Peach Bourbon Barbecue Sauce (tangy + fruity)

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Celebrate and preserve peach season with this savory bourbon-infused Peach Barbecue Sauce. This easy sauce is a great way to use peaches that are a little past their prime for fresh eating - or use frozen or canned. It takes just minutes to make (I don't even peel the peaches!) and will add a special summertime flavor to your grilled meats and veggies. Make a big batch and freeze it in small portions to enjoy all year long.

jar of peach barbecue sauce with basting brush surrounded by fresh peaches and white linen napkin

Recipe Background and Details

This Peach Barbecue Sauce recipe was originally published August 17th, 2014. The blog post and recipe card were updated on July 25th, 2024.

When I first developed this recipe 10 years ago, I sent my friend home with a jar of sauce and asked her to feed it to her family and report back. She messaged me later with her 11 year old son's response: "Tell her she'll be rich from it!" Well there you have it - from the mouths of babes!

This recipe shows the versatility of peaches and is a great way to use peaches that are slightly over-ripe. Use it in place of your favorite BBQ sauce on grilled chicken or pork. To ensure the sugars don't burn, use it during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking-basting and flipping frequently.

I should also point out that I am not (NOT!) a bourbon drinker. I wish I was one of those cool girls who loved sipping bourbon but, alas, I am not. But I love cooking and baking with it! in recipes like this, it adds a smoky, almost caramel hint and a lovely depth of flavor that is hard to put your finger on.

If you love peaches as much as I do, check out my other peachy recipes. Peach Muffins, Peach Pecan Sticky Buns, Brown Butter Peach Scones, and Skillet Peach Cobbler and Crisp!

front angle of glass jar of peach barbecue sauce with basting brush dipped in sauce resting on top and fresh peaches surrounding

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Recipe Background and Details
Ingredients
Instructions - how to make peach barbecue sauce
Substitutions and Variations
Storage
FAQ
Peach Bourbon Barbecue Sauce Recipe

Ingredients

These are pretty standard barbecue sauce ingredients. Head down to the substitutions and variations heading to see some ideas for changing things up as there are a lot of ways you can customize this and any barbecue sauce to your flavor preferences.

Instructions - how to make peach barbecue sauce

When I tell you this is easy, I really mean it! You put everything in a blender, whiz it up, and cook it down until thickened. I don't even peel the peaches but feel free to do so if you want.

ingredients for peach barbecue sauce in blender before blending

peach barbecue sauce in blender after blending and before cooking

Place all sauce ingredients in a high-powered blender and blend until you have a very smooth consistency. Add a splash of water if needed to help blend.
Pour this mixture into a saucepan and cook for 20 minutes until reduced. Be careful because it likes to bubble and pop as you can see from the above photo!
Allow to cool before transferring to jars. Refrigerate for 1-2 weeks or freeze for up to one year.

Substitutions and Variations

Frozen (thawed) or canned (drained) peaches can be used in place of fresh.
To make this alcohol-free simply omit the bourbon.
Use white wine instead of bourbon for a lighter, more elegant flavor.
If you like a very sweet barbecue sauce, add in ¼ to ½ cup of brown sugar or use more honey.
If you want a more Asian-inspired flavor add a chunk of fresh ginger, a touch of sesame oil, and ¼ cup soy sauce.
Another idea to sweeten it up even more: use a jar of peach preserves.
Make this a spicy peach barbecue sauce by adding a tablespoon or two of red pepper flakes or a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce.
Instead of mustard powder, use prepared yellow mustard or Dijon mustard.
If you are not a fan of ketchup or don't have any on hand, use an equal amount of tomato paste instead of ketchup.

jar of peach barbecue sauce next to linen napkin with basting brush surrounded by fresh peaches

Storage

Store the cooled sauce in a jar in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks or freeze in small freezer-safe containers for up to one year.

FAQ

What does peach barbecue sauce taste like?

Peach barbecue sauce is tangy, smoky, savory, slightly sweet and fruity. It is perfect for summertime grilling and is a great way to use up an abundance of peaches especially if they are slightly overripe.