It takes a lot for John and me to fall hardcore in love with a new restaurant, but the minute I dipped one french fry into the whiskey bbq ketchup at Beer Kitchen in Kansas City, it was all over. It had to be made at home.
I’m already a condiment and sauce lover, so if there’s legit house-made ketchup somewhere chances are I’ve tried it. Oddly enough though, I’ve never made my own! That had to change.
Since my love for the whiskey BBQ ketchup has become borderline obsession, I decided to try my hand at it. Although it’s not a total 1:1 match, I got dang close!
It has all the rich flavor of ketchup with a hint of smoky BBQ and a boozy undertone. Mmmmm, delicious.
This ketchup is about as simple as it gets:
30 minutes
10 ingredients
1 pot
And somehow it still delivers all the bold flavor of BBQ in a saucy, rich ketchup. Friends, ready your french fries.
You guys are going to love this ketchup. It’s
Thick
Rich
Savory
Bold
Perfectly sweet
Smoky
Boozy
& Perfect on just about anything
Breakfast potatoes, french fries, burgers, tots – you name it, we’re going there. Cheers!
Whiskey BBQ Ketchup
Ingredients
- 15 ounces tomato sauce (organic when possible)
- 1 6-ounce can tomato paste (organic when possible)
- 2-3 Tbsp whiskey (I used Bourbon Whiskey from Trader Joe’s)
- 2-3 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 Tbsp Worcestershire (ensure it’s vegan-friendly // ensure gluten-free for GF eaters)
- 1 tsp liquid smoke (optional)
- 1/4 tsp each sea salt and ground black pepper
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a small saucepan over medium heat and whisk to combine.
- Cook until bubbly – about 5 minutes. Then reduce heat to low and continue cooking for 15 more minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more whiskey for a more boozy flavor, brown sugar for added sweetness, vinegar for more tang, and liquid smoke extra smokiness.
- Transfer to a jar and let cool before putting lid on. Will keep in the fridge for at least 2-3 weeks (probably longer).
- Perfect with our Crispy Baked Matchstick Garlic Fries!
Notes
*Recipe makes ~2 cups ketchup.
Lee Parker says
What can I substitute for whiskey in your recipe for Whiskey Barbque Ketchup?
Thank you for your time.
PS Love All your recipes!
We’re so glad you enjoy our recipes, Lee! Thank you for letting us know! You could add more apple cider vinegar OR just water :D
Belle Reese says
So good! with the whiskey, do you think this is okay for kids to have?
Thank you it was so good!
I would possibly omit the whiskey if serving to kids!
Amy says
By tomato sauce, do you mean passata?
It’s similar. Usually tomato sauce has some garlic powder and onion powder added. But either should work!
Amy says
Thanks!! Tomato sauce means a few different things in the UK ;)
Marrok says
Amazing! We had Knob Creek bourbon on hand; I also added another splash of apple cider vinegar for some more tang. Partnered with the recommended simple breakfast potatoes and the southwest tofu scramble from the same site (minus the kale.) Big hit and all these will be on our regular rotation.
Maria Clausen says
Delicious!!! I didn’t use the liquid smoke. I will absolutely keep this in my recipe wheelhouse!
Thank you for an amazing, easy, and scrumptious recipe!
Hanna says
I omitted the whiskey and this tastes fantastic- haven’t had ketchup since diagnosed with celiac and corn allergy! Wondering if you can share a homemade mustard recipe, that uses apple cider vinegar instead of distilled??
We will add it to our ideas list! Thanks for the suggestion, Hanna!
Blair Garside says
Would this be good as a bbq sauce for a meal? Or is it more of a ketchup sauce?
Hi Blair, we think it would be suitable as a marinade or glaze, but we wouldn’t recommend serving it on the side as a BBQ sauce. You could try adding more sweetener and cooking it longer so it reduces and gets more caramelized like BBQ sauce. Hope that helps!
Debra Thomsett says
Why would you say use as marinade when it clearly says. “Perfect on fries, burgers, and everything in between.”
