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Pineapple Jalapeno Bourbon BBQ

Category: Wholesome Meals for Every Day

Sweet pineapple meets spicy jalapenos and smoky bourbon in this versatile BBQ sauce, crafted for a bold and complex flavor profile. The combination of fruit, peppers, honey, and tangy vinegar creates a rich sauce that’s perfect for brushing onto ribs, chicken, or pork. Easy to preserve by canning, this sauce can be made ahead and enjoyed all season long. Simple kitchen prep and traditional water-bath canning ensure long-lasting freshness and vibrant taste. Adjust the heat level to your liking by increasing or decreasing the jalapenos. Great for both summertime cookouts and indoor roasting, this sauce adds a lively kick to any meal.

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Savor by Sophie official logo
Updated on Mon, 27 Oct 2025 21:52:15 GMT
A jar of red pepper sauce. Save
A jar of red pepper sauce. | sweetbyemma.com

This pineapple jalapeno bourbon BBQ sauce brings a sweet and spicy twist to any cookout. Bursting with golden tropical flavor from pineapple, jalapeno heat, and a cozy bourbon finish, this sauce makes grilled meats unforgettable. It is a favorite in my kitchen for summer gatherings and family game nights because everyone loves its unique, bold zing.

I first made this as a hostess gift for a neighbor and now it has a permanent spot on our BBQ table because it disappears faster than any other sauce I own.

Ingredients

  • Pineapple pureed: Choose ripe and fragrant pineapple for the most vibrant sweetness
  • Red bell pepper: Adds color and mellow bite Pick a firm pepper with glossy skin
  • Onion: For savory depth Look for a heavy onion with papery skin
  • Jalapeno peppers: Bring the spice Adjust amount to suit your heat tolerance and pick shiny firm peppers
  • Apple cider vinegar: Gives lift and bright tang Use raw unfiltered if possible for more flavor
  • Dry mustard: Lends a gentle sharpness
  • Canning salt: Keeps the sauce shelf stable and lets flavors shine
  • Worcestershire sauce: Brings umami layers Opt for classic Lea and Perrins for best flavor
  • Lemon juice: Balances acidity Use a fresh lemon for pure brightness
  • Bourbon: Adds smooth sweetness and a hint of smoke Choose a middle shelf whiskey for best taste
  • Minced garlic: Deepens savory flavor Use freshly minced for a punchy hit
  • Honey: Naturally sweetens and gives body Pick local raw honey if you can

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Produce:
Chop your pineapple into chunks removing any tough core bits Dice the onion bell pepper and jalapenos Wear gloves while handling jalapenos if sensitive to spice
Puree the Mixture:
Using a food processor or immersion blender combine pineapple onion and peppers Blend until almost smooth but with some texture remaining for character
Combine the Ingredients:
Place the pureed mixture into a large pot Add vinegar dry mustard salt Worcestershire sauce lemon juice bourbon garlic and honey Stir thoroughly and make sure nothing sticks to the bottom
Cook the Sauce:
Bring the pot to a steady boil over medium high heat Stir occasionally to prevent sticking Once boiling reduce heat to low and simmer for at least 30 minutes Stir every ten minutes The sauce thickens as it cooks and flavors develop
Can the Sauce:
Carefully ladle the hot sauce into prepared canning jars Fill leaving proper headspace Wipe jar rims with a damp cloth and remove any trapped air bubbles Secure the lids firmly
Water Bath Process:
Submerge jars completely in boiling water for 15 minutes This ensures safety and extends shelf life Remove jars and cool undisturbed on a towel for a full day
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A jar of jam with a spoon in it. | savorbysophie.com

I love how the fresh pineapple shines in this sauce The first time I made it my father could not stop talking about its zingy flavor paired with ribs and we laughed every time someone reached for the last spoonful.

