Blueberry Bourbon Barbecue Sauce
Looking to take your grilled summer veggies to the next level? This Blueberry Bourbon Barbecue Sauce with molasses is the secret weapon you didn’t know you needed. It’s rich, sticky, tangy, and just sweet enough—with a little kick from bourbon and the bold depth of balsamic vinegar. Whether you’re hosting a backyard
Grocery List
Add-Ins & Substitutions
Storing
Nutrition 411
Post Date: May 10, 2022
Updated: June 08, 2025
Posted by: Donna SpencerThis post may contain affiliate links. Read my full disclosure here.
cookout or prepping meals for the week, this sauce adds serious flavor without much fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Sauce
This isn’t your average BBQ sauce. It’s a sweet and savory twist on the classic, featuring vibrant blueberries, smooth molasses, and a splash of bourbon. The result? A perfectly balanced sauce that plays well with all your plant-based favorites—from charred veggies to sliders and even baked beans.
What’s more, it’s a flexible recipe. You can make it your own with easy swaps and flavorful add-ins depending on what’s in your pantry.
Versatile Ways to Use It
This Blueberry Bourbon Barbecue Sauce is endlessly adaptable and totally addicting. Here are just a few of our favorite ways to enjoy it:
- Grilled or Roasted Veggies: Brush it on Brussels sprouts, cauliflower steaks, zucchini, or mushrooms.
- Sliders: Pile it onto beet falafel or BBQ jackfruit sliders for a bold flavor punch.
- Paninis & Wraps: Spread it on veggie paninis or inside a wrap with smoky tempeh.
- Baked Beans: Stir in a spoonful to add depth and a hint of sweetness.
Make It Ahead
This sauce is even better the next day! Make a batch in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a week. The flavors deepen over time, making it the perfect make-ahead condiment for entertaining or easy weeknight meals.
Ingredient Highlight: Huckleberry Balsamic Vinegar
The balsamic vinegar you use really makes a difference. I love using California Balsamic’s Huckleberry Vinegar—it’s thick, rich, full of flavor, and completely SOS-free (no salt, oil, or sugar). It pairs beautifully with the blueberries and molasses in this recipe. You can order it online or grab a bottle at a local Northern California farmers’ market. It’s a total game-changer!
Elevate Your Plant-Based Table
This Blueberry Bourbon Barbecue Sauce is a flavor-packed addition to your plant-based kitchen. It’s easy to make, keeps well, and turns everyday meals into something memorable. Whether you’re grilling, entertaining, or just craving something bold and tangy, this sauce will not disappoint.
Ready to give it a try? Your grilled veggies, sliders, and summer gatherings will thank you.
Grocery List
Produce
Blueberries
Red Onion
Pantry
Balsamic Vinegar
Bourbon
Tomato Paste
Honey
Molasses
Liquid Smoke
Tamari
Smoked Paprika
Cayenne pepper
Bay Leaf
Misc
Salt
Pepper
Add-Ins and Substitutions
You can use any balsamic vinegar but make sure it is of good quality. If you can, find one that is SOS-free (sugar, oil, and salt) all the better. California Balsamic has a Huckleberry Vinegar that is SOS-free. I have also made this recipe with their Pomegranate Vinegar and it was a big hit!
A great substitute for molasses is maple syrup or agave. If you don’t have smoked paprika you can use chipotle or chili powder. A good replacement for tamari is Bragg’s Amino Liquids. And lastly, if you don’t have any tomato paste on hand, you can use ketchup. Ensure it is low in fructose.
Storing
This is a great Sunday batch cooking item for use during the week. Simply cool and pop into a container, then refrigerator, for up to 1 month.
Nutrition 411
Blueberries contain dietary fiber, which helps your digestive system run smoothly. The fruit is also an excellent source of manganese and vitamins C and K1. They also provide small amounts of copper, as well as vitamins E and B6. Blueberries are low in calories and fat. They’re mainly made up of carbs and water but also contain a decent amount of fiber. They are rich in beneficial plant compounds. The antioxidants, especially anthocyanins, may account for many of their health benefits. Blueberries may decrease your risk of heart disease, boost brain health, lower blood sugar levels, and improve insulin sensitivity. (Trusted source)
Blueberry Bourbon BBQ Sauce
Equipment
- Blender
- Meduim Sauce Pan
Ingredients
- 2 cups Blueberries fresh or frozen
- ¼ cup Huckleberry or Pomegrante Balsamic Vinegar Try California Balsamic's line
- ¼ cup Bourbon
- ¼ cup Red Onion chopped
- ¼ cup Tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons Honey
- 1 tablespoons Molasses
- 2 cloves Garlic roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon Gluten-free tamari soy sauce or Braggs Amino Liquids
- 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon Salt adjust to taste
- ½ teaspoon Ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon Cayenne pepper
- 2 Small or 1 large bay leaf
Instructions
- Combine everything into a medium saucepan over medium-high heat until it boils.
- Lower the heat and allow the mixture to simmer 15 minutes, just until the sauce starts thickening and the berries burst. Stir occasionally.
- Kill the heat and allow the mix to cool to room temperature. Remove bay leave(s).
- Empty the contents into a blender or food processor in 2 or 3 batches. Puree until the mix you have a proper-looking BBQ sauce.
Nutrition
More PF Blueberry PF Recipes
Beet and Blueberry Mini Pancakes
Baby Sweet Potato and Blueberry Mini Pancakes (Egg-Free, Dairy-Free)
Blueberry Lemon Sourdough Pancakes with Apple Blueberry Compote (Vegan)
WFPB Italian Rustic Blueberry Crostata
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I occasionally include affiliate links. I do not recommend products, services, or books I have never used or purchased myself. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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