How to Thin out BBQ Sauce? (6 Ways to Thin BBQ Sauce Back Out)

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There is nothing better than a successfully made homemade BBQ sauce to go with that awesome cook you have just either finished or are looking to marinade or baste. One issue that can arise is a BBQ sauce that has sat on the stove a little too long which in return will result in a this BBQ sauce.

You could simply add water, but this will most likely result in a loss in flavor. So how can you successfully thin the BBQ sauce back out? Well here are six ways to thing BBQ sauce out without ruining it.

Add Apple Cider Vinegar to Thin BBQ Sauce Out

Adding apple cider vinegar to thin BBQ sauce out is an easy option. This is especially true if you like a Carolina Barbecue because the secret ingredient is in fact vinegar.

To thin BBQ sauce out using apple cider vinegar simply mix in a 1/2 Tablespoon of apple vinegar per 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce that you are looking to thin. A taste test is also always recommended before adding vinegar to the entire batch.

To do an apple cider vinegar taste test prior to thinning the entire batch simply pull 1/2 a cup of the batch out and place it in a bowl. Mix in a 1/2 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and give it a taste test. Once you are satisfied continue mixing the rest of the batch with 1/2 tablespoon per 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce.

2. Bourbon or Rum

My personal favorite way to thin a thick BBQ sauce down is with either Bourbon or Rum. Simply add about a 1/4 tablespoon per cup and it will turn out just fine.

One thing to remember though is to be sure to simmer the alcohol back out of the sauce prior to serving.

Also, if you are looking for a new recipe to try I recommend trying this Bourbon Whiskey BBQ Sauce as it has a great blended flavor that everyone will love.

3. Citrus Juice

Citrus juice is another great option to thin BBQ sauce back out. This is especially true if you like your BBQ sauce with a little more of a tangy sour element. Start out by adding about a 1/4 cup to the batch and mix it in.

Give the BBQ sauce a taste test and if it is still too thick and not to tangy then repeat the process again.

4. Beef or Chicken Broth

Depending on what you are cooking with either beef or chicken broth are also great for thinning out BBQ sauces. If you are cooking with either pork or chicken then chicken broth is a great option to thin the BBQ sauce.

If you are cooking with beef then beef broth is another great option to thin out the BBQ sauce.

In either case simply add 1/2 cup beef or chicken broth and a 1/2 cup of ketchup to the batch. Mix it thoroughly and repeat if the sauce is still to thick.

5. Fruit Liquor

Similar to Bourbon or Rum, fruit liquor is another favorite BBQ sauce thinning agent. This is especially true if you like hints of fruit in things.

This is also just as easy to do, just add about a 1/4 tablespoon per cup of the BBQ sauce you are looking to thin and you will be all set to go. Just remember to give it a quick simmer or boil to cook the alcohol out of it prior to serving.

6. Beer

After recommending fruit liquor, bourbon or rum how can I leave out beer? Beer is another great alternative to thin out BBQ sauce.

Mix in about 1/2 a cup and simmer to remove the alcohol. If the BBQ sauce is still too thick then repeat the process.

How to Thin Tomato Based BBQ Sauces

While the other five methods are great for most sauces some sauces are also tomato based sauces. I’ve found another good way to thin a tomato based sauce is with ketchup. With this method I tend to roughly add 1/2 cup of ketchup per 2 cups of sauce.

While these are six excellent ways to thin a BBQ sauce always keep in mind that it is much harder to thicken a BBQ sauce then it is to thin it. When thinning a BBQ sauce always slowly add the method of thinning that you are going with slowly so you don’t over thin it.

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