It works for all those uses!
Tracey says
I was wondering if you can freeze this recipe?
Sorry Tracey, not this recipe!
Derek says
Anyone try this without added sugar, honey, brown sugar, or fake sugar?
Kerstin says
I love this! Recently I bought Heinz “ketchup for kids” with 50% less sugar only to find out that they replaced half of the sugar with sweetener. Normally I read labels carefully before buying but this time I didn’t and got so mad when I tasted the unmistakable taste of artificial sweetener.
I had been looking for a ketchup recipe for which I didn’t have to use fresh tomatoes and that would be pretty much effortless. Now I found it! I didn’t have any whiskey so I just made it without any alcohol but will definitely try it with someday. My 3-yo who is a ketchup lover totally approved.
Nick260682 says
Worcester sauce is not vegan friendly by definition.
It’s the anchovies that give you all the delicious savoury depth; it’d be pointless without them.
Chris says
Vegetarian Worcestershire sauce is available in any good health food store and most well-stocked grocery stores. The anchovies only serve to add a pop of umami, which is definitely possible to do without fish/animal products (using mushrooms, soy, etc.).
ERICA DAGOSTINO says
There’s a vegan version that uses mushrooms instead and its delicious
John h. says
Soooo, made the whiskey bbq ketchup. Iam thinking you meant 1.5 oz. can of tomato paste not 15 oz. can. I just had to thin it out some. Thought it didn’t seem right , you my want to check that.
ALew says
1 @ 6-oz can there’s a space between the 1 and the 6 but it definitely reads funny, esp after the tomato sauce entry.
That’s correct! Thanks for your comment. If you have any suggestions for what might make it more clear, we’d love to try to make it’s more user-friendly!
Anne says
Hi Dana!
Would you be able to create a beet ketchup recipe? We were at By chloe and loved their beet ketchup and after trying different recipes online they were just nothing alike!
Thanks in advance
Anne
Hi Anne! We will add it to the recipe request list!
Joy says
Regarding the recipe below which is labeled as gluten free is concerning for any one that has Celiac or a gluten sensitivity because Worcestershire and Whiskey both contain gluten.
15 ounces tomato sauce (organic when possible)
1 5-ounce can tomato paste (organic when possible)
2-3 Tbsp whiskey (I used Bourbon Whiskey from Trader Joe’s)
2-3 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 Tbsp Worcestershire (ensure it’s vegan-friendly)
optional: 1 tsp liquid smoke
1/4 tsp each sea salt and ground black pepper
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder-soup
Allaire says
I just made this but thought it was WAY too sweet. Also because of the sodium content of both the tomato sauce and tomato paste didn’t end up adding any salt and I can’t imagine needing to add any more…I will try again tweaking a bit to see if that works!
ariane says
just made this to have with steak and chips, soooo good
Mollie says
Can I sub brown sugar for coconut sugar?! I don’t have any brown on hand – and this recipe looks amazing!
Bill says
Wow, this recipe is excellent – I have made it twice now, doubling the batch both times and it makes a perfect three pints of heavenly sauce – I am not sure whether to call it ketchup or BBQ sauce, it seems to belong in a category of its own. Makes a great basting sauce for ribs and goes with just about anything else. On the second go around, I added 1/2 tsp of chipotle pepper powder for a little smoky kick and just a couple of dashes of balsamic vinegar for an added note of zing and sweet. THANK YOU FOR THE RECIPE!
Jen says
Great recipe! Great for dipping. Perfect on top of a meatless meatloaf, on a burger. I plan on using at as a base for a garbanzo bean, shredded carrot and onion sloppy joe soon. It is so good!
Sandy says
Absolutely delicious! I used 4 TBL Makers Mark. OMG! It is amazing!!
Sandy says
Also want to add, I otherwise followed recipe exactly. Used Mesquite liquid smoke. Not sure what type recipe is actually calling for.
