Easy Homemade Dr. Pepper BBQ Sauce Recipe (2024)

The Recipe Rebel / Condiments and Sauces

written by Ashley Fehr

5 from 9 votes

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings 24 tablespoons

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Last updated on June 4, 2020

This Easy Homemade Dr Pepper BBQ Sauce is sweet, sticky, and is great on grilled chicken, beef, pork or anything! Quit the store bought and make your own homemade barbecue sauce, it’s easier than you think! Perfect for making Dr Pepper pulled pork!

Easy Homemade Dr. Pepper BBQ Sauce Recipe (2)

So, here’s something you’ve never cared to know but I’m going to tell you anyway: I don’t really drink pop.

I quit drinking soda years back when I was in University and decided to make some big Lifestyle Changes — i.e., no cake for lunch, no pop, making healthier swaps in recipes. I still enjoy the odd Sprite, Fresca, or Cream Soda, but it’s a pretty rare occurence.

Easy Homemade Dr. Pepper BBQ Sauce Recipe (3)

co*ke (or Pepsi — whatever you fancy), Root Beer, Dr Pepper, things like that I have never liked and never drank except when I was young and living at home and all my Mom had was co*ke or Pepsi and you’re young so any pop is kind of a big deal.

But lately I’ve been enjoying cooking with pop — co*ke, Ginger Ale, etc — it makes the most incredibly stick glazes and adds a punch of sweetness to any meal! And since Father’s Day is coming and I’m gearing up for allllllll the summer barbecues — like The Best Burgers — I thought I’d let my man pick a flavor to go with. If you’d rather swap out co*ke or Root Beer, the sauce will work equally as well with those, it will just — obviously — taste a little different.

Easy Homemade Dr. Pepper BBQ Sauce Recipe (4)

This barbecue sauce will keep for a long time in the fridge, so you can definitely make a larger batch to use throughout the summer — I definitely did.

And just, please, PUH-LEASE make this Chocolate Chip Cooke Oreo Brownie Ice Cream Cake to serve for dessert — you will earn some major brownie points! 😉

How to make Homemade Dr Pepper BBQ Sauce:

I use regular Dr Pepper, but I’m sure diet would work just fine if you want to drastically reduce the sugar. It may not be quite as sweet, but you can add in a little extra sugar or sweetener if needed!
Be patient: it takes a little time to thicken, but don’t raise the heat too high because all of that sugar burns easily!
Save your leftover squeeze bottles from other condiments, rinse them out and use them for your homemade sauces — they will make pouring and slathering so easy!
Try experimenting with other flavors of soda — there are no rules here!

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Easy Homemade Dr. Pepper BBQ Sauce

written by Ashley Fehr

5 from 9 votes

This Easy Homemade Dr. Pepper BBQ Sauce is sweet, sticky, and is great on grilled chicken, beef, pork or anything! Quit the store bought barbecue sauces and make your own!

Save

Review

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Cuisine American

Course Sauces and Condiments

Servings 24 tablespoons

Calories 12cal

Ingredients

▢ 1 355ml can Dr. Pepper
▢ 1/4 cup water
▢ 2 tablespoons tomato paste
▢ 2 tablespoons white vinegar
▢ 2 tablespoons brown sugar
▢ 1 1/2 tablespoons corn starch
▢ 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
▢ 1/2 teaspoon salt
▢ 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
▢ 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
▢ 1/2 teaspoon Liquid Smoke optional
▢ 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
▢ 1 pinch red pepper flakes optional

Instructions

Combine all ingredients in a large pan with a whisk.
Turn the heat to medium-high, and bring to a simmer, whisking often. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 10-15 minutes, until thickened.
Serve with pork, chicken, beef, or almost anything! Use immediately or store in the refrigerator for 3-4 weeks.

Nutrition Information

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Meet Ashley

My name is Ashley Fehr and I love creating easy meals my family loves. I also like to do things my way, which means improvising and breaking the rules when necessary. Here you will find creative twists on old favorites and some of my favorite family recipes, passed down from generations!

