Are you making barbecue sauce for the holiday weekend? Consider adding some bourbon, which is trending with chefs.

According to Datassential MenuTrends, bourbon barbecue sauce, which first became popular in the South and Midwest, appears on 32% more restaurant menus than it did four years ago. The trend is spreading nationwide.

Bourbon adds notes of smokiness and wood (like oak does for wine). Other ingredients to add to your sauce include brown sugar, garlic, liquid smoke, maple syrup, molasses, onion, sriracha sauce (or fresh chiles) and tamarind.

In addition to burgers, chicken, pulled pork, ribs and wings, bourbon barbecue sauce is also ending up in “Texas Eggs Benedict,” inspired by the classic with pulled pork instead of Canadian bacon and bourbon barbecue sauce instead of the hollandaise (or along with it).

For starters, try the recipe below. It’s extremely easy to make—just combine the ingredients and heat!

If you’ve already purchased a bottle of barbecue sauce, you can use it as a base. Place it in a saucepan with the bourbon and any of the other ingredients below, to taste.

This recipe was adapted from Epicurious.com. It can be made up to two weeks in advance.

Ingredients For 2 Cups

Preparation

1. BRING all ingredients to boil in saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
 

3. REMOVE from the heat; cover and chill. Bring to room temperature before using.