Guinness Barbecue Sauce

This Guinness Barbecue Sauce is one of those recipes that takes minimal effort but delivers huge flavor. Whether you’re grilling, dipping, or glazing, it’s a game-changer and perfect for St. Patrick's Day!

This Guinness Barbecue Sauce is smoky, tangy, slightly sweet, and packed with that unmistakable malty richness from the Guinness!

If you’ve never cooked with Guinness before, it brings a deep, roasted flavor with hints of caramel and coffee—perfect for barbecue sauce.

The acidity from the vinegar balances the richness, while the brown sugar and ketchup add just the right amount of sweetness.

This sauce is bold but not overpowering, making it perfect for slathering on ribs, brushing over grilled chicken, or even stirring into pulled pork.

The best part? It’s incredibly simple to make. You don’t need any fancy equipment—just a saucepan and about 25 minutes of simmering.

Plus, it keeps well in the fridge, so you can make a batch ahead of time and have it ready to go for your next cookout.

You'll love it for a weeknight dinner, game day, a cookout, or St. Patrick's Day!

Try it with Guinness Glazed Chicken Drumsticks, Air Fryer Hot Dogs, Crispy Battered Fried Wings!

Jump to:

• Guinness
• Why You'll Love This Recipe
• Ingredients
• How to make Guinness Barbecue Sauce
• Serving Suggestions
• Variations
• More Sauce Recipes
• Storage, Freezing & Make-Ahead Tips
• Recipe Tips
• 📖 Recipe
• 💬 Comments

Guinness

Guinness is a world-famous Irish stout beer known for its deep, dark color, creamy head, and rich, malty flavor.

First brewed in Dublin in 1759, it has a distinctive taste with notes of roasted barley, coffee, and caramel, balanced by a subtle bitterness. Its smooth, velvety texture comes from a unique nitrogen-carbonation process.

Guinness is often enjoyed as a drink but also works wonderfully in cooking, adding depth to stews, baked goods, and, of course, barbecue sauce. Try it in Guinness Cupcakes!

Its bold yet balanced flavor makes it a great ingredient for enhancing savory dishes.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Rich and complex flavor – The Guinness adds depth you can’t get from other sauces.
• Quick and easy – Just stir and simmer; no long cooking times or fancy equipment.
• Great for grilling season – Slather it on ribs, chicken, burgers, or wings.
• Keeps well – Make a batch and store it in the fridge for quick meals.
• Customizable – You can tweak the sweetness, spice, or smokiness to your taste.
• Irish - The addition of Guinness makes it perfect for St. Patrick's Day!

Ingredients

You only need simple pantry ingredients for this recipe!

• Guinness – The star of the sauce! It brings malty richness with hints of caramel and coffee. Any stout beer can work, but Guinness gives it the best flavor.
• Ketchup – The base of the sauce, adding tangy sweetness and body.
• Apple Cider Vinegar – Adds acidity to balance the richness of the beer and ketchup. White vinegar works in a pinch.
• Worcestershire Sauce – Boosts umami with a savory, slightly tangy depth.
• Dijon Mustard – Gives a bit of heat and sharpness to the sauce.
• Brown Sugar – Sweetens the sauce and complements the maltiness of the Guinness. Dark brown sugar will add an even deeper molasses flavor.
• Smoked Paprika – Adds a subtle smokiness. Regular paprika can work, but smoked is best.
• Garlic Powder – Enhances the savory flavor without overpowering. Fresh minced garlic can be used instead.
• Black Pepper & Salt – Essential seasonings to bring all the flavors together.

See the recipe card for quantities and method.

How to make Guinness Barbecue Sauce

Follow these step-by-step instructions, then scroll down for the full ingredients list and method.

Scroll down for the full ingredients list and method.

In a medium saucepan, combine all ingredients over medium heat.

Stir the mixture until the sugar has dissolved and all the ingredients are fully combined.

Bring to a simmer and let cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Let cool before serving with your favorite grilled meats or wings.

Serving Suggestions

• Brush on ribs during the last few minutes of grilling.
• Toss with crispy chicken wings.
• Drizzle over a grilled burger.
• Mix into pulled pork.
• Use as a dipping sauce for fries or onion rings.
• Glaze over grilled or baked chicken.
• Stir into baked beans for extra depth.
• Spread on a barbecue pizza.
• Mix with mayo for a smoky BBQ aioli.
• Use as a sauce for meatloaf.
• Mix into mac and cheese. Try it in Velveeta Mac and Cheese.

Variations

• Spicy Guinness BBQ Sauce – Add a teaspoon of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce.
• Extra Smoky Version – Increase the smoked paprika or add a bit of liquid smoke.
• Sweeter Sauce – Use more brown sugar or a bit of maple syrup.
• Thicker Sauce – Simmer longer or add a spoonful of tomato paste.
• Thinner Sauce – Add a bit of water or extra Guinness.
• BBQ Marinade – Thin out with extra Guinness and use as a marinade for meats.

More Sauce Recipes

Storage, Freezing & Make-Ahead Tips

• Fridge – Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
• Freezing – Freeze in small portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
• Make-Ahead – This sauce actually gets better after a day in the fridge, so making it ahead is a great idea!

Recipe Tips

• Simmer, don’t boil – A gentle simmer allows the flavors to meld.
• Taste and adjust – Everyone likes their BBQ sauce a little different; tweak sweetness or spice to your preference.
• Use a heavy-bottomed pan – Prevents burning and ensures even cooking.
• Let it cool before storing – Thickens as it cools.

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