Root Beer Barbeque Sauce

The Root Beer Barbeque Sauce combines the sweet, smoky, and tangy flavours of its ingredients in a deliciously unexpected way. Here, the caramelised flavour of the classic root beer is combined with tomatoes and vinegar, mainly. With the perfect combination of herbs and spices, it can take your barbecue game to the next level. 

There’s something about the smell of a barbecue on a warm afternoon that brings people together, and this sweet and smoky BBQ sauce gives off that exact nostalgia but with a spicy twist. This BBQ sauce originated in the southern part, has a playful note to it, all while balancing the taste with its spice.  

This soda glazed sauce can be used with a wide variety of dishes, and once you’ve got a taste of it, you too will be hooked on its spice and flavour. 

Ingredients of the Root Beer Barbeque Sauce 

To make a homemade root barbeque beer sauce, you’ll need the ingredients listed below. All of the ingredients can be found in the pantry, and they contribute to building up the layers upon layers of the flavours of this sticky and beer-glazed BBQ sauce. 

Root Beer 

You’ll need 2 cups of root beer to add the vanilla caramelised depth to this sweet barbeque sauce. 

Tip: Use regular, non-diet options for the best flavorful outcome. It has the perfect sugar content to help thicken the sauce. Unless you want a bolder and stronger bite, avoid using the spicy and crafty versions.  

Ketchup 

1 cup of ketchup would be sufficient to act as a tomato base for the sauce and give this sticky barbeque sauce its rich texture. 

Tip: Use a quality brand of tomato sauce or homemade tomato sauce with a minimal amount of added corn syrup for a cleaner flavour. 

Apple Cider Vinegar

The tang of apple cider vinegar helps to balance the sweetness of the root beer and sugar. ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar would be needed. 

Tip: You can substitute apple cider vinegar with white vinegar or balsamic vinegar if you’d prefer a more savoury twist. But generally, apple cider vinegar is recommended. 

Brown Sugar (Light or Dark)

¼ cup of brown sugar would be needed to deepen the sweetness of this soda BBQ sauce. It also added the richness of molasses.  

You can use either light or dark brown sugar according to your preference; dark brown sugar will deliver a more intense flavour, while light brown sugar will keep it mildly sweet.

Worcestershire Sauce

Add 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce to give this tangy root beer sauce an umami undertone.

This sauce is a must-have to obtain that marinade flavour of this root beer BBQ sauce; if you’re vegan, you can look for a plant-based Worcestershire substitute. 

Dijon Mustard

Add 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard for the sharpness of the spice. 

Tip: You can add yellow mustard for a milder taste. 

Garlic Powder

Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. It brings out a subtle garlicy taste. 

Tip: To avoid a chunky texture, use powder form. But if you prefer to use fresh garlic, be sure to sauté it first to mellow the sharpness. 

Onion Powder

Add 1 teaspoon to boost the savoury base of the grilling sauce. You can also use fresh onion as an alternative. 

Smoked Paprika 

To bring out colour and smokiness, add ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika. 

Tip: It’s better to use sweet smoked paprika unless you want more heat. 

Salt 

Add ½ teaspoon of table salt to bring together all the ingredients. You can always add more salt later while mixing and simmering according to taste.

Black Pepper 

Add ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. Using freshly ground black pepper is recommended; it brings out the contrast of the ingredients. 

Cayenne Pepper (Optional)

If you prefer a spicier barbeque sauce, it’s recommended to use cayenne pepper according to taste. 

Tip: Use fresh cayenne pepper to add more heat and balance the sweetness of the root beer. 

How to make root beer BBQ sauce from scratch?

After you’re done gathering and measuring all the ingredients for the sauce, follow these 6 easy steps to make a well-textured soda-infused BBQ sauce from scratch. 

Step 1: Combine the ingredients in a Saucepan

It’s preferable to use a medium sized and heavy bottomed saucepan for cooking this sauce. Set the saucepan on the stove and pour in the root beer, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, worcestershire sauce and dijon mustard one by one. 

Stir the mixture gently to combine everything evenly before adding spices. 

Step 2: Add Dry Seasoning 

Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Whisk well until all the spices are dissolved and evenly distributed. 