Roberta J Taylor says
So, I decided to use Marinara Sauce with San Marzano Tomatoes. I am a perfectionist and wanted to be sure I was using the right ingredients. I am Happy I didn’t wait. I made it with my ingredients and Wow!! It’s so Delicious!!! I Love it!!!Thank you for sharing your wonderful recipes.
Peace & Blessings
Roberta J. Taylor says
Hello, I left a question earlier today. I may have asked it under someone else’s feedback.?:)
My question is a bout the Tomato Sauce. Which brand do you use? Should I use Marina Sauce, Pomodoro Sauce, or a can of San Manzaro Tomatoes?
Thank you so much and have a blessed day.
Peace
diana says
Gosh I hate to say anything, esp bc I make plenty mistakes on my own, but for anyone writing a blog, I feel it is important to use the best grammar possible, esp bc someone may follow the same usage. Quite simply, instead of saying, “John and me”, it would be “John and I.” That’s it! And great recipe!!
Nyna says
Just a friendly correction: if you’re talking about the sentence that reads “It takes a lot for John and me…”, this is actually the correct grammar usage. If you split the subjects (John and me) into separate sentences, you have “it takes a lot for John” as well as “it takes a lot for me”. This would not be the case if the sentence were structured as “John and me take”, as you would have “John takes” and “Me takes”, and we can all see how that is incorrect. “You and I” vs. “you and me” can both be correct; it depends on the context of the sentence.
That being said, I am supposed to be commenting on how fantabulous all of Dana’s recipes are instead talking grammar :P. I whipped up this sauce tonight to simmer my meatless meatballs in so that I can take ’em to work with me tomorrow for lunch. I personally added a bunch of brown sugar and liquid smoke; sweet and smoky, what a dream!
Diana says
I thank you (from the bottom of my heart!) for this great explanation, this is definitely something I needed to know, esp for my own usage! ?As children, our father was always correcting our grammar, unfortunately he has passed on this nasty habit to me as well. Once again great recipe, very rich, best one we have tried so far!!!
Gitta Burt says
Making the black bean burgers tonight. Just finished making the ketchup. It came out great. I added a 1/2 tsp of chipotle sauce instead of whiskey. I would have added whiskey, but didn’t have it available. Will share pic’s and comments on the finished product this evening. Gitta Marie.
Janice says
This is brilliant!! Made it this morning to go with the sweet potato black bean burgers. Used two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and 2 tablespoons of Johnnie Walker Red Label whisky. Substituted minced garlic instead of the power. Absolute heavenly, I almost licked the pan……..
Kajol says
Hey, can you substitute the alcohol for something else? What would you suggest? #underage haha
Leave it out!
Anne says
Oh my! I’m gonna try this with sake over the weekend!!! Thanks for the recipe.
J says
Looks great – do you mean passata sauce when u say tomato sauce? We’re in Australia and just needed to clarify. Thanks for the great blog.
Yvonne says
I’m wondering the same. I’m in Ireland and here tomato sauce is what we call ketchup. I assume the recipe calls for passata but I’m not sure. Can anyone clarify please? It sounds amazing & I’d really love to try. Also, I assume the alcohol content cooks off and it would be OK to serve this to kids?
Charlie says
Tomato sauce is the base that pasta sauce is made from…this recipe is making ketchup so do not use. Tomato sauce is basically purred tomatoes with minor additives
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LiseE says
OMG! This “ketchup” is amazing! I can’t believe how easy it is to make and WOW! What a great punch of flavor, to think I have been paying a premium for another name brand which does not even compare! Thank you! P.S. I made to accompany the Sweet Potato Black Bean Burgers, delicious!
Excuse me while I go find more adjectives to describe your food! ;)
Doreen Forbes says
~~would eliminating the whiskey ruin the recipe?
Marie says
Wow! I’m gonna try this to eat with a “millet pie” for the holidays!
I’m also looking for something to remplace the traditionnal mayo/ketchup dip… Do you think that I can use this ketchup mixed up with silken tofu? Should I add something else?
Thank you!
