This Mixed Berry Chipotle BBQ Sauce brings the perfect balance of smoky heat, sweet fruitiness, and savory depth. Infused with chipotles en adobo, raspberry preserves, and a blend of aromatic spices like allspice, cloves, and chili powder, this sauce is a bold and unique addition to any grilled or smoked dish. The dark rum and Worcestershire sauce add a rich complexity, while the combination of brown sugar and molasses gives it a deep, caramelized sweetness. Whether slathered on ribs, burgers, or grilled chicken, this BBQ sauce will elevate your cooking to the next level.
Large Saucepan: Used to simmer and combine the ingredients to create a rich and thick sauce.
Measuring Cups and Spoons For accurate measurements of ingredients, ensuring the right balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors.
Jar or Airtight Container: To store the BBQ sauce for future use, keeping it fresh for months.
Ingredients
6tbspspacked dark brown sugar
½cupcider vinegar
¼cupmolasses
¼cupWorcestershire sauce
2tbspsdark rum
2tbspsyellow mustard
1tbsppure chili powder
2tspsfreshly ground black pepper
2tspsgarlic powder
1tspground allspice
¼tspground cloves
¼cupChipotles en Adobo
2cupsketchup
2cupsraspberry preserves
kosher or sea salt
pepper
Instructions
In a large saucepan, combine sugar, vinegar, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, rum, mustard, chili powder, pepper, garlic powder, allspice, and cloves. Bring to simmer over medium heat. Cook, uncovered, until all the ingredients are dissolved, stirring constantly, about 5 minutes. Stir in ketchup and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Reduce the heat slightly. Add raspberry jam and ¼ cup chipotles** and gently simmer the sauce, uncovered, until dark and thick, about 30 minutes, stirring often. Use right away or transfer to jars, cover, cool to room temperature, and refrigerate. The sauce will keep for several months.
Notes
Makes 5 cups or 20 servings.Add the chipotle peppers to taste. Since simmering will bring out the heat in the peppers, start by adding ¼ cup of chipotles and cook for 30 minutes THEN taste again and add additional peppers if you like it REALLY HOT.As with any recipe, you can vary many of the ingredients to taste. Some items that you might want to try adjusting is the amount of allspice and/or cloves or the type of raspberry preserves, etc.
Usage Tips:
This sauce is perfect for slathering on grilled meats, especially ribs, chicken, or burgers. It also makes an excellent marinade.
Adjust the amount of chipotle peppers to control the heat level—start with ¼ cup and add more if you prefer a spicier sauce.
Storage:
Store the sauce in an airtight jar or bottle in the refrigerator for up to 3 months. The flavors will deepen and meld over time.
Customizations:
Try using a different berry preserve, such as blueberry or blackberry, for a different flavor profile.
Add a touch of honey or maple syrup for a sweeter, more complex BBQ sauce.