Step 3: Bring to a Boil 

Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir occasionally; allow the mixture to come to a gentle boil. It should take about 5 to 7 minutes. 

Tip: Watch the mixture closely while on stove, it’s preferable to have a simmer, not a rapid boil. When bubbles starts to form on the edge, reduce the heat. 

Step 4: Simmer & Reduce 

Lower the heat to let it simmer while uncovered for about 20-30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning or sticking. 

As the water evaporates and the sauce reduces, the texture will thicken and it will give this sauce a more concentrated flavour. 

Tip: If you prefer a sauce with a thicker texture, simmer for a bit longer. 

Step 5: Taste & Adjust 

Once the sauce reaches the desired smooth and glossy consistency, taste it and add more ingredients to adjust the flavour as needed. 

Tip: Add a splash of vinegar for more tang. If it’s too sweet for your liking, you can add a bit more mustard or even squeeze some lemon to neutralise it. To add more depth to the flavour, a dash of smoked paprika or Worcestershire sauce will help. 

Step 6: Cool & Store 

Remove the pan from the stove and let it cool for 10-15 minutes, then transfer it to an airtight jar. You can store it in the fridge for 1 to 2 weeks. 

Tip: The sauce thickens as it cools; shake well before each use. 

Best Meats to Pair with the Root Beer Barbeque Sauce 

This Barbecue Sauce isn’t your average condiment—it’s sweet, smoky, and full of personality. That’s why pairing it with the right meat can make it shine. Whether you’re grilling, roasting, or slow-cooking, this sauce brings out the best in everything from pork ribs to juicy burgers.

• Pork Ribs (Baby Back or St. Louis Style) 

The sweetness from this soda BBQ sauce beautifully caramelises the ribs during grilling. 

Tip: Brush the sauce during the last 10-15 minutes of grilling to avoid burning the sugars. 

• Pulled Pork 

You can serve the pulled pork with this sauce just before serving. The shredded texture of the pork soaks up the sauce quiet well and makes the meat juicy.  

• Grilled Chicken

Whether you’re grilling thighs, drumsticks or chicken breasts, marinating the meat in a mixture of root beer and this cola-style BBQ sauce will let the falvours of the sauce shine, specially on the grill when it caramilzes.  

• Brisket or Beef Burnt Ends 

Serve the sauce alongside the fatty and rich beef brisket or drizzle it before serving. 

• Grilled Sausages 

You can serve the sauce as a glaze or a dipping sauce as it complements the beef and pork sausages well. It’s a all-time favorite for a party platter. 

• Meatloaf

You can use this glaze as an alternative to ketchup for meatloaf; it adds a sticky texture to the meat. 

Tip: Brush it on the meat during the last 15 minutes of baking to add a shiny, tasty glaze and crust on top of the meat. 

• Burgers 

Slathering the root beer BBQ sauce on burgers can transform them into something special.

Tip: You can pair the sauce with grilled onions and cheddar cheese on your burger to add more taste. 

What Does Root Beer Do in BBQ Sauce?

The root beer is the key component of this BBQ sauce. It contributes greatly to differentiating this sauce from other condiments. The root beer-

• Adds natural sweetness
• Creates a rich and complex flavour 
• Enhances caramelisation 
• Brings uniqueness
• Contributes the liquid for simmering (for proper mixing of all the ingredients) 

Can You Use Diet Root Beer in BBQ Sauce?

Technically, you can use diet beer for this BBQ sauce, but it’s not recommended to do so. For getting the best results, it’s preferable to use the normal root beer, because real sugar caramelises nicely. 

Benefits of Using Diet Root Beer 

• It has a low-sugar content and lower calories; better option for those watching their calorie intake. 
• It still delivers the flavour of the traditional one to the sauce. 

Drawbacks of Using Diet Root Beer 

• Artificial sugars don’t caramelise like real sugar when grilled or baked, so they won’t thicken or glaze properly. 
• Some diet sodas tend to turn bitter when heated.

Conclusion 

This sauce is a little sweet, a little smoky, and guaranteed to make your next meal unforgettable. So grab a spoon and dig in!