Cheerwine Barbecue Sauce

Cheerwine is a popular cherry-flavored soft drink that originated in North Carolina in 1917. Known for its distinctive red color and unique cherry flavor, it has a loyal following, especially in the southeastern United States.

Cheerwine Barbecue Sauce recipe

 

Popular ways to use Cheerwine Barbecue Sauce…

Grilling and Basting
Use Cheerwine barbecue sauce as a glaze for chicken, pork, or ribs during grilling. Brush it on during the last few minutes to add a sweet, tangy flavor.

Dipping Sauce
Serve it as a dipping sauce for fried foods, chicken tenders, or even vegetables.

Sandwiches and Burgers 
Spread it on buns or use it as a finishing touch on sandwiches and burgers to add moisture and flavor.

Marinade 
Marinate meats in Cheerwine barbecue sauce for a few hours before cooking to infuse them with flavor.

Pulled Pork or Chicken
Mix it into shredded pork or chicken for a quick and tasty barbecue-inspired dish.

Cooking Ingredient
Incorporate it into recipes like baked beans, casseroles, or meatloaf for added sweetness and depth.

 

Print

Cheerwine Barbecue Sauce

Cheerwine is a popular cherry-flavored soft drink that originated in North Carolina in 1917.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Total Time: 22 minutes
  • Yield: 1/3 gallon 1x
  • Category: Sauce & Salsa
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Southern

Ingredients

Units Scale
1 (12 ounce) can Cheerwine 5 ounces molasses 6 ounces brown sugar 10 ounces prepared barbecue sauce (tomato-based) 2 ounces distilled white vinegar 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes 1 ounce Liquid Smoke

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients in a heavy saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
  2. Remove from heat and let cool.
  3. Pour into a container and refrigerate until ready to use.

Notes

Because Cheerwine Barbecue Sauce contains sugar, use it carefully. Grill over indirect heat, or use it as a dipping sauce or a finishing glaze.

Photo credit: 43812531@N00 / CC BY

Recipe credit: Carolina Beverage Corp.

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