Cheerwine BBQ Sauce Recipe

A Hot BBQ Sauce

...with a hint of cherry.

I first came across Cheerwine soda a few years back when I was visiting family in North Carolina. Upon sipping the drink for the first time I thought, "Whoa, this cherry flavor is sweet!" If you've never had the pleasure of a Cheeerwine experience, think Cherry Coke, but with an extra sweet cherry wallop.

As a soda, Cheerwine is a little too sweet for my palette. As an inspiration for a California-style BBQ sauce, Cheerwine's cherry flavor is perfect.

A California-style BBQ sauce with a Taste of North Carolina

Although I currently reside in North Carolina, most of my life was spent in California. The official BBQ of California is the Tri-tip, where it's unusual to use any sauce. However, when it comes to grilling chicken or ribs, a glaze BBQ sauce is par for the course. On the spectrum of BBQ sauces, California-style BBQ sauce is more of a West Coast fusion version of the Kansas City-style sauce and far removed from the vinegar-base sauce seen in North Carolina.

While it's rare to find any California sauce in North Carolina BBQ establishments, it's also difficult to find Cheerwine in California. So if you can, track down some Cheerwine soda and try this sauce. You'll be in for a treat.

This Cherry BBQ Sauce Brings the Heat

My recipe is packed with spicy heat and kick. And the sauce won't be as sweet as you might expect. Cheerwine's cherry profile is more of a flavor undertone, not the main event.

It's best to make this sauce a day ahead so the ingredients meld. But serving the same day as the meal is good too. This sauce is perfect for grilled Chicken or on a chicken sandwich.

If you or your guests are sensitive to spice, then cut back on cayenne. Do expect some heat with this sauce!