Go Back
Yummy Dr Pepper BBQ Sauce Recipe for Ribs, Chicken, and More

Yummy Dr Pepper BBQ Sauce

A sweet, tangy, smoky barbecue sauce made with regular Dr Pepper and pantry-friendly ingredients. It makes about 2 cups and is perfect for finishing grilled meats, burgers, pulled pork, and vegetables.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Sauce Base
  • 1 12-fluid-ounce can Regular Dr Pepper, not diet
  • 1 cup Ketchup
  • 1/2 cup Packed light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup Apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Molasses, optional
Seasonings
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Smoked paprika or regular paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne pepper, optional
  • 1 teaspoon Liquid smoke, optional

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Add the Dr Pepper, ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, and optional molasses to a medium saucepan.
  2. Whisk in the garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, paprika, black pepper, optional cayenne pepper, and optional liquid smoke until the seasonings are evenly dispersed.
  3. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring until the brown sugar dissolves completely.
  4. Reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and reduces by roughly one-quarter to one-third.
  5. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed. Let it cool before using because it thickens further as it reaches room temperature.
  6. Brush the sauce over grilled food during the final 5 to 10 minutes of cooking, or serve it at the table as a dipping and finishing sauce.

Notes

Use regular Dr Pepper rather than diet soda for the best texture and flavor. Simmer gently and uncovered to prevent scorching. Refrigerate leftover sauce in a sealed container for up to about 1 week.