Reader Interactions

Comments

Dustin says
March 5, 2022 at 7:12 pm
Trying the recipe now. It smells amazing. Tweaked it a little with some kitchen bouquet, just to darken it a little.
Reply
- The Recipe Rebel says
  March 7, 2022 at 8:21 pm
  Hi Dustin! Hope you enjoyed it!
  Reply
Lori says
June 27, 2020 at 5:20 pm
I want to try this on chick wings tomorrow. Any tips on how to give it a little kick so it’s sweet and spicy.
Reply
- Ashley Fehr says
  June 29, 2020 at 10:26 am
  I would add a pinch or two of red pepper flakes while the sauce is cooking!
  Reply
Sean says
July 29, 2019 at 10:38 pm
Delicious sauce! I subbed Pecan Rum for the water, Apple Cider vinegar for white vinegar, left out the liquid smoke, and cut back on the red pepper. Amazing. Thank you so much.
Reply
- Ashley Fehr says
  August 5, 2019 at 1:06 pm
  I’m so glad! Thanks for sharing your swaps!
  Reply
Amanda says
July 5, 2018 at 4:41 pm
Has anybody made this without the liquid smoke? Does it alter the flavor much? It’s he only ingredient I don’t have on hand regularly…
Reply
- Cheryl says
  May 25, 2020 at 4:27 pm
  I made this sauce for ribs today. Did not add smoke, as I did not want a Smokey flavor. Also, did not add the chili flakes, but made it with all of the other ingredients. This was wonderful! It is sweet and tasty. Now, it is not a tomatoey sauce, which we enjoyed for a change. Will make again!!
  Reply
  - Ashley Fehr says
    May 28, 2020 at 10:52 am
    Thanks Cheryl! I’m so glad!
Camille Wilding says
December 15, 2017 at 5:55 pm
Im wanting to make this for my husband as part of a gift. If I seal it after its freshly made do I need to put it in the fridge right away or would it be okay to be out a couple days at room temp wrapped up?
Reply
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- Ashley Fehr says
  December 18, 2017 at 10:53 am
  Hi Camille! Unfortunately I don’t know the pH level of the sauce, so I can’t say whether it would be safe at room temperature. I would refrigerate it just to be safe.
  Reply
- Robert says
  June 16, 2018 at 11:36 pm
  I believe that if your jars/lids/bands and sauce are hot and you seal immediately turning jars upside down for 10 min then upright to cool, you should be fine if left out for a few days. Refrigerate after opening.
  Reply
Gene Gick says
September 3, 2017 at 1:19 pm
Has anyone thought of adding bourbon to this sauce, maybe in place of the water?
Reply
David says
August 7, 2017 at 8:30 pm
Made your sauce this weekend to go along with a brisket I smoked for a church potluck this past weekend. Got a ton of great reviews! Thanks for sharing this recipe!
Reply
Donald Hayes says
April 10, 2017 at 1:44 pm
So easy to make and I had everything in my pantry!
Reply
- Ashley Fehr says
  April 11, 2017 at 8:43 am
  So glad you liked it!
  Reply
Marilyn K. says
January 13, 2017 at 2:15 pm
I personally think Dr Pepper tastes like cough medicine. Does the sauce come out tasting strongly of it? And also, at the moment I don’t have any tomato paste, it is possible to substitute ketsup and if so, approximately how much?
Reply
- Ashley Fehr says
  January 14, 2017 at 11:30 am
  If you don’t like the taste of Dr. Pepper I would use something else — maybe co*ke or Root Beer. You can definitely substitute ketchup for the tomato pasta but keep in mind that it will alter the flavor considerably as ketchup has vinegar, sugar, and other things already in it.
  Reply
Amy Shelton says
January 8, 2017 at 4:49 pm
My daughter absolutely loves “Chili’s” Dr Pepper bbq sauce. Unfortunately they don’t sell it in the store. She’s a super picky eater, but she ate a whole boneless pork rib made with this sauce. She asked me if I could make more so she could use it for other foods. Hey, what ever works.
Reply
- Ashley Fehr says
  January 8, 2017 at 5:40 pm
  I’m so glad she liked it!
  Reply
Jen | Baked by an Introvert says
May 31, 2016 at 9:44 am
Girlfriend, YES!!! I’m smitten with this bbq sauce. Dr. Pepper is my absolute favorite soda. I bet it’s fantastic in this sauce!!
Reply
- Ashley Fehr says
  June 1, 2016 at 12:22 pm
  Thanks Jen! We loved it!
  Reply
ColleenB.~Texas says
May 31, 2016 at 8:10 am
Will be making Large batches of this, putting in freezer containers / jars and storing in the freezer. Making at least a gallon or more of this for large BBQ gathering coming up in June for our 47th anniversary.
Thanks for the recipe. Will be heading off to the store to buy a few cases of soda :}
I just might make some using beer in place of the soda
Reply
- Ashley Fehr says
  May 31, 2016 at 9:38 am
  That’s a great idea! Let me know how it goes over!
  Reply
  - ColleenB.~Texas says
    June 11, 2016 at 4:03 am
    The BBQ Sauce made with beer was a Big hit
  - Ashley Fehr says
    June 13, 2016 at 1:48 pm
    So glad to hear that!
Sarah@WholeandHeavenlyOven says
May 31, 2016 at 6:50 am
I’m definitely not a soda drinker either, but I could SO get behind Dr. Pepper hanging out in my BBQ sauce! I mean, this sauce is EXACTLY what my grilled chicken is missing!! That is, if I don’t eat it all straight from the jar with a spoon. 😉
Reply
- Ashley Fehr says
  May 31, 2016 at 9:38 am
  Haha! That is the problem! Thanks Sarah 🙂
  Reply
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
May 31, 2016 at 6:33 am
I don’t drink much pop, either! I used to drink it growing up, but I quit about 10 years ago. Now, I usually drink water (and coffee, of course). Occasionally though, I do get a craving and drink diet cherry Dr. Pepper lol. This bbq sauce sounds like it was made for me. I love the ease of this recipe and have a feeling I would spread this on just about everything!
Reply
- Ashley Fehr says
  May 31, 2016 at 9:40 am
  Every once in a while I need my fix, otherwise — I leave it alone! Coffee is my drug of choice these days too 😉 Thanks Gayle!
  Reply
Lyn Brown says
May 30, 2016 at 1:02 pm
In an effort to save you from a crowd of irate Texans (and they’re a rowdy bunch), just thought I’d warn you that the “doctor” in Dr Pepper doesn’t have a period. Hope this news saves you from some verbal cuts and bruises! 🙂
Seriously, the BBQ sauce sounds wonderful, especially the news that it will keep for a couple of months in the refrigerator.
Reply
- Ashley Fehr says
  May 31, 2016 at 9:42 am
  Haha! My apologies! I can’t say I’m a regular Dr Pepper drinker so I’m glad you’re here to keep me informed 😉
  Reply
Dorothy Dunton says
May 30, 2016 at 12:23 pm
Hi Ashley! I like making my own sauces, salad dressings and spice blends because I know exactly what is in them! So often store bought items contain excess sugars and salt and things I can’t even pronounce! Plus it is usually less expensive to create your own! I will be trying this soon! 🙂
Reply
- Ashley Fehr says
  May 31, 2016 at 9:43 am
  Yes, that’s so true! I like to make my own too when I can find the time! Let me know how it goes Dorothy!
  Reply
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom says
May 30, 2016 at 11:02 am
Dr. Pepper in the BBQ sauce?! this is brilliant!!!! LOVE this!
Reply
- Ashley Fehr says
  May 31, 2016 at 9:43 am
  Thanks Alice!
  Reply

