If you love my homemade Bang Bang Sauce and other recipes like my Bang Bang Chicken Skewers, you’ve got to try this Bourbon Bang Bang Sauce. It’s creamy, sweet, and spicy, with just enough caramel-forward bourbon to give it a little extra kick. This sauce comes together in minutes and works on just about anything, like chicken, shrimp, roasted veggies, or straight up as a dipping sauce. And, I have more whiskey and bourbon recipes you will want to make, too!

Jar of Bourbon Bang Bang Sauce in front of a bourbon bottle.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Mayonnaise: I like using a good-quality mayo for a creamy base, but if you want to make it extra special, my homemade mayonnaise works beautifully here.
Thai Sweet Chili Sauce: This brings sweetness and a touch of heat to the sauce. You can use store-bought or my homemade Sweet Chili Sauce for a fresher, more vibrant flavor.
Sriracha: Adds the spicy kick that makes this a bang bang sauce. Adjust the amount to your heat preference, or use another chili sauce you love.
Bourbon: A caramel-forward bourbon gives the sauce warmth and depth. Sweeter bourbons like Maker’s Mark, Elijah Craig, Woodford Reserve, Knob Creek 9-Year, or New Riff Single Barrel bourbon work beautifully. You can leave it out for a non-alcoholic version, though it won’t have quite the same richness.
Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps balance the heat. Maple syrup can work in a pinch, but the flavor will be slightly different.
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice brightens the sauce and adds a little tang. Bottled lime juice can be used if needed, but fresh is best.

Black bowl filled with Bourbon Bang Bang Sauce on a wooden table.

FAQs

Can I make Bourbon Bang Bang Sauce ahead of time?

Yes! This sauce actually tastes even better after it sits for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator, which lets all the flavors come together. You can make it up to a week ahead of time, stored in the refrigerator.

Can I leave out the bourbon?

Absolutely. Leaving out the bourbon gives you a non-alcoholic version that’s still sweet, spicy, and creamy; it just won’t have that extra depth the bourbon provides.

Can I taste the bourbon in the sauce?

Yes. The bourbon adds warmth and richness, but it doesn’t overpower the sauce. You’ll notice a subtle caramel-forward flavor that blends beautifully with the sweet chili, sriracha, and honey.

Can I adjust the spice level?

The sriracha adds heat, but you can reduce it if you prefer a milder sauce or increase it if you like things hotter. You could also swap in another chili sauce that suits your taste.

Dipping chicken into Bourbon Bang Bang Sauce.

How to Use Bourbon Bang Bang Sauce

Drizzle over proteins: This sauce is amazing on grilled or roasted chicken, shrimp, or even salmon. It adds a sweet, spicy, and slightly boozy kick that takes simple proteins to the next level.
Dip for vegetables or fries: Use it as a dipping sauce for roasted vegetables like roasted carrots, parmesan green beans, or roasted Brussels sprouts. It is also perfect for sweet potato fries or air fryer French fries. It’s creamy, spicy, and slightly tangy, making it perfect for snacking.
Upgrade your favorite Bang Bang recipes: Swap it in for my Homemade Bang Bang Sauce in wings, Bang Bang Chicken, shrimp bowls, or chicken tacos to add a touch of bourbon and depth.
Party or appetizer sauce: Serve alongside finger foods like crispy chicken tenders or fried shrimp. The sauce holds up well on a platter, making it a crowd-pleaser for game day or gatherings.

Dipping a spoon into a jar of Bourbon Bang Bang Sauce.

How to Store Bourbon Bang Bang Sauce

In the Refrigerator: Store the sauce in an airtight container for up to 1 week. The flavors continue to develop as it sits, making it even tastier after a day or two.

Freezing: While not ideal for long-term storage, you can freeze the sauce in a small airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator and whisk gently before serving.

Tip: Always give the sauce a quick stir before using, as ingredients may separate slightly after sitting.

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Bourbon Bang Bang Sauce

Prep Time 5

Chilling Time 30

Total Time 35

Creamy, sweet, spicy, and just a little boozy, this Bourbon Bang Bang Sauce is everything you love about Bang Bang sauce with a caramel-forward twist. Drizzle it over chicken, shrimp, roasted veggies, or use it as a dip for fries. Quick to whip up and totally addictive!

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Ingredients

▢ 1 cup (208 g) mayonnaise
▢ ¼ cup (66 g) Thai sweet chili sauce
▢ 1 tablespoon sriracha
▢ 2 tablespoons bourbon, preferably a sweeter, caramel-forward bourbon
▢ 1 tablespoon honey
▢ 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice

Instructions

In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, and sriracha.
Add bourbon, honey, and lime juice.
Whisk slowly to help the honey dissolve and the bourbon incorporate. Once combined, whisk briskly until the sauce is smooth and creamy. This makes about 1 ⅓ cups sauce.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.

Notes

Note on Alcohol: This sauce contains uncooked bourbon, so the alcohol does not cook off or evaporate. While the amount per serving is small, it remains present in full. If you’re avoiding alcohol for any reason (e.g., pregnancy, recovery, children, or medication interactions), please omit the bourbon or substitute with a non-alcoholic alternative like apple juice concentrate, vanilla extract, bourbon-flavored extract for similar depth without the alcohol, or simply leave it out altogether.

Grilling Tip & Safety Note: This sauce works great as a glaze or drizzle on grilled proteins (chicken, shrimp, salmon, etc.) just brush it on toward the end of cooking for best flavor. However, since it contains uncooked bourbon, don’t apply it over an open flame or directly on very high heat early in grilling, as drips could cause flare-ups. Use medium heat, apply sparingly, and keep your grill area clear of excess sauce.