Root Beer Barbecue Sauce

Get ready to elevate your backyard barbecue game with this irresistibly tangy and sweet Root Beer Barbecue Sauce! Infused with the bold flavors of real root beer (not diet), smoky paprika, and a touch of cayenne for optional heat, this homemade BBQ sauce strikes the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory. With just 30 minutes from start to finish, you'll have a glossy, mouthwatering sauce that clings beautifully to ribs, chicken, pulled pork, or burgers. The addition of honey, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce creates layers of flavor, while pantry spices like garlic and onion powder add depth. Whether you're grilling, basting, or glazing, this versatile barbecue sauce will take your dishes to the next level. Plus, it's easy to make ahead and store, making it a must-have condiment for summer cookouts and weeknight dinners alike.

Nutriscore Rating: 60/100

Prep Time:5 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 2 cups root beer (not diet)
• 1 cup ketchup
• 0.25 cup apple cider vinegar
• 0.25 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
• 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

Directions

Step 1

In a medium saucepan, combine the root beer, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar. Whisk together over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved.

Step 2

Add the honey, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, kosher salt, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir to combine.

Step 3

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4

Continue simmering until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. Keep in mind that it will thicken slightly more as it cools.

Step 5

Once thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat and let the sauce cool slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 6

Use immediately as a barbecue sauce for grilling, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	892.2 grams (892.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	743

Total Fat 1.10g	1%
Saturated Fat 0.10g	1%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1741mg	76%
Total Carbohydrate 190.10g	69%
Dietary Fiber 2.20g	8%
Total Sugars 166.20g
Protein 2.00g	4%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 106mg	8%
Iron 3mg	16%
Potassium 399mg	8%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 1.3%

Protein: 1.0%

Carbs: 97.7%