Tangy, sweet heat makes this peach barbecue sauce a go-to choice for all your summer cookouts. It’s made with fresh peaches, jalapeno, Vidalia onion, and special seasonings. Easy to make and versatile, this sauce goes great with slow-cooked ribs, grilled chicken, or shrimp.
Barbecue is a religion in the South. We take it seriously — and it’s a noun, not a verb. You cook barbecue, you don’t barbecue. And on that barbecue that you cook, you need a good sauce.
We like a thick, somewhat sweet sauce with a bite, so this peach barbecue sauce is perfect.
When fresh peach season rolls around, this sauce is one of the first things I make, along with my Southern peach cobbler, of course. We keep a jar of this sauce in the refrigerator all summer because it’s so good with so many things: ribs, chicken, fish, and even slathered on some grilled Vidalia onions.
As a fourth-generation Southern cook, I’ve made a lot of sauces. We Southerners love our condiments! We use comeback sauce for dipping, honey mustard sauce on baked chicken tenders, and this peach bourbon barbecue sauce on so many things.
Why you’ll love this recipe
EASINESS – It looks like a long ingredients list, but it’s mostly spices. The actual hands-on is really easy and takes about 20 minutes for peeling and pureeing the peaches, and chopping the onion, garlic, and jalapeno. Everything else is simply measured ingredients.
TASTE – Fresh peaches and brown sugar add a sweetness that’s balanced with jalapeno, garlic, onion, and a touch of bourbon. This is just an amazing blend of flavors.
My family says this is the best peach barbecue sauce recipe they’ve ever tasted! And every time I bring this sauce to a potluck gathering, someone wants the recipe.
I hope you’ll try this family favorite easy sauce for your next cookout. I think you’ll love it, and your folks will request it over and over!
If you’re looking for a more traditional route, try my original Barbecue Sauce or this favorite Spicy Barbecue Sauce. And be sure to check out the rest of our Sauces.
If you’ve got fresh peaches, be sure and check out our other peach recipes! Our Southern Peach Cobbler is a reader favorite, along with our Peach Muffins, Peach Chutney, and this fabulous and EASY Peach Upside Down Cake.
What you’ll need for this peach barbecue sauce recipe
You’ll find the full ingredient amounts and instructions below on the printable recipe card. Keep scrolling below the recipe card to get detailed how-to steps with photos, common questions, and tips for success.
Fresh ingredients:
- Peaches
- Jalapeno
- Vidalia onion
- Garlic
Liquids:
- Olive oil
- Apple cider vinegar
- Bourbon
- Ketchup
- Dijon mustard
- Molasses
- Lemon juice
- Worcestershire sauce
Dried ingredients:
- Brown sugar
- Chili powder
- Ground ginger
- Ground cloves
- Dry mustard
- Kosher salt
- Ground black pepper
Peach Barbecue Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 large peaches, (enough to make 2 cups pureed)
- 1 cup chopped Vidalia onion
- 2 finely chopped jalapeno peppers, (remove seeds unless you want a lot of heat)
- 2 cloves finely minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup ketchup
- ⅓ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup good quality bourbon
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup molasses
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup dark brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
- ⅛ teaspoon dry mustard
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Peel and coarsely chop peaches then puree in a blender.
- In large heavy saucepan, saute onion, jalapeno, and garlic in olive oil until softened. Add peach puree and remaining ingredients. Stir until well mixed and bring to a boil.
- Turn down to simmer and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for about 30 minutes.
Notes
Nutrition
Update Notes: This post was originally published on August 7, 2014, and was updated on May 26, 2024, with one or more of the following: step-by-step photos, video, updated recipe, or new tips.
How to make peach barbecue sauce
Step 1. Prepare the peaches. Peel, chop, and then place the peaches in a blender or food processor and puree them. You can go all the way to smooth or leave a little chunky texture.
Step 2. Chop the vegetables. You’ll want to mince the onion, jalapeno, and garlic. We don’t want big chunks.
Step 3. Cook the sauce. In large heavy saucepan, saute onion, jalapeno, and garlic in olive oil until softened. Add peach puree and remaining ingredients. Stir until well mixed and bring to a boil. Turn down and simmer about 30 minutes.
Questions
Can you freeze barbecue sauce?
Yes, you can freeze barbecue sauce. Use small jars and leave an inch or so at the top for expansion. The sauce will keep in the freezer for several months.
How long does peach bourbon barbecue sauce last?
Due to all the fresh ingredients in this sauce, it should be stored in the refrigerator for about one week.
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For a mustard-based sauce, try this Carolina Style Mustard Barbecue Sauce or this Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce.
Very good. Made as written. Perfect for chicken or pork tenderloin.
Dang 19 ingredients!!! This is starting to look like asian cuisine. Oh well, I’m going to try this recipe.
Most of those are just spices/seasonings! I hope you enjoyed the recipe!