Storage Tips

After cooling check that all jars are properly sealed A sealed lid will not flex up or down When stored in a cool dark place homemade BBQ sauce will stay fresh and tasty for up to one year After opening refrigerate it and use within two weeks I like to stash a jar in the fridge door so it is always ready for sandwiches or grilled veggies

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer a milder sauce swap out some or all of the jalapenos for poblano peppers For a vegan version trade Worcestershire for coconut aminos or a vegan substitute Maple syrup can be used instead of honey which adds its own woodsy flavor If you do not have bourbon try spiced rum for a different twist

Serving Suggestions

This sauce loves chicken thighs pork chops or beef ribs It is perfect brushed onto grilled tofu or tempeh Try stirring a spoonful into baked beans or drizzling over roasted sweet potatoes We even dip french fries in it at casual cookouts

A Little History

BBQ sauce has roots in the Caribbean and Southern United States blending sweet tang and smoke in endless variations Pineapple adds a tropical nod while bourbon pays homage to classic American barbecue tradition The jalapeno heat is a favorite in my Texan family who believe every sauce needs a little kick

Recipe FAQs

→ How spicy is the pineapple jalapeno bourbon BBQ sauce?

The heat level can be easily adjusted by changing the number of jalapenos used. For a milder version, use fewer peppers or remove the seeds.

→ What dishes pair well with this BBQ sauce?

This sauce complements grilled meats like ribs, chicken, and pork. It’s also great on roasted veggies or as a finishing glaze.

→ Can I make this sauce without bourbon?

Yes, you can omit the bourbon and still achieve a delicious, well-balanced smoky flavor from the other ingredients.

→ How long does the canned sauce last?

When properly processed and sealed, it can last for up to a year in a cool, dark place.

→ Is this sauce suitable for vegetarians?

Absolutely. All listed ingredients are plant-based and free from animal products.

→ How can I thicken the BBQ sauce?

If you prefer a thicker texture, simmer a bit longer to reduce the sauce to your desired consistency before canning.

Pineapple Jalapeno Bourbon BBQ Sauce

Tangy pineapple, jalapeno, and bourbon blend for a sweet-and-spicy BBQ sauce ideal for grilling and canning.

Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
45 min
Total Time
60 min
By: Sophie

Category: Lunch & Dinner

Skill Level: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: Approximately 1.5 litres of sauce

Dietary Preferences: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Produce

01 6 cups pineapple, pureed
02 1 red bell pepper
03 1 onion
04 4 jalapeño peppers, stems and seeds removed (adjust to taste)

→ Liquids and Condiments

05 180 ml apple cider vinegar
06 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
07 15 ml freshly squeezed lemon juice
08 30 ml bourbon
09 120 ml honey

→ Seasonings

10 2 teaspoons dry mustard
11 1 tablespoon canning salt
12 2 teaspoons minced garlic

Steps

Step 01

Peel and chop the pineapple, red bell pepper, and onion. Remove stems and seeds from jalapeño peppers according to desired heat level.

Step 02

In a food processor or using an immersion blender, puree the pineapple, red bell pepper, onion, and jalapeño peppers until smooth.

Step 03

Transfer the pureed mixture to a large pot. Add apple cider vinegar, dry mustard, canning salt, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, bourbon, minced garlic, and honey. Stir to fully incorporate all ingredients.

Step 04

Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Continue simmering, stirring occasionally, for at least 30 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 05

Ladle the hot sauce into sterilized canning jars, leaving appropriate headspace. Wipe the rims, remove any air bubbles, and secure the lids.

Step 06

Process the filled jars in a boiling water bath canner for 15 minutes. Ensure the water remains at a rolling boil throughout the processing time.

Step 07

Remove jars from the canner and place them on a towel-lined surface. Allow to cool undisturbed for 24 hours before storing.

Notes

  1. Adjust the number of jalapeño peppers to achieve your preferred spice level. Always use sterilized jars and new lids when canning for safe preservation.
  2. This sauce pairs exceptionally well with grilled pork, ribs, or chicken.

Required Tools

  • Food processor or immersion blender
  • Large pot
  • Water bath canner
  • Sterilized canning jars with lids
  • Ladle

Allergen Information

Check all ingredients for potential allergens and consult a healthcare professional if needed.
  • Contains Worcestershire sauce, which may include anchovies (fish allergen)

Nutrition Information (per serving)

These details are for informational purposes only and should not replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 37
  • Fats: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 9.1 g
  • Proteins: 0.2 g