
Hey, Welcome to the Ruby Tuesday Hickory Bourbon Sauce Recipe. Ruby Tuesday Hickory Bourbon Sauce is a sweet, smoky, rich glaze that turns any chicken, steak, or burger into a restaurant-style meal.
If you’ve ever tried this sauce at Ruby Tuesday, you already know how bold and addictive that smoky sweetness tastes.
I wanted to recreate that at home, and guess what? I nailed it! Today, I’m sharing the easiest way to make this delicious recipe right in your kitchen.
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Cuisine: American
Category: Sauce or Condiment
History and Origin
Ruby Tuesday Hickory Bourbon Sauce originates from Ruby Tuesday restaurants across the United States. The sauce became famous for its balance of bourbon sweetness, smoky hickory flavor, and caramelized finish.
Many guests fell in love with it over grilled chicken, ribs, and steaks. The sauce symbolizes classic American restaurant-style comfort flavor.
What does Ruby Tuesday Hickory Bourbon Sauce Recipe taste like?
This sauce tastes sweet, smoky, and slightly tangy. The brown sugar and maple syrup give a sticky caramel-like finish, while the bourbon adds deep flavor without overpowering. It tastes like a perfect mix of barbecue and sweet glaze.
By the way, you can also try the Bahama Breeze Empanada Recipe.
Ruby Tuesday Hickory Bourbon Sauce Ingredients
You will need the following ingredients to start making the Best Ruby Tuesday Hickory Bourbon Sauce Recipe:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Bourbon | ½ cup |
| Brown sugar | ¼ cup |
| Honey | 2 tablespoons |
| Maple syrup | 1 tablespoon |
| Soy sauce | 2 tablespoons |
| Ketchup | ¼ cup |
| Apple cider vinegar | 1 tablespoon |
| Onion powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Garlic powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Smoked paprika | ½ teaspoon |
| Black pepper | ¼ teaspoon |
| Water | ¼ cup |
Equipment Needed
Also, gather the following equipment, as they are necessary to craft your Homemade Ruby Tuesday Hickory Bourbon Sauce Recipe:
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Stove
How to Make Ruby Tuesday Hickory Bourbon Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Combine the liquids
Add bourbon, water, soy sauce, ketchup, and apple cider vinegar to a saucepan. Whisk gently.
Step 2: Add sweetness and spices
Add brown sugar, honey, maple syrup, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
Step 3: Cook the sauce
Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring often.
Step 4: Thicken
Once the sauce reduces and thickens to a glaze, turn off the heat. Allow it to cool slightly before serving.
Recipe Card

Ruby Tuesday Hickory Bourbon Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Add bourbon, water, soy sauce, ketchup, and apple cider vinegar to a saucepan. Whisk gently.

- Add brown sugar, honey, maple syrup, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Stir to combine.

- Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring often.

- Once the sauce reduces and thickens to a glaze, turn off the heat. Allow it to cool slightly before serving.

Notes
Nutritional Information
Below, I have listed the nutritional information for the Ruby Tuesday Hickory Bourbon Sauce Recipe:
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 110 |
| Carbohydrates | 26g |
| Protein | 1g |
| Fat | 0g |
| Sugar | 24g |
| Sodium | 330mg |
Serving Suggestions
Use this sauce on grilled chicken, steak, ribs, or burgers. You can also drizzle it over roasted vegetables or use it as a dipping sauce for fries or nuggets. It is perfect for backyard barbecues or weeknight dinners.
Storage Tips
Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to seven days. Gently reheat it over low heat in a small saucepan. If it becomes too thick, add a tablespoon of water and mix until smooth.
Variations You Can Try
You can customize this sauce based on your taste. Add more soy sauce for a salty finish or extra maple syrup for a deeper sweetness.
A pinch of chili flakes turns it into a spicy-sweet glaze that tastes amazing on ribs.
Tips To Make The Sauce Thicker
If you want a thicker glaze like the restaurant version, allow the sauce to simmer a little longer.
The longer it cooks, the more it reduces and caramelizes. Stir frequently to avoid burning, and watch for a glossy finish.
How To Use This Sauce For Grilling
Brush the sauce on meat during the last few minutes of grilling. This prevents the sugar from burning and helps achieve a sticky, caramelized coating.
A light brush at the end gives you the perfect glossy barbecue-style finish.
Why This Sauce Works On Any Protein
The flavor combination of smoky, sweet, and tangy makes it extremely versatile. Whether you’re making chicken, pork chops, or steak, the sauce enhances the natural flavors without overpowering them. It works beautifully as a marinade, glaze, or dipping sauce.
How To Turn This Into A Marinade
Add a little extra water to thin out the sauce and coat meats evenly. Let your chicken or steak rest in the marinade for at least thirty minutes.
This infuses deep caramelized sweetness that tastes rich even before grilling.
How To Adjust The Sweetness Level
If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the honey or brown sugar slightly. For those who enjoy a sweeter glaze, increase the maple syrup.
Adjusting sweetness is easy and lets you personalize the sauce for your taste.
Best Bourbon To Use
You don’t need an expensive bourbon for this Ruby Tuesday Hickory Bourbon Sauce Recipe. A mid-range brand works perfectly because the flavor concentrates as it cooks.
Smooth and lightly sweet bourbons give the sauce a balanced finish without any harsh alcohol taste.
Conclusion
This Ruby Tuesday Hickory Bourbon Sauce Recipe is simple, flavorful, and perfect for turning any meal into a restaurant-style dish at home. The smoky sweetness will impress everyone at your table.
With these words, we came to the end of this article. If you like this recipe, then please rate this post with 5 stars at the end of the FAQs section, and don’t forget to share it with your loved ones!
Happy Cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this sauce without bourbon?
Yes. Replace bourbon with apple juice or water. The flavor will still be sweet and delicious.
Can I make it spicier?
Add cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes. Simply double all ingredients and cook slightly longer to thicken.
Is the alcohol cooked out?
Most alcohol evaporates while simmering, leaving only flavor.
What can I serve this sauce with?
Chicken, steak, burgers, ribs, or vegetables.
You will also like the Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Recipe.
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