Root Beer BBQ Sauce (GF)

You won’t necessarily taste any of the individual ingredients, but together they make a sensational sweet and tangy tomato-based sauce. If you like a little heat in your sauce, feel free to add hot sauce, red pepper flakes, chipotle, or cayenne, etc.I am one of those crazy people who loves grilling so much that I do it all year long. Yes, even when it is raining or the temperature dips way down. Umbrella in hand, bundled up with gloves on, I’m out there checking to see if the food is done.

Using sodas in sauces is an old tradition in the American South and the root beer in this recipe adds a wonderful flavor. It will have people scratching their heads trying to figure out what is in the sauce. If you are gluten-free, be sure to check the label on the root beer carefully and contact the manufacturer to be certain it is safe. 

If you don’t have the time to make a sauce from scratch, you can start with a bottled version and spike it up with some sauteed onions or shallots, a sprinkling of herbs, a little honey, and maybe a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Just because you don’t have all the time in the world to spend in the kitchen doesn’t mean you can’t serve special treats to your guests and family!

There are many reasons to look for and buy organic products whenever you can afford to. The more organic products you buy and consume, the healthier you will be. Only with volume purchasing will the cost come down for us. I have great hopes that this country will get on board the organic “train” in a big way soon.

When I was growing up my parents always used a traditional tomato-based bottled sauce with a little extra brown sugar thrown in. I would love to hear about your favorite BBQ sauce recipes. While I love vinegar and mustard-based sauces, I will probably always return to my childhood favorite.

If you try this recipe, let me know! Please leave a star rating in the recipe card, comment below, and don’t forget to snap a pic and tag it @theheritagecook on Instagram! Seeing your creations makes my day and I love hearing from you!

 

Ingredients needed for Root Beer BBQ Sauce:

• Root beer, ketchup, fresh lemon juice, pineapple juice, bourbon (optional), soy sauce, brown sugar, molasses, liquid smoke or smoked paprika, lemon zest, dry mustard, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, garlic, onion

 

PRO Tip:

Liquid smoke seasoning is a great way to get the smoky flavor of the barbecue without lighting any charcoal. If you are looking for more natural alternatives, smoked paprika and chipotle powder (made from smoked jalapeño peppers) add a touch of heat and natural smokiness.

 

How to make Root Beer BBQ Sauce:

1. Combine all the ingredients in a saucepan, bring to a boil, and then reduce to a simmer until reduced and thickened, about 20 minutes.
2. Pour the sauce into a blender or food processor, or use an immersion blender and process until smooth. If using a blender, be sure the lid is partially open to release steam. Cover with a kitchen towel to protect you and hold it while blending. Taste and adjust seasonings.
3. Transfer to an airtight container, cover and refrigerate. Will hold in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

 

PRO Tip:

To know when a liquid has reduced to a specific amount, before starting the recipe, measure 1-1/2 cups water (or whatever your final volume is supposed to be, depending on the individual recipe) and pour into the saucepan you will be using. Place the handle of a wooden spoon vertically in the water and mark the level with a piece of tape just above the water line. Pour out the water and wipe the pan dry. Prepare your sauce as directed. Checking the depth occasionally with another wooden spoon and comparing its depth to the line on the original spoon, cook your sauce until it is just below the tape line on the spoon handle.

 

Recommended Tools (affiliate links; no extra cost to you):

• Kitchen scale
• Measuring cups and measuring spoons
• Citrus reamer
• Rasp-style grater (Microplane)
• Saucepan
• Food processor, blender, or immersion blender

 

Gluten-Free Tips:

* The major gluten-free organizations have declared that distilled alcohols are gluten free. But some distillers may use caramel coloring or flavorings which sometimes contain gluten. For some very sensitive people this may cause issues. If you are making this recipe for a very reactive person or if they have Celiac disease, you can use potato vodka plus 1 tsp brown sugar in place of the bourbon called for.

** If you are looking for more natural alternatives to liquid smoke, smoked paprika and chipotle powder (made from smoked jalapeño peppers) add a touch of heat and natural smokiness. Smoked paprika is very mild, chipotle packs more of a punch!

*** My preferred brand of kosher salt is from Diamond Crystal. If you use Morton’s or another brand you will likely not need as much because they are saltier.

You will get the best and most consistent results by using a digital kitchen scale and weighing your ingredients, especially when you are baking. Use grams, they are much more accurate than pounds and ounces.

All recommended ingredients are gluten-free as of the writing of this article. Always check to be sure the products haven’t changed and are still safe to consume.

 

 

 

 

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Welcome! The suggestions here are not intended as dietary advice or as a substitute for consulting a dietician, physician, or other medical professional. Please see the Disclaimers/Privacy Policy page for additional details. Unauthorized use, distribution, and/or duplication of proprietary material from The Heritage Cook without prior approval is prohibited. If you have any questions or would like permission, please contact me. We participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small amount from qualifying purchases without any additional cost to you. This page may contain affiliate links. The author makes no claims regarding the presence of food allergens and disclaims all liability in connection with the use of this site. This post was first shared in July 2011. The article was updated in 2026.