Great, thanks for sharing Marie! I think using vegan mayo in place of tofu would be more ideal. But silken tofu is worth a shot!
Sarah says
I am a big fan of minimalist baker and so is my husband. I just started my own blog and we always went back to see “How does minimalist baker do it” in order to draw inspiration. Thanks you guys.
We have also downloaded the Food Photgraphy E-Course and it is our go-to tutorial for our pictures.
I just tried making BBQ Sauce which was a success. I’m an absolute sucker for Ketchup. This definitely goes on my to-make list.
debg says
i made this to go with the potatoes yuuuuummmmm i did not have the liquid smoke i added a little chili powder i was eating this with a spoon luv your recipies
Maggie says
Yummy! I dig smoky and boozy!! :)
David H says
This recipe is almost exactly like a currywurst sauce recipe I have!
Jacki says
Do you know how long this stays for? I have wanted to make ketchup for a while but my family doesn’t eat a lot of it so I’m always worried it will go bad before we can get through it. Also how much ketchup does this make?
This makes quite a bit, but I’d think it should stay for at least a month. You could definitely half the ingredients for half as much OR gift half of it to someone else! Hope that helps.
Kate says
Honestly, I’m not usually into homemade ketchups (Heinz is so good!) but I LOVED this ketchup when I tried it at your place! Can’t wait to make some!
Yay! I know, homemade ketchup is where it’s at. Glad you liked this, friend!
Roberta J Taylor says
Hello,
I’m wondering if would please tell me what kind of tomato sauce you use? I’m not sure what to use? Should I use a Tomato Marina Sauce or a Tomato Pomodoro Sauce or just a can of San ManzaroTomatoes?
Thank you so much.
Have a blessed day.
Peace,
Roberta J. Taylor
Dixya @ Food, Pleasure, and Health says
i need some curly fries and a bottle of this please.
Andria says
There’s a great restaurant around here that has porter ketchup to go with their IPA battered onion rings. Heaven. I imagine you could make this with the beer of your choice as well :)
Ceara @ Ceara's Kitchen says
I am in love with this ketchup recipe! I have made my own BBQ sauce before but have never ventured into the land of ketchup – now I just might have to :) Yum!
Liz @ Floating Kitchen says
Oh yes, I am ready for this (and like a million french fries!). Whiskey makes everything better!
Hadiya says
Hi, what would you suggest as a substitute for the whiskey… Alcoholic and otherwise?
Love your recipes btw
Mmm, I would just add more apple cider vinegar OR just water :D
Hadiya says
Thank you so much!!! :D
Matt Robinson says
I would be obsessed with this too. I have been wanting to make my own ketchup and absolutely love this idea!
Shikha @ Shikha la mode says
Love that beautiful red color! I’m also pretty sure that putting alcohol in anything makes it better. I have that bourbon at home hahahah.
haha, AMEN! Glad you get my point of view, Shikha :D
Averie @ Averie Cooks says
I seriously could eat this with a spoon! Love love love it and all the flavors! Pinnnnned! :)
Thanks friend! I thought this might be your kind of ketchup ;D
Danielle @ Chits and Chats and Chocolate says
Yum, I’m a condiment lover, so I always love to make them at home, so that I know what hoes into them! This is awesome!
Danielle @ Chits and Chats and Chocolate says
Goes, I mean… oops! Auto correct is a blessing and a curse!
Meaghan says
Yaasssss. We should visit the Kitchen of Beer soon.
INDEED
Christina @ but i'm hungry says
I started making my own ketchup a few months ago, and we love it. But THIS… this looks amazing. I can’t wait to try it; my hubs will go nuts. Also… is that Trader Joe’s bourbon?! Just when I thought I couldn’t love that place any more! ;)
Right!? It’s so good!
Maryea {happy healthy mama} says
I feel like condiments can make or break a meal, and this looks like one that would totally make the meal!
Meinhilde says
I’ve been meaning to make my own ketchup as well, and now it looks like I finally found a recipe!