SMOKE WRANGLER'S BACON-BOURBON BARBECUE SAUCE

Smoke Wrangler's Bacon-Bourbon Barbecue Sauce image

Provided by Steven Raichlen

Yield Makes 1 quart

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 strips bacon, finely diced
1 1/2 cups cider vinegar
2 1/2 cups ketchup
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup bourbon
Coarse salt (sea or kosher), to taste

Steps:

Place the bacon in a heavy nonreactive saucepan. Cook over medium heat until the bacon is browned, 3 minutes, stirring with a wooden spoon.
Stir in the vinegar and bring to a boil. Then stir in the ketchup, sugars, pepper flakes, black pepper, and bourbon and gradually bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer the sauce, uncovered, until thick and richly flavored, 15 to 20 minutes. Stir in the salt- you'll need quite a lot to offset the acidity of the vinegar. Use right away or transfer to clean jars, cover, cool to room temperature, and refrigerate. The sauce will keep for several weeks.