Type Of Whiskey Is Best For This Sauce?
You can use any type of whiskey you prefer, but a bourbon or Tennessee whiskey often works well due to their sweet and smoky flavors.
Use a peach-flavored whiskey or bourbon such as Bird Dog, Crown Royal, or Jim Beam to further reinforce the peach flavor.
Whiskey Peach BBQ Sauce Recipe Tips
- Note that not all of the alcohol will cook out, though it will reduce. While the sauce isn’t going to get you drunk by any means, if you’re planning on serving kids or strict non-drinkers, I recommend omitting the whiskey (you can add peach juice or apple cider in place if you like)
- I made this recipe in my 1000W microwave. If you have a lower or higher wattage, you may need to adjust cooking time slightly. Use 30-second increments if needed until thickened to desired consistency
- Since this is a tomato based recipe, it will stain porous bowls during cooking (like plastics). You can either use microwave safe glass or ceramic instead, or just try to wash the bowl quickly to minimize permanent staining!
Storage and Serving Tips For Whiskey Peach BBQ Sauce
- Whiskey peach BBQ sauce lasts in an airtight container (like a mason jar) in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer term storage, freeze for up to 3 months, and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before use
- Serving and use tips: When using this whisky peach sauce for grilling and ribs, apply in the last 10-15 minutes of cooking. For pulled pork, simply mix in with the hot meat before serving, or bring to room temperature and top your burgers with it as a condiment!
More Peach Whiskey Recipes
Final Thoughts
If you’re fresh out of barbecue sauce, why not make your own? This homemade whiskey peach BBQ sauce takes just minutes to make thanks to some help from your microwave!
I actually prefer making my own to store bought so I can better tweak the flavors and heat levels to my liking – the sky’s the limit with customization when you DIY!
Katie’s tip
In fact, the microwave is a great shortcut for all sorts of sauces. Try my microwave teriyaki sauce for your next Asian night, or microwave chocolate sauce on top of ice cream for dessert!
If you’re looking for more ways to use up some fresh peaches you’ve got on hand, make sure to check out my microwave peach recipes collection for some delicious additional ideas!
Homemade Whiskey Peach BBQ Sauce (Easy Microwave Recipe)
Equipment
- Spatula (or spoon)
Ingredients
- ¾ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup diced, peeled fresh peach
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup Crown Royal peach whiskey
- 2 Tbsp honey (or hot honey for added heat)
- 1 tsp dried minced onion
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika (or chipotle or cayenne for heat)
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper (or to taste)
- 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a microwave safe bowl and stir to combine¾ cup ketchup, ¼ cup diced, peeled fresh peach, ¼ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup apple cider vinegar, ¼ cup Crown Royal peach whiskey, 2 Tbsp honey, 1 tsp dried minced onion, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp paprika, ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Microwave on high for 7 minutes, pausing halfway through to stir, or until thickened. Add additional time in 30-second increments if needed to thicken it more. Sauce will thicken slightly as it cools
- Taste and adjust if needed. Add more brown sugar for sweetness, add salt and/or ketchup if too tangy, thin with vinegar or ketchup if you accidentally over thickened
- The sauce will be slightly chunky from the peaches and onion. If you prefer a smooth sauce, use a food processor, blender, or immersion blender to blend until smooth (optional)
- Store in a mason jar or other airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks. To use for grilling, brush on in the last 10-15 minutes of cooking
Notes
- This is about 1 small fresh peach. If you don’t have a fresh one, this recipe works well with an equal amount of peach preserves or canned peaches instead!
- You can use white vinegar instead of the apple cider vinegar for a stronger tangy flavor (or add more or less Dijon to adjust as well)
- Any brand of peach whiskey works well (such as Bird Dog, Jim Beam, etc). I just happen to have a bottle of Crown Royal peach already on hand
- If you prefer a less sweet sauce, adjust the amount of brown sugar and/or honey down. You can also substitute molasses for honey since it’s slightly less sweet
- Low sodium soy sauce is an alternative option for Worcestershire sauce
- You can also use about 1 Tbsp of your favorite BBQ rub or seasoning instead of the seasoning mix, if preferred
- Note that not all of the alcohol will cook out, though it will reduce. While the sauce isn’t going to get you drunk by any means, if you’re planning on serving kids or strict non-drinkers, I recommend omitting the whiskey (you can add peach juice or apple cider in place if you like)
- I made this recipe in my 1000W microwave. If you have a lower or higher wattage, you may need to adjust cooking time slightly. Use 30-second increments if needed until thickened to desired consistency
- Since this is a tomato based recipe, it will stain porous bowls during cooking (like plastics). You can either use microwave safe glass or ceramic instead, or just try to wash the bowl quickly to minimize permanent staining!
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any swaps or additions, and actual quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
