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Red Robin Whiskey River BBQ Sauce Copycat

Summary: Bold, tangy, and deeply smoky with real whiskey depth — this homemade Red Robin Whiskey River BBQ sauce takes 15 minutes and transforms every burger and wing into something worth talking about.
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Prep Time 3 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course SAUCE
Cuisine American
Servings 12 servings
Calories 50 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 3 tablespoons whiskey
  • 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons water

Instructions
 

  • Combine all ingredients in saucepan. Stir until brown sugar dissolves.
  • Heat over medium, stirring constantly, until sauce reaches a gentle simmer.
  • Reduce to medium-low. Simmer 10–12 minutes until thick and glossy.
  • Taste and adjust tang, heat, and sweetness.
  • Use warm as burger sauce, glaze, or table sauce.

Notes

Use real whiskey — imitation flavoring produces a flat result.
Flavor improves significantly after 24 hours refrigerated.
Apply to burgers in last 2 minutes of cooking for caramelized finish.
Keyword Red Robin Whiskey River BBQ, whiskey BBQ sauce, copycat burger sauce, smoky BBQ sauce