Honey bourbon sauce is a sweet and sticky sauce that is often served with chicken, pork, or vegetables. It has a complex flavor profile with notes of sweetness from honey, warmth from bourbon whiskey, and savory depth from soy sauce and spices.
Ingredients
The main ingredients in honey bourbon sauce are:
- Honey – to add sweetness and thickness
- Bourbon – for alcohol flavor and aroma
- Soy sauce – for umami savoriness
- Ketchup – for extra body and sweet/tangy flavor
- Spices – such as garlic, ginger, mustard, paprika
Honey
Honey is the star ingredient in honey bourbon sauce. It contributes a thick, sticky texture and intense sweetness. The floral notes of honey also complement the woody vanilla flavors from the bourbon.
Any variety of honey can be used, but mild options like clover, orange blossom, or wildflower work well. The honey should taste good enough to eat on its own. Avoid very dark honeys which can overpower the other flavors.
About 1/2 cup of honey is needed for a batch of sauce. The honey is simmered to help it blend smoothly into the sauce.
Bourbon
Bourbon whiskey provides a boozy punch to honey bourbon sauce. The sweet vanilla and caramel notes of bourbon pair beautifully with honey.
Bourbon also gives the sauce a warming alcoholic bite. A high-quality Kentucky straight bourbon is ideal, but any decent bourbon will work. Around 1/3 cup of bourbon is used in the sauce.
The alcohol cooks off during simmering, but a hint remains to give that signature bourbon flavor.
Soy Sauce
A few tablespoons of soy sauce brings out savory umami tones in honey bourbon sauce. The salty soy sauce balances the sweetness and gives the sauce a more complex, well-rounded taste.
Use a good quality regular (not low sodium) soy sauce. Darker varieties like tamari can also work well.
Ketchup
Ketchup might seem like an unusual ingredient, but it provides the right flavor balance and body to honey bourbon sauce. Ketchup adds sweetness, a hint of tangy tomato flavor, and thickness from the tomato puree.
About 1/4 cup of ketchup is used in most recipes. Opt for a good quality ketchup without too much added sugar.
Spices
Spices like garlic, ginger, mustard, and smoked paprika add aromatic depth to honey bourbon sauce. They complement the sweet and alcoholic flavors.
Here are some spices commonly used:
- Garlic – 2-3 cloves, minced
- Ginger – 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- Mustard – 1 tsp Dijon or yellow mustard
- Paprika – 1 tsp smoked paprika
Other possible spices are black pepper, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, or allspice. Spices can be adjusted to suit different flavor preferences.
Making the Sauce
Honey bourbon sauce comes together quickly on the stovetop. Here is a step-by-step method:
- Gather all the ingredients – honey, bourbon, soy sauce, ketchup, spices, etc.
- Mince the garlic and ginger. Measure out all the liquids and spices.
- In a saucepan, combine the bourbon, soy sauce, ketchup, honey, and spices.
- Whisk thoroughly to blend everything together.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Let simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring often, until thickened slightly.
- Remove from heat and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve warm over cooked proteins or vegetables.
- Store extra sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 weeks.
The sauce will thicken up more as it cools. Reheating gently before serving helps bring back the lush, saucy texture.
Tips for the Best Sauce
Here are some helpful tips for making foolproof honey bourbon sauce:
- Use good-quality ingredients, especially the bourbon and honey
- Add the ingredients slowly and taste as you go to get the flavors balanced
- Simmer gently to allow the flavors to meld without scorching
- If too thick, thin out with a bit of chicken or vegetable broth
- For spicier sauce, increase the garlic, ginger, or pepper
- Splash in extra bourbon if you want a boozier taste
Serving Suggestions
Honey bourbon sauce is extremely versatile for drizzling over all kinds of dishes:
- Chicken – wings, tenders, baked chicken
- Pork – chops, tenderloin, ribs
- Beef – steak tips, meatballs
- Vegetables – roasted squash, glazed carrots, grilled zucchini
- Other – meatloaf, salmon, shrimp, baked brie
The sauce nicely glazes grilled or broiled meats. It can also be tossed with ingredients and pasta for a zesty bourbon honey glaze.
Try using it as a dip for appetizers like chicken strips, fried ravioli, or egg rolls. It’s great for jazzing up sandwiches and burgers too.
Substitutions
The basic honey bourbon sauce recipe is very flexible. Here are some possible substitutions:
- Instead of bourbon – Use whiskey, rum, cognac, or apple brandy
- Instead of soy sauce – Use tamari, Worcestershire sauce, or liquid aminos
- Instead of ketchup – Use tomato paste, apricot jam, or pureed mangoes
- Instead of honey – Use molasses, brown sugar, maple syrup, or agave nectar
Experiment to find your own variations by using different spirits, sweeteners, and flavorings.
Storage
Properly stored honey bourbon sauce will keep for 1-2 weeks refrigerated in an airtight container. Make sure the sauce is fully cooled before storing.
For longer term storage up to 3 months, the sauce can be frozen. It may separate slightly upon thawing but can be whisked back together.
Nutrition Facts
Here are some approximate nutrition facts for a 2 tablespoon serving of honey bourbon sauce:
| Calories | 90 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 0g |
| Carbs | 17g |
| Protein | 0g |
| Sodium | 340mg |
As you can see, honey bourbon sauce is high in sugar due to the honey and ketchup. The carb, calorie, and sodium content increases the more sauce you use. Enjoy it in moderation as part of an overall balanced diet.
Cost Breakdown
Here is an approximate cost breakdown for a 16oz batch of honey bourbon sauce:
| Ingredient | Amount | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Honey | 1 cup | $2 |
| Bourbon | 1/3 cup | $1.50 |
| Soy sauce | 3 Tbsp | $0.30 |
| Ketchup | 1/4 cup | $0.15 |
| Garlic, ginger, spices | dash | $0.30 |
| Total | $4.25 |
At $4 for a 16oz batch, honey bourbon sauce provides gourmet flavor at less than $0.30 per ounce. It’s affordable to make at home compared to buying ready-made sauce.
The bourbon and honey are the most expensive ingredients. Opt for less pricey options to lower the cost. Making a double batch and freezing the extra is a good way to get more value.
Conclusion
Honey bourbon sauce is a quick, tasty way to dress up proteins and veggies. It comes together with just a few staple ingredients simmered together into sweet, boozy deliciousness.
Honey and bourbon are the signature flavors, balanced out with savory and spicy notes. Ketchup and soy sauce provide depth without much effort.
The sauce keeps for up to two weeks refrigerated, so you can make a big batch for enjoying all month long. Drizzle it on everything from pork chops to roasted potatoes!