Easy Homemade Dr. Pepper BBQ Sauce Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is Dr Pepper BBQ sauce made of? ›

Dr. Pepper sauce: in a sauce pan, add a can of Dr. Pepper soda, ketchup, molasses, red wine vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce and Dad's All Purpose seasoning. Mix it all together simmering over low heat until the sauce thickens.

Tell Me More ›

How to make BBQ sauce taste homemade? ›

What To Add To Store-Bought BBQ Sauce?

Spices like: Smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne, coriander, onion powder.
Fresh herbs like: rosemary, oregano, parsley.
Chipotle chilis in adobo.
Harissa.
Kimchi.
Bacon bits.
Sautéed onions or Jalapeños.
Mop sauce or vinegar.

More items...

Mar 8, 2023

Learn More Now ›

How to doctor barbecue sauce? ›

Adding garlic or onion powder are standard flavors for barbecue, but get a little creative and try out different chile powders, peppers, cumin, or dried herbs to add body to the sauce.

Why do you put vinegar in BBQ sauce? ›

The gentle acid of vinegar tenderizes the meat during the process making it as tender as possible as well as adding that tangy flavor that is the cornerstone of Carolina barbecue. Now, like any other barbecue sauce, vinegar sauces are best made in advance. You want to give the flavors time to mix and combine over time.

Discover More Details ›

What thickens BBQ sauce? ›

You can use either flour or cornstarch to thicken BBQ sauce. Just mix together 2 tbsp (16 g) of flour and ¼ cup (62.5 mL) of water, or combine 1 tbsp (9 g) of cornstarch with 1 tbsp (15 mL) of water. Continue mixing the thickener until there are no lumps of flour or cornstarch.

What gives BBQ sauce its taste? ›

Ingredients vary, but most include vinegar or tomato paste (or a combination) as a base, as well as liquid smoke, onion powder, spices such as mustard and black pepper, and sweeteners such as sugar or molasses.

Tell Me More ›

What flavor is Dr Pepper BBQ? ›

Dr Pepper BBQ Sauce Ingredients

Sweet – The sweetness comes from the Dr Pepper itself, alongside ketchup and brown sugar. Tangy – The ketchup will add some tanginess too, but the bulk of this comes from apple cider vinegar.

Learn More ›

What is the taste of Dr Pepper based off of? ›

However, Dr Pepper superfans have done their best to crack the code, and according to Mashed, the best approximation of the flavors is amaretto, almond, blackberry, black licorice, caramel, carrot, clove, cherry, cola, ginger, juniper, lemon, molasses, nutmeg, orange, prune, plum, pepper, root beer, rum, raspberry, ...

Keep Reading ›

What does Dr Pepper barbecue taste like? ›

Dr Pepper Barbeque sauce was tested for flavor and for detection of a 'Dr Pepper' flavor. Taste was compared to a control sauce and was found to be fruity and pleasant.

Learn More Now ›

What does Dr Pepper sauce taste like? ›

This Dr Pepper BBQ Sauce is a sweet and tangy dressing that features a harmonious blend of rich and savory spices, with the uniquely sweet taste of Dr Pepper. It adds a irresistible flavor to any grilled meat or barbecue dish.

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