The Secret Ingredient That Will Boost The Flavor Of Homemade BBQ Sauce

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With warmer days approaching quickly, many folks are looking forward to outdoor cookouts overflowing with summer fare like grilled burgers, homemade root beer floats, and barbecued chicken drumsticks. A robust BBQ sauce is a must when throwing meat on the grill. If you want a BBQ sauce that people won't forget, utilizing the nostalgic taste of root beer will balance the acidic ingredients and add just enough sweetness that will have folks coming back for more.

Root beer has a strong, creamy flavor, combining sweetness with underlying notes of vanilla and caramel to create an entirely unique taste. Maine Root Root Beer is one brand that has a particularly bold flavor. As for the ratios of ingredients, you want to start with equal parts root beer and ketchup — two cups each. For acid, include a half cup of orange juice. A quarter cup of Worcestershire adds some umami and the same amount of molasses begins to give the sauce a much-needed body.

After the wet ingredients, you want to start incorporating spices that give the sauce depth of flavor. Two teaspoons each of garlic and onion powder are a must, and then lesser amounts of seasonings like ginger, paprika, and chipolata lend more personality to the blend. The end result is a full-flavored BBQ sauce that is sweet and mildly spicy, but if you want to knock the heat up a notch for those ribs that are prepped for the grill or create a tangier version that goes perfectly with chicken wings, there are plenty of ways to do so.

Root beer takes BBQ sauce to new heights, but the unique taste isn't for everybody. Thankfully, there are boundless ways to make an appetizing BBQ sauce, but it is wise to consider what kind of protein it will be elevating. For pork dishes, something sour — like vinegar — can accent the flavor of the meat.

If you are grilling chicken, a mustard base perfectly complements the poultry with flavors that are tangy and spicy, and you don't need anything fancier than a plain yellow mustard like French's Classic Yellow Mustard. When ribs are called for, something sweeter is in order — like extra tomato sauce or ketchup if you are averse to using root beer.

You can give any of these BBQ sauces a fiery heat by adding seasonings like chili powder, cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes. Yet, don't use a heavy hand with these intense spices if you want a balanced taste. The key to a great BBQ blend is to harmonize sour, sweet, acidic, and spicy elements into a cohesive sauce. As you add ingredients to the pan, remember that you can never taste test it too often, and adjust the ratios until all the flavors within begin